Blog Archives
Scandalous in Huntington Beach
At Rachel’s funeral, Bennett is dealing with grief and the fact he’s the father of a baby girl—a secret Rachel had kept hidden—when he meets Emma, the baby’s aunt. Overwhelmed by the sudden reality of fatherhood, Bennett invites Emma to stay, hoping she can help him navigate this uncharted chapter of his life. As they care for Madelynn together, an undeniable connection begins to form. Emma’s striking resemblance to Rachel stirs complex emotions in Bennett, leaving him torn between guilt, attraction, and the fragile hope for a second chance at love.
Scandalous in Huntington Beach explores the intersection of grief, responsibility, and the unexpected possibilities of love. Melody DeBlois masterfully crafts a poignant narrative that brings together two individuals united by loss and bound by the care of an innocent child. Bennett’s journey from anguish to acceptance, and Emma’s quiet strength, form the emotional backbone of this deeply compelling story. DeBlois showcases her talent for capturing raw, nuanced emotions, blending tender moments with the ache of unresolved loss. Through her vivid prose, readers are drawn into Bennett and Emma’s evolving relationship. Each scene unfolds with sensory richness, immersing readers in the weight of their shared struggles and the hesitant vulnerability that defines their connection. The dialogue is subtle yet impactful, revealing layers of emotion as they work through their grief while prioritizing Madelynn’s well-being. This romance drama excels in balancing emotional depth with a captivating narrative flow. Themes of resilience, healing, and the complexities of new beginnings are woven seamlessly throughout. DeBlois avoids clichés, instead delivering a heartfelt and authentic exploration of love born from the ashes of loss.
Perfect for a cozy winter afternoon, Scandalous in Huntington Beach offers a deeply moving tale of love, grief, and renewal. Fans of emotionally rich, character-driven romance will find themselves hooked from the very first page. Melody DeBlois has created a beautifully tender story that lingers long after the final chapter—a must-read for anyone seeking warmth and depth in their romantic fiction.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0DM2NPJBR
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
The Triumph of Love
A Celtic Yuletide Carol follows an enigmatic priestess who is mute due to trauma and meets a man with a dark past and his own trauma, and together, they start to heal. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A Celtic Yuletide Carol is the story of Cardin–the youngest of three De Landuc brothers who are Breton knights– first introduced in my paranormal fantasy trilogy, The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven. I wanted to show Cardin’s struggle with alcoholism and gambling after the tragic death of his wife. I felt that a Celtic priestess with Druidic healing powers who had suffered her own trauma would be the one who could heal him (and herself in the process).
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I used the tragedy in my own life as inspiration for the characters in A Celtic Yuletide Carol. I applied the suffering of my family to that felt by the protagonists in my novel.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of loss, suffering, redemption, family, loyalty, courage, music, healing, and the triumph of love overall within the context of a holiday setting–hence the title, A Celtic Yuletide Carol.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing Wolf of the Nordic Seas, book 2 of my Valiant Vikings series set in tenth-century Normandy. Book 1–Dragon of Denmark--was just published October 5th. I hope that Wolf of the Nordic Seas will be published in early 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Notes from Motherland: The Wild Adventure of Raising Humans
Notes From Motherland: The Wild Adventures of Raising Humans is a heartfelt collection of essays capturing the rollercoaster that is motherhood. A tapestry of emotions, struggles, and triumphs, the book offers a raw and honest glimpse into the complex journey of parenting. Each story is a window into the wild world of raising humans, exploring themes from pregnancy expectations and the messiness of motherhood to the bittersweet experience of watching your children leave the nest. It’s a celebration of vulnerability, a testament to the resilience of mothers, and a nod to the universal challenges of nurturing life.
What I loved most about this book is its unflinching honesty. Chris Chandler’s essay, “Leaving the Nest,” captures that sense of raw anxiety and bittersweet freedom when a parent prepares to let their children fly on their own. Her metaphor of hawk parents fiercely protecting their young before they learn to soar perfectly encapsulates that protective instinct mixed with the sadness of separation. I felt Chandler’s pain and uncertainty, the aching yet hopeful anticipation as her sons set off into the world. It was relatable and had me nodding in agreement, thinking about all the messy and conflicted feelings parents experience. The writing was beautiful yet unpretentious, and that emotional punch stayed with me.
Then there’s Sierra Melcher’s “Mother Magic,” which almost feels like a love letter to motherhood. The way she describes those magical, mundane moments, like her child’s blueberry-stained smile or the sleepy snuggles of early morning, made me smile and ache with nostalgia. Melcher beautifully captures the paradox of wanting to savor every moment while knowing that change is inevitable. It’s poetic and deeply immersive, yet she keeps it grounded. Her reflections on raising a child in a foreign land and experiencing every day as an adventure added an extra layer of intrigue. The imagery and sensory details pulled me into her world, making even the simplest events feel significant.
