Blog Archives
I Was Called by God
When Jesus Calls follows a woman experiencing heartbreak while looking for love in all the wrong places. Mary goes on an emotional and spiritual journey seeking healing, purpose, and a deeper connection with Jesus. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was called by God to write my life’s journey of trusting God above all else. He gave me the Bible scripture to lean on in John 11:40, Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
The only challenges I felt were having to relive parts of my life that caused me a lot of pain. However, God used these times in my writings to heal my heart, and He has set me free of that pain.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
I never believed I would be an award-winning author. However, being obedient to God’s will has blessed me beyond imagination.
This has been a profound journey. I am humbled and grateful! Always Believe and Never give up! John 11:40
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I am currently writing the 3rd book in my When Jesus Calls series. It should be available in the Fall of 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Striving to bury the anguish of her past, Mary dedicates herself to her career as a sales and marketing director at a popular resort and even becomes a best-selling author. Amidst the challenges, she longs to follow Jesus. As she experiences His continuous forgiveness, healing, and strength, Mary’s life takes a significant turn; she becomes a single mom. Despite the trials that test her faith, Mary realizes the power of forgiveness and her need for Jesus. She is determined to use her story to prevent others from enduring similar pain. Will her unwavering faith and trust in Jesus Christ be enough to resist the external forces that seek to alter her decisions in following His plan for her life?
When Jesus Calls is a story of undeniable faith. Mary realizes she has not protected her heart well, as God’s word says in Proverbs 4:23, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Repenting of her sins, Mary finds peace and comes to know her Savior, Jesus Christ, in a more personal way. She realizes He will never fail her, and all things work together for His Glory.
Do not believe the lie; all are worthy because of Jesus! He loves you!
Rise of the Hunter
Rise of the Hunter is the latest installment in the Dark Prophecy series by Barb Jones. It’s a supernatural fantasy brimming with ancient prophecy, gods, witches, vampires, and a whole lot of vengeance. The story kicks off with a chilling prophecy from the Sisters of Fate and unfolds into a sweeping battle between good and evil, led by a mysterious figure known as the Tall Dark Man. His rise sets off a domino effect of chaos, rebellion, and an impending war that hinges on a cursed child, a queen, and an angel.
What hooked me from the start was the unapologetically dark tone. The prologue alone pulled me into a mythological rabbit hole I didn’t want to climb out of. Barb Jones doesn’t hold back with the gothic energy either. The Tall Dark Man is straight-up nightmare fuel, whispering dark spells, controlling witches like puppets, and literally building an army from volcanic stones. That scene where he breathes life into his stone demon Arioch was chilling. The writing here is bold, vivid, sometimes a little graphic, but always deliberate.
The witches’ interactions with the Tall Dark Man occasionally veered into melodrama. The sensual scenes between him and Tituba tried to walk the line between dark romance and power play. The power dynamics were meant to feel disturbing, but I wished the narrative dug deeper into her arc emotionally. Raven Hexham, on the other hand, was a total standout. She’s calculating, loyal, and possibly questioning her role. There’s a quiet rebellion brewing in her, especially in her private talks with Tituba, and I found myself rooting for her despite her serving the wrong side.
One of the things I appreciated most was how Jones weaves Hawaiian mythology into the mix. The scenes with Pele and Kū weren’t just cool filler, they added real texture. The volcanic fire becoming a magical forge for an evil army was genius. And then she goes and tosses in historical tidbits like Philip II of Macedon and even Nostradamus, giving the book this wild, time-hopping energy. At times, it felt like reading a supernatural version of Game of Thrones meets American Gods with a big splash of soap opera.
If you’re into supernatural fantasy with a darker twist, where queens ride emotional rollercoasters and gods mess with mortals for sport, Rise of the Hunter is a wild ride worth taking. It’s a little over the top, but that’s part of its charm. Fans of series like The Mortal Instruments or A Discovery of Witches will feel right at home.
Pages: 343 | ASIN : B0C5T8QNK9
Miscreant
Miscreant tells the story of Nova Darkov, a young woman trapped in a world that demands perfection—and punishes anything less. Born into a prestigious family, Nova hides a dangerous secret: she cannot use the sacred power of memory syphoning, a cornerstone of her society. When her secret is exposed, Nova faces exile to a brutal island where misfits are discarded. Alongside her devoted brother Denali, who risks everything for her, Nova must find the strength to survive in a world that was never made for her. It’s a heart-wrenching story about family, betrayal, and resilience set against a vivid, cruel world where flaws are a death sentence.
Reading Miscreant absolutely tore me up in the best way. Kynsie Cole’s writing is gripping and raw. You feel the panic clawing up Nova’s throat, the sting of betrayal, the bone-deep loneliness. The prose is beautifully straightforward without ever being plain. Short bursts of action are followed by aching, introspective moments that hit harder because they’re not dressed up with fancy words. Cole isn’t afraid to break the reader’s heart, and she does it with a kind of ruthless honesty that left me stunned more than once. The world-building is subtle but solid, and the relationships, especially between Nova and Denali, feel heartbreakingly real.
Parts of the book were emotionally exhausting. And that’s not a bad thing, exactly—it’s just that Miscreant doesn’t offer much room to breathe. Nova’s world is claustrophobic and brutal, and sometimes I found myself desperate for a little more hope or a moment of lightness to balance the pain. But maybe that’s the point. In a society like Ghandria, kindness is a rebellion in itself. I also loved how Cole handled Nova’s anxiety and sensory struggles without making them a “problem” to fix. They just are part of her, woven into the story like threads in a tapestry. That felt honest and real in a way that a lot of books miss.
Miscreant is an emotional and thrilling novel. If you’ve ever felt like you had to hide who you were just to survive, Nova’s story will hit you square in the chest. I’d recommend this book to anyone who loves deeply emotional fantasy, stories about resilience, or characters who fight even when the world tells them not to.
Pages: 318 | ASIN: B0DZJ6FFXB
Overdue For a Happy Ending
Mister Movie Star follows a talented but emotionally closed-off chef who takes a job as a personal chef to a Hollywood heartthrob, leading them to form an unexpected connection. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
George Reed Masters first appeared in Book 3 of my Olympic Peninsula series, The Magic Man, and made more appearances in Books 4 and 5. In Book 5 he is a guest at the compound when Lisette, a chef and restaurateur who is dating the main protagonist in that book, Edward, overhears Edward’s mom saying terrible things about her. George has a crush on Lisette and proposes that she come to work for him in Beverly Hills as his private chef. I always liked George, who in the earlier books is a bit of a scamp and an incorrigible flirt. I started wondering about the woman who could focus his wandering eye. (Lisette, of course, was destined to be with Edward, despite his awful mother.) He did need a private chef, so that’s where Rose comes in. For ten years, I lived in New York City, where I worked in a lot of restaurants as a waitress, hostess, and even, briefly, as a coat check girl at a chic nightclub. In that job, which started at 5 pm and ended at 5 am, I also sold cigarettes. (Truly a horrendous gig, but very illuminating.) So I do know a thing or two about the restaurant business. And yes, there’s a lot of bad behavior! I like to cook and do a credible job, but I’m not into labor intensive things like baking bread or making noodles from scratch. I even use canned beans. Like the mother in this book, I have a repertoire of favorite recipes.
Were there any characters that you especially enjoyed writing for?
I love all my characters! George and Rose are both close to my heart. Among the supporting characters, I enjoyed George’s diction coach Ms. Elgar, who I think might be overdue for a happy ending, maybe with one of the older characters from my other books. Something along the lines of Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day or Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Set at Christmas. Hmm. I also liked Dorian the rich and handsome veterinarian and thought he and the actress Jennifer Trakes would make an interesting couple.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
Back before cell phones, etc., we all did a lot of staring into space. I passed the time by inventing stories. While in line at the supermarket, at the bank, long car trips with my family…. I couldn’t read in the car without getting carsick. Also at church. We were Episcopalians, and those services are loooong, so I just drifted off into daydreams. I also came up with stories in my head while jogging. My best friend and I used to tell each other stories while we were at the beach club lying on our towels, attempting to get tanned. (It was a long time ago, and we lived in Washington State, where it’s usually at least partly cloudy.) One of us would start, then the other would pick up the thread, back and forth. They usually started with falling into a hole in the backyard, like in Alice in Wonderland. I also played for hours with Barbie Dolls and paper dolls I made myself, and they acted out my stories. I’m not sure that answers your question, but that is a huge part of why I write romance now, because of all the stories that have kept me sane during hard times. I love to read, of course, and was a German Literature major in college. My taste in books is very eclectic.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m working on a romance staring country music diva Rina Bakersfield, the former girlfriend of my character Joe O’Connell, who as “Joe Bob Blade” is a country music star in my first book, The Silent Woodsman. She doesn’t come off well in that book, but that’s because she doesn’t get a point of view! By the time this story begins, she’s been through quite a lot and has an excellent sense of the absurd. (All my characters do, actually, because really, if you can’t laugh at yourself, life is way tougher than it needs to be.) She’s on her way through Nevada after her divorce when her car breaks down in Tonopah. (My husband and I have stayed there several times on our way back from Arizona to Washington State.) There she meets…. I’ll just leave it at that for now. I’m about 75k words in, and my books are usually somewhere around 90k words. I’ve had to do a deep dive into the country music business, and it’s fascinating. My books all take place in the recent past. This one starts in 2003. I’m not sure when it will come out. I record and edit all the audiobook versions myself, and that is a time-consuming process. So probably in February or March of next year. But I’ve also been contemplating a few different Christmas novellas based on characters from The Olympic Peninsula series. I’d like to get something like that out in time for the holidays. Fans can go to my website and subscribe to my newsletter, where you are the first to be updated!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
So maybe it’s not the best time to hire his aunt’s private chef, Rose. Has the punishing diet scrambled his brain? George wants her… badly. But unlike any other woman in his orbit, Rose is quiet and reserved, and a committed relationship with a civilian doesn’t jibe with his career plans. Though Rose feels the heat, she is determined to hold onto her job–and her heart.
Child of Hollywood royalty and his frequent co-star, George’s ex-wife Helena is a classic beauty with major talent. To win him back and take him far away from Rose, Helena dangles the perfect lure: a coveted role in her father’s next film.
Creating My Own Fantasy World
The Tydareus Kingdom, Alliance of Nations follows twin princes in a tale of epic proportions as they navigate the wreckage of a long lineage of family secrets and power struggles. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Inspiration for the story was the ending of the Game of Thrones TV Series. I have always loved the fantasy world of Kings and Queens and decided to create my own fantasy world. As I sat down to write the Alliance of Nations, the plot seemed to drive itself from one kingdom to the next.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
As I stated, I love the fantasy world of royalty with Kings and Queens and wizardry. From King Author and Sir Lancelot to Game of Thrones and the many different kings portrayed in the books, I think the fantasy worlds offer a break from reality with dragons, stonemen, etc. Although, I chose not to add mythical creatures and other type animalistic avatars, I do find them interesting. However, I sometimes have a more difficult time relating to books with such characters, which is why I chose to maintain humanlike characters with emotional conflicts on a more personal level relatable to common people. Also, I’m not such a big fan of The House of Dragon Prequel. I haven’t read the books, but I think the series feels rushed and lacks the time development of the plot and characters. That is why I took the time to create realistic plots and focus on character development so that readers could relate to the characters on a more personal level and connect with their personalities whether good, bad or indifferent. It was important to maintain in-depth situations that followed each character’s persona. Of course that made for a much longer read, but I hope that the intrigue and thrill of both plot and characters made the book feel less cumbersome in length.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes, as each character came to life, so to speak, each person’s persona felt natural and unforced. From Stavros and his twin to the different kings, it was important that their persona was relatable and realistic. Although I didn’t particularly like each character’s persona, I think it made for a more intriguing plot with relatable twists and emotional conflict. It was important that readers form an emotional attachment to the characters as the story progressed, whether perceived as an antagonistic protagonist, a villain, or a heartfelt protagonist that drives the story forward while overcoming challenges.
Can we look forward to seeing the follow-up to this novel? What are you currently working on?
Yes, the follow-up sequel is The Tydareus Kingdom, A Nation of Slaves which delves more into the lives of the slaves as these 3 kingdoms continue on the path to war. The final book is entitled The Tydareus Kingdom, A War of Three Nations, which of course will follow the lives of the kings as they progress through the war. I’m currently working on the sequel to The Women’s Meeting entitled, Saga of My Scars, The Aftermath of Life’s Wounds which follows Dr. Angela Morrison through her quest for answers to her life as presented by the 3 different personalities. The Women’s Meeting revealed her Renee Lindsey personality to Dr. Morrison forcing her to confront the truths of her childhood, adoption, abuse, etc. Unknown by Dr. Morrison, she finds herself entangled in conflict with a newly emerging personality, Erin Philips. Unlike Renee, Erin has her own ideas about taking over Dr. Angela Morrison’s life—determined to eliminate all other personas and assert herself entirely. Erin is determined to avenge the people responsible for the abuse and degradation of Angela, Renee and herself even if that means destroying Angela in the process.
Author Website
The imminent invasion by Kadir, the brother exiled to the Western Island, forces Arius and Acuitius to seek an alliance with the Eastern Shore Kings—Matteo, Obasi, and Basili—to safeguard their western borders and train their soldiers in an Army that has not experienced combat in centuries. However, these three Eastern Shore Kings, notorious tyrants of their lands, harbor their own ambitions and agenda. They aim to overthrow the Tydareus Kingdom, destroy the brothers, and seize control, regardless of the cost.
Ultimately, this may escalate into a war between the three nations. “Alliance of Nations” delves into the lives of these six kings as they navigate the complexities of forming alliances through marriages and conflicts that threaten to derail their strategies for a successful union.
Johnny’s War Volume one
Graham Williams’ Johnny’s War: Volume One is a heartfelt and immersive account of a young man’s journey from the peaceful English countryside into the skies of World War II Britain as a trainee RAF pilot. Told through a blend of personal letters, vividly detailed scenes, and nostalgic reflection, the story follows John “Johnny” Pink from his family home to the RAF training grounds. Along the way, readers are introduced to a cast of fellow cadets, the unbreakable bond between friends, and the anxieties of wartime youth. It’s a story that doesn’t glorify war—it personalizes it, through the eyes of a son, a friend, and a hopeful pilot.
Reading this book was an emotional ride. I was struck right away by the authenticity of the writing—it didn’t feel like fiction. The dialogue between characters, especially Johnny and his friend Tommy, was real and warm, full of that particular blend of courage and awkwardness you’d expect from young men stepping into war. I appreciated how the author didn’t rush anything. Scenes breathed. Letters home from Johnny gave the book its soul. And the flying scenes were genuinely thrilling. The writing is simple and tender, almost old-fashioned in tone, which fits perfectly with the 1940s setting. The pacing is gentle, but it suits the story’s reflective nature.
What really hit me was the depth of care in the relationships. Johnny’s bond with his father had me choked up more than once. There’s such dignity in the way George keeps his hope alive, reading letters, tending the grave of his wife, and waiting. It’s a slow burn emotionally, but the ending caught me off guard. The buildup to Johnny’s solo flight was incredibly satisfying, both nerve-wracking and beautiful. And the quiet mystery of the boy with the apple added just the right amount of eerie wonder. This isn’t a flashy book—it’s thoughtful, steady, and often poignant. And that’s its strength.
If you love character-driven tales, historical settings done with care, and stories that tug at your heart more than your adrenaline, you’ll really like Johnny’s War. It’s a book for history lovers, romantics, and anyone who’s ever missed someone. I’d recommend it to readers who appreciate Band of Brothers for its humanity more than its action, or fans of heartfelt war dramas like Testament of Youth.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0F5Z2VXQT
Secrets of the Shield
Secrets of the Shield by D.M. Currie is a raw, pulse-pounding crime thriller rooted deep in real-world law enforcement. Told through the lens of a seasoned cop, the novel dives into the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles County policing, starting from a traumatizing encounter at a gas station in the protagonist’s youth all the way to tactical operations against cartel assassins. It’s part autobiography, part thriller, and 100% an unflinching look at the sacrifices, darkness, and small victories woven into a life of service.
From the very beginning, Currie’s writing seized my attention with an unrelenting grip. His opening scene, depicting a harrowing struggle in a hospital bed against imagined attackers following spinal surgery, was profoundly affecting. I could feel the panic and brokenness resonate deeply as I read. It is this brutal authenticity that distinguishes Secrets of the Shield. When Currie recounts the grueling demands of academy life, including the torment of abusive instructors, or exposes the vulnerability of rookies navigating the dangers of custody work, it becomes clear that this is no sanitized portrayal of law enforcement. It is raw, it is painful, and it is unflinchingly real. I admired Currie’s refusal to soften these realities for the reader.
Currie’s meticulous attention to detail adds a compelling depth to the narrative, particularly in chapters such as “L.A. Burns” and “And the Riots Roll,” where he vividly captures the intensity of large-scale unrest and tactical operations. His ability to immerse the reader in the operational realities of law enforcement is impressive and lends a striking authenticity to the story. Yet it is when Currie turns his focus to the emotional heart of the narrative, most notably in the heartbreaking account of Catalina Cano’s story in “Peaceful Park Apartments: Explosion of Evil,” that his writing truly shines. The emotional resonance he achieves is powerful and deeply moving, offering moments of unexpected poignancy that elevate the novel beyond traditional crime thrillers.
What hit me hardest, though, was the clear cost of the job. Currie shows better than any fiction I’ve read in a long time that wearing the badge means a slow erosion of yourself. You see it in his recounting of being physically wrecked, emotionally detached, and spiritually exhausted. The title Secrets of the Shield isn’t just clever, it’s painfully accurate. Behind the shield, behind the uniform, there’s a heavy, heavy price. I walked away from this book with more respect for what real cops endure than I ever had before.
Secrets of the Shield isn’t just a crime novel. It’s a bruised, bleeding love letter to the men and women who choose to stand between chaos and order. If you’re a fan of gritty realism, if you liked Joseph Wambaugh’s The New Centurions or Michael Connelly’s Bosch series but want something even more visceral and personal, this book will absolutely blow you away. It’s not for the faint of heart, but for those who can stomach the darkness, it’s a powerful and unforgettable ride.
Pages: 429 | ASIN : B0F2ZGYBLH
Dylan’s Dilemma (Dylan’s Dog Squad Book 1)
Dylan’s Dilemma is a sweet, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking story about a cocker spaniel named Dylan who starts his life in a cramped crate in South Korea and winds up on a wild adventure that brings him all the way to sunny Southern California. The book follows Dylan’s ups and downs as he finds freedom with his first owner, Aiden, faces abandonment when Aiden can no longer keep him, and eventually struggles to find a place in a new family with a boy named Casey and his no-nonsense mother. Written mostly from Dylan’s point of view, the book brings readers right into the mind of a lovable, mischievous pup who’s just trying to figure out where he belongs.
What really struck me about this book was how real Dylan’s emotions felt. Kathleen Troy doesn’t just tell you Dylan is happy or scared; she makes you feel it. When Dylan thinks, “My lungs are shrinking. I can’t breathe,” after Aiden gives him up, my heart physically hurt. Troy’s writing captures Dylan’s innocence perfectly, especially in moments like when he tries to “help” in Casey’s mom’s office by turning her important project into a shredded hamster collage. I found myself laughing aloud, though it was a bittersweet kind of laughter, recognizing that the little dog was simply trying his best.
The pacing of the story kept me locked in, too. One minute, I was giggling over Dylan’s craft skills (destroying cords, baseboards, and tables like a tiny wrecking ball), and the next, I was genuinely nervous when he was sent off in a crate across the ocean. The humor balances out the emotional gut punches really well. Plus, Casey’s character is just the right mix of loyal and goofy. His determination to keep Dylan, even when his mom is dead set against it, made me root for them both so hard. Their bond is simple but strong, like when Casey calls Dylan “Little Buddy,” giving him a sense of belonging again after losing Aiden.
One thing I noticed is that some of the adult characters are written with a playful exaggeration, especially Casey’s mom, who shifts from grumpy to affectionate with the speed of a light switch. It actually adds to the lively, slightly cartoonish tone of the story (particularly during hilarious moments like Eddie-the-Whiner’s antics at dog training). The vibrant style suits the book’s mission: to entertain first, warm the heart second, and sprinkle in seriousness just where it’s needed.
Dylan’s Dilemma is a real charmer. It’s perfect for anyone who loves dogs, funny misadventures, and heart-tugging stories about finding your forever home. I’d especially recommend it for middle-grade readers or adults who just want a sweet escape for a few hours.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B09RQCDPG5
LITERARY TITAN 