Blog Archives
Fierce Demigoddess
The Dog Roses: Na Feirdhriseacha follows twin sisters on a quest to save their people from enslavement who seek out the help of a demi-goddess to assist in saving their land. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration is twofold: First, readers had seen the development of Danu and Brighid in the Conall Series, which charted the turbulent relationship and path of their parents, from “normal” adolescents to the powerful king and queen of a tribe they had founded and grown. Hence, I thought they deserved their story to be told. Second, the “geis” laid on Conall by the demigoddess who helped him rise to being a king-over-kings had a cost. He and all of his make sons were not allowed to return to Ireland. It was with some reluctance that he agreed to Danu and Brighid returning to settle a rebellion.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
The foundations of many of the characters were laid in the original Conall Series. I just gave them the freedom to grow. As with many authors, I find that characters become alive and chart their own path. It is similar to movies where an actor, well-versed in the lore of his or her part, will say, “No. My character would not do this (action).”
In this book, one particular character (Aoife) gave me great pleasure to write. In The Dog Roses, Aoife, is about 8 years old. Her character is based on my granddaughter who was about the same age. When I read about Aoife in the story, I see my granddaughter. The real challenge with Aoife’s character came in the sequel, The Dog Roses: Resolution, when I had to envisage her as an 18-year-old!!!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The questions to be answered were: Could the princesses become queens and then battle queens? Who could they trust? When would they learn The Dog Roses gave them abilities and with them came responsibilities. Also, will they ever establish common ground with the fierce demigoddess, Draighean.
Can you tell us a little about where the story goes in book two and when the novel will be available?
Sisters squabble. Queens go to war.
Ten summers ago, victory brought peace and prosperity to Southern Ériu. Danu and Brighid were celebrated as heroes and saviours. The queens scaled the heights, and there was only one way to go.
One twin became overbearing, the other resentful. Pride dug a pit filled with blackthorns between them. They became tyrants, and the kingdom was sundered. The people were left bitter, divided, and afraid, and the lush farmlands fell barren. Stripped of their powers, The Dog Roses were no more. Each blamed the other, and neither took responsibility.
Angry parents gave the twins’ brothers an army and tasked them to bring law to the kingdom. An embittered veteran and a beautiful assassin accompany them. Whose gold is in the assassin’s pouch, and what are her orders?
An evil philosophy grows, and another army gathers. Can the sisters be reconciled? The people need The Dog Roses, but can they forgive them?
The Dog Roses: Resolution is currently available in print and eBook formats. A copy will shortly be winging its way to Literary Titan for review!
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“I am the weapon, tuilí.”
It is 400 B.C. The mist clears, and three triremes glide into the calm waters of the bay in Southern Ériu. On a grass-topped dune, a young girl dances gleefully at the Goddess’s gift.
The warrior princesses, Brighid and Danu, leap over the vessels’ sides into the cold waters and look north towards their ancestral home—the fort of Ráth Na Conall. The clash of weapons is not a good omen.
From his throne in Caher Conri, the depraved Uallachán rages at the sight of the red shield embellished with a swooping black raven and the memories it provokes. He swears vengeance on the daughters of his old adversary.
Draighean, a demi-goddess of the mystical Aes Sídhe, stands alone on the mountain peak. She bites full maroon lips, unhappy at her mission. Yet, does she have a choice? Evil must be confronted and defeated.
Uallachán’s idea of peace is to crush all dissent, but is he no more than a puppet of the powerful kings of the Connachta?
The twins know they must defeat the invasion and stop the enslavement of their people. Still, even with the help of Draighean, the odds are daunting.
The Dog Roses contains scenes of sex and violence and uses language appropriate to the period it is set in, i.e., 400 B.C. It is not recommended for those under 14 without parental consent.
A Wave of Uncertainty
When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls follows a woman struggling with her feelings of fear, uncertainty, and a desire to protect her heart and her daughter. In complete faith, Mary leans on God to guide her path. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although written as fiction, both Novels are based on true-life testimony.