This book is for anyone who wants to understand the complexities of parenthood. It’s messy, poignant, and beautiful. The stories are varied, with each writer bringing a fresh perspective and their unique voice, which keeps the book engaging. I’d recommend Notes From Motherland to anyone craving a deep and emotional read that doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships of raising humans but celebrates the joy and lessons along the way.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0CZPNYFYT
Mother-Daughter Relationships
Song of the Pearl and Oyster is a multigenerational story that intertwines the lives of several characters from different times and backgrounds. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Surprisingly, a friend from yoga class told me the story of her aunt’s birthday party. It was her 100th birthday, not her 75th, as it is in my book. When she got to the part about the aunt’s half-Japanese daughter showing up for her birthday party when her mother hadn’t seen her since she was six years old, it took my breath away. I asked her if I could write a novel about her family story, and she agreed. I loved the research from the various periods, from Japanese pearl diving to Michigan farms to New York Native American history.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Oh my, what a great question! I’d have to say vulnerability and uncovering truths. When an author draws a character at her most vulnerable, combining multiple real-life scenarios for that fictional reality, anything can result – a life lesson, a new understanding, or a perception of beauty that comes only through loss or tragedy. Sometimes, when characters are in the midst of conflict, neither they nor the reader recognize how their journey will take shape. My characters teach me as I discover what they can do; otherwise, why write? Their aha moments make for a satisfying denouement and conclusion!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Unusual mother-daughter relationships were important explorations throughout the book. I like the idea that a sense of family can grow from commonalities that don’t include the family we are born into! And music, so important in my life as a flutist, became important to Nora as an escape, her life’s work, and a means of expression when words weren’t enough.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book, The Compass Point, will be released in December. It is also historical fiction, with a male main character, a reluctant Jewish billionaire. It takes place in 1980s Eastern Europe when Russian propaganda threatened fledgling democracies. It’s filled with political intrigue and a hint of romance.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
In Fountain Valley, Nora reconnects with James from her school days. Just when she begins to see a future with James, her quirky new friends, and a career, her one-of-a-kind sable violin is stolen. When James accepts a promising job in New York, Nora struggles with the decision to follow her ambitions, or his. Recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award.
SET FREE
The existence of God is a subject that has been, and likely always will be, the focus of ongoing debate. It’s a question that neither logic nor evidence can definitively answer, leaving room for endless discussion. Yet, attempting to persuade someone of either side often proves fruitless. Belief in God, for many, is rooted not in rational argument but in a profound, immovable conviction. It’s these true believers who often navigate life with a clarity and purpose that those without a connection to the divine may find elusive.
In SET FREE, Sharon Crick explores this very idea through her deeply personal and inspiring journey. As both author and protagonist, she opens up about the many trials she has faced, while also sharing the story of her husband, Brian, a central figure in her life for over forty years. Crick recounts Brian’s turbulent upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa, where he battled addiction, spent time in a reformatory, and had run-ins with violent gangs. Her own experiences, though different, have been equally fraught with challenges. While one might attribute their meeting to mere chance, Crick makes it clear that she sees their union as divinely orchestrated.
Though a relatively short read, SET FREE is filled with emotional depth. Crick’s story, and that of her husband, resonate with themes of redemption, faith, and resilience. The love they share and their unwavering connection to a higher power are the anchors that have guided them through life’s many hardships. Even for those who don’t share their beliefs, the narrative offers something universally relatable: the power of love, commitment, and the search for meaning.
In the end, Sharon Crick’s memoir transcends the boundaries of faith. A truly compelling story, as this one proves to be, speaks to readers regardless of their spiritual inclinations. SET FREE is one such tale—heartfelt, sincere, and undeniably moving.
Pages: 146 | ISBN : 978-1923087323
Hard Times Will Pass
Laugh Like A Mother is a wonderfully engaging blend of humor, chaos, and heartfelt emotion, capturing the rollercoaster ride of parenthood. What inspired you to write this book?
Motherhood! My day-to-day grind with my 3 tiny humans inspired me to lay it all out to help myself and the world laugh.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Parenting is hard, but so very rewarding. It’s important to remember that the hard times will pass and the fun and laughter far outweighs the tantrums.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
When you’re parenting, it’s easy to get lost in it and feel alone. I love being honest about life and I hope my writing makes other parents say, “Okay, it’s not just me. I’m not alone in this.” It’s comforting to know that other people are going through it and are able to laugh about it.
Will there be a follow-up book to this one? If so, what topics will the next book cover?
I would love to write more funny poetry and anecdotes about parenting. As my children grow, the phases they go through grow as well and I am sure I will find a lot more humor to come!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Amazon
Being a Mother is hard! From dirty diapers, to sleepless nights and never ending piles of laundry, it can be hard to keep up. The days are long and the years, well, honestly, the years are just as long. We love our babes dearly, but, sometimes, to get through the chaos, you just need to laugh. And nobody laughs like a sleep deprived Mother.
Laugh Like A Mother is a collection of poetry and anecdotes making light of the common chaos that comes along with raising children. It’s wonderful and insane, heartwarming, and frustrating. When the children have you at the end of your rope, grab this collection, lock yourself in the bathroom, and Laugh Like A Mother.
Our Spiritual Selves
In We All Want To Be Happy, you share with readers the wisdom you have gained throughout your life and personal experiences with love, loss, and resilience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have been blessed in that I have been surrounded by people who support me. I’ve learned a great deal from them about how best to truly enjoy life with all of its ups and downs. Also, at 80, I want to leave some thoughts and some hints of who I am for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My kids might even get a greater understanding of where they came from.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I truly do not find it difficult to write about any part of my life from the early death of my mom through the sudden deaths of my two husbands. I rather find it cathartic and an opportunity to remind myself of how fortunate I was to have them.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
Slow down and enjoy each day a bit more. I’m not sure I would have taken it and I’m not sure it wasn’t offered. I do know I didn’t hear it. I was always eager for the next chapter; I have since learned to live in the now and anticipate the future as a probability, but not a promise.
What is one thing you hope your readers take away from We All Want To Be Happy?
Life is to be enjoyed every day and learned from in every circumstance. There is no up without a down – a bland life teaches nothing. I believe our purpose here is to learn and to grow our spiritual selves toward peace and love.
LITERARY TITAN 