Mary met Jimmy, who had a past that she wasn’t familiar with, but in a vision, God showed her his heart, as He saw it. God called her to love him. This wasn’t easy for Mary, but she had no choice as the conviction from God was strong. As a single mom, desiring to protect her daughter’s heart made it more difficult for Mary. God poured so much love into her heart for him, and most importantly, she wanted to follow God’s will for her life. Mary’s Faith became more real than she had ever known it as she continued to walk against a wave of uncertainty to love Jimmy through his addiction that ultimately brought him to Jesus, and his life was dramatically changed.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Although When Jesus Calls and When Jesus Leads are written as fiction, both of my books are based on true life experiences. I used Mary as the main character because Mary always rested at Jesus’ feet while Martha always seemed to worry. This was a lesson that Mary continued to grow in. When Jesus Calls is about my life and how being betrayed at a very young age caused a lot of trust issues; Mary poured herself into her work as sales and marketing director at the Inn to hide behind the pain. When Jesus Leads brings Jimmy back into the story of dating, meeting family, holidays, etc. Mary continues to seek to understand God’s will for her life with him and ultimately surrenders her will to God’s.
While writing my story, God healed my heart on many occasions and freed me from pain that I never dealt with. Pain that I never knew existed. Writing both books has been an amazing but emotional journey, as real-life experiences are written deep into the pages of each Novel.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
After marrying my husband, God called me to leave my career many years ago to be a stay-at-home wife and homeschool mom. It was a tough decision for me, as I trusted in my ability and what I could do to provide for myself and my daughter.
I had to understand the importance of letting go/surrendering and trusting Jesus above all else. After my daughter went to college, I asked the Lord to please give me something that I could do on my own again. I studied for all of my insurance licenses and, within six months, owned my own insurance agency. After building a business almost four years later, God called me to sell my business to write When Jesus Calls and When Jesus Leads. This has been a profound journey of God’s amazing love.
When we trust God and walk in His will, hearts change.
When Jesus Leads has already won a Gold, 5-star award with The Literary Global Book Awards. I am humbled!
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the 3rd book in the series. This book should finish the story, or there may be one more. My prayer is that it will be available in the Fall.
John 11:40 – Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
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Join Mary on an inspirational journey of romance, hope, forgiveness, and, most importantly, faith. Will Mary’s unwavering faith be enough to follow God’s will for her life?
When Jesus Leads is a sequel to When Jesus Calls—Mary’s life as a young woman whose life does not turn out as planned. The betrayal in her marriage leaves her bitter, heartbroken, and angry. Focusing on forgetting the pain of her past, Mary pours herself into her work as a sales and marketing director of a charming resort called the Inn and becomes an award-winning author. Her job becomes her identity.
Mary’s life takes a remarkable turn when she meets Michael, an author. After he decides to leave town and not return, Mary becomes a single mom. Mary attempts to try to find a balance in her life, enjoying her career at the Inn and writing. She then meets Jimmy, who has a past that she is uncomfortable with, and as God calls her to love him, her world feels uncertain. “Is this God’s will for my life?” she asks herself.
Surprisingly, Michael comes back into her life, leaving her feeling vulnerable about her and her daughter’s future.
As she grapples to understand her relationship with Jimmy, doubt and fear surround her.
When Jesus Leads is a story about undeniable faith and a journey toward romance, forgiveness, love, and learning to trust God above all else. Jesus reminds her of His word in John 11:40: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the Glory of God?”
The Challenges of Our Times
Aquila Rising follows a Martian-born young man whose colony is attacked and his father is executed before his eyes, leading him to seek a way to get revenge while being forced into the army that destroyed his life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was watching an old History Channel series on The American Revolution and a world started to grow in my head as I watched. I liked the power dynamics between the American militias and the British army that was considered the most powerful army in the world at the time. The British were also seen as the oppressors and it’s an infamous story of humanity’s struggle for freedom.
I’ve always thought that using our history as inspiration for a story will help make it feel more real, so I took the inspiration and built a new world around it. A space opera felt like a fitting setting for my story!
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
There’s a lot of tension and discussion right now regarding wealth inequality and corporate power. I wanted my space opera to be relevant to our times and challenges, so I started brainstorming ways that I could incorporate the world I had created with the challenges of our times.
As I built out the story, more and more possibilities sprung up and the size and power of Draconis grew. As I wrote, their leader took on more evil, but I tried to make the employees seem like good, normal people, stuck within their grasp.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted to explore some social themes in this book, the big one for me was corporate power and corporate greed. We’re living in a time where certain companies have incredible amounts of power and they use their influence to alter humanity’s course in the world, most often, not for the betterment of the average person.
A gripping adventure through space provides an engaging platform for readers to explore some of these themes and the ambiguity of some of the moral decisions hopefully leaves readers thinking long after they set down the book.
Can you tell us where the book goes and where we’ll see the characters in the next book?
Lewis and Nels continue their quest for freedom with The Aquila Front. They’ve become accidental heroes of the rebellion and given it credibility. Inspired by their actions, more people within Aquila start following suit and wage a hidden war against Draconis.
Draconis becomes more and more desperate as they feel threatened for the first time, they become hyper-focused on finding Lewis, convinced that capturing him will end the war. Their singular focus leaves them vulnerable and The Aquila Front takes their chances in their biggest open act of war yet.
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Conscripted by a ruthless space mining corporation, Lewis rose through their ranks, becoming a weapon in their iron grip. But a chance encounter with a childhood friend ignited a rebellion within him.
Joining the Aquila Front, an insurgent movement fighting for freedom, Lewis uses his insider knowledge to launch devastating strikes against Draconis. But as the war escalates, he must confront the ghosts of his past, and find the man he was meant to be.
“Aquila Rising” is a pulse-pounding space opera that will leave you breathless. Buckle up for thrilling battles, daring escapes, and a hero who must choose between duty and defiance.
For fans of Hard Science Fiction books like James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse and Andy Weir’s The Martian, this is a must-read.
Don’t just read about it! Experience it. Click “Add to Cart” and join the rebellion against corporate greed today!
Dreams and Illusions: A Gabrielle Dorian Mystery
Rebecca Olmstead’s Dreams and Illusions is a gripping mystery that follows Gabrielle Dorian, a boutique owner in Washington, as she struggles with vivid, prophetic dreams that blur the line between the past and the present. When her husband, James, dies under suspicious circumstances, Gabrielle finds herself pulled into a web of secrets, grief, and danger. As she seeks answers, her dreams become both a guiding force and a torment, leading her to places she never expected. With a mix of supernatural elements, suspense, and emotional depth, the book delivers an immersive reading experience.
The writing is engaging, with Olmstead crafting a protagonist who is deeply human, flawed, emotional, and determined. Gabrielle’s grief is palpable, making her journey all the more compelling. Early in the book, when she dreams of her late father trying to tell her something, the weight of loss and desperation is so well conveyed that I felt my own chest tighten. The narrative smoothly transitions between the tangible world and the surreal nature of Gabrielle’s dreams, keeping the suspense high.
What stood out most to me was the novel’s emotional rawness. Gabrielle’s relationship with her best friend, Kate, provides warmth and comic relief amid the darkness. Their friendship feels authentic, full of teasing yet unwavering support. Kate’s lively personality and sharp wit contrast well with Gabrielle’s more reserved nature, making their interactions some of my favorite moments in the book. One particularly moving scene is when Gabrielle, overwhelmed by her grief, finds solace in Kate’s no-nonsense attitude and comforting presence. This relationship anchors the story, reminding us that even in the face of loss, we are not alone.
The mystery itself unfolds at a satisfying pace, with enough twists to keep readers engaged. The introduction of Gabrielle’s estranged sister, Tina, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Their fractured relationship feels realistic, filled with unresolved resentment and reluctant duty. When Gabrielle learns that Tina is in jail, charged with writing bad checks and, shockingly, first-degree murder, the story takes an even darker turn. The supernatural elements add an intriguing layer to the story, and I found myself eager to learn even more about the mechanics of Gabrielle’s gift and how it truly functioned beyond the occasional vision. While some aspects remain mysterious, this only adds to the book’s overall allure.
Dreams and Illusions is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of suspenseful mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. It’s particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy character-driven stories with emotional depth and psychological complexity. If you like books that keep you guessing while also pulling at your heartstrings, this one is worth picking up. The book’s strong character dynamics and eerie, dream-laced storytelling make it an engaging and memorable read.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B0CJ3S3BJH
Right Can Be Wrong
Right Can Be Wrong is an unconventional collection of musings, observations, and aphorisms that span a wide range of topics, parenting, race, religion, relationships, politics, and human nature. Rather than following a traditional narrative structure, the book offers a series of thought-provoking statements, often contradictory, that encourage readers to question the status quo. It reads like a stream of consciousness manifesto, challenging societal norms while pointing out the paradoxes of everyday life.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its raw honesty. The author does not shy away from controversial topics, tackling issues of race and inequality with a bluntness that is both refreshing and, at times, unsettling. Statements like “America’s FOUNDING FATHERS fled OPPRESSION in EUROPE, to come to THE NEW WORLD, to OPPRESS BLACK AFRICANS” hit hard, exposing the contradictions in American history. The book does not offer easy answers but instead forces readers to sit with uncomfortable truths. It’s the kind of book that makes you nod in agreement one minute and shake your head the next, which speaks to its power to provoke deep thought.
That said, the writing style can be somewhat polarizing. The heavy use of capitalization, fragmented thoughts, and lack of a traditional coherent narrative might frustrate some readers. While the format creates a sense of urgency, it can also feel disjointed, making it difficult to engage with the text in a sustained way. At times, I found myself wishing the author had expanded on certain ideas instead of simply presenting them as standalone statements. For example, “We cannot see THE DARKNESS of POP CULTURE, because it is COVERED WITH GLITTER” is a brilliant insight, but I wanted more exploration into why pop culture operates this way.
Another striking feature is the book’s balance of cynicism and wisdom. There’s a sense of world-weariness in statements like “Some people who ARE THE PROBLEM believe they are THE SOLUTION.” Yet, amidst the critique, there is also hope, an encouragement for self-awareness and change. Lines like “The BETTER WAY to EDUCATE our CHILDREN is to BETTER EDUCATE OURSELVES” highlight the book’s core message: personal responsibility and growth are the first steps toward a better world.
Right Can Be Wrong is best suited for readers who enjoy philosophical musings and social commentary without the constraints of traditional storytelling. It’s a book that sparks conversation, challenges assumptions, and refuses to be neatly categorized. If you appreciate authors like James Baldwin and George Carlin, or even the fragmented wisdom of Twitter threads, you’ll find value in this book. But if you prefer a structured argument or a clear narrative arc, this might not be the right fit. I highly recommend Hendrix’s unique collection of one-liners to any reader seeking a work of satirical fiction designed to challenge their thinking on everyday topics.
Pages: 204 | ASIN : B0CV48MSZB
Darker Than You Know
Edward Minyard’s Darker Than You Know is a high-octane thriller that plunges deep into the world of human trafficking, cartels, and the shadowy forces that operate just beneath the surface of society. The novel follows Rob Anderson, a retired federal agent drawn back into action when his old friend’s granddaughter, Sarah, is kidnapped while on spring break in Cancún. What begins as a straightforward rescue mission quickly unravels into something much more dangerous, exposing a vast and brutal network of organized crime. With the help of a team of battle-hardened operatives, former soldiers, intelligence officers, and law enforcement, Anderson sets out to do what he does best: hunt down the worst of the worst and bring them to justice.
Minyard’s writing style is fast-paced and direct, a perfect match for the gritty subject matter. There’s no excess fluff here, just sharp, punchy dialogue and immersive action sequences that pull the reader in and don’t let go. The opening chapters waste no time setting up the stakes, throwing us headfirst into Sarah’s abduction and Anderson’s immediate response. The way Minyard builds tension, especially in the scenes where Anderson reassembles his old crew, is masterful. Each team member has their own battle scars and their own demons, but together, they form a force to be reckoned with. Sophia, the ex-Mossad operative, is particularly compelling, with a backstory that adds both depth and a fresh perspective to the team dynamic.
One of the most powerful aspects of the book is how it handles the topic of human trafficking. Minyard doesn’t just use it as a backdrop for action, he forces us to confront its horrors. The scenes depicting the victims, their manipulation, and their dehumanization are chillingly realistic. There’s a moment when Sophia recounts an undercover mission that brought her face-to-face with trafficked women in Amsterdam, and it’s utterly haunting. The novel doesn’t just show the physical dangers of trafficking but also the psychological torment it inflicts on its victims. It’s clear Minyard has done his research, making the novel feel frighteningly authentic.
The book’s pacing is relentless, and while that keeps the action rolling, it occasionally leaves little room for deeper emotional moments. Anderson is a fascinating protagonist, a man who has seen too much darkness and knows how to fight it but we rarely get a chance to slow down and explore his internal struggles. The team’s camaraderie is a highlight, filled with banter, loyalty, and a sense of brotherhood, but sometimes the dialogue veers into predictable action-movie one-liners. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping story.
Darker Than You Know is an intense, action-packed thriller with a strong moral core. It doesn’t just entertain, it also informs and challenges the reader to recognize the horrors of human trafficking and the heroes who fight against it. Fans of authors like Lee Child and Brad Thor will love the tactical precision of the action, while those who appreciate crime thrillers with real-world weight will find the novel deeply compelling. If you’re looking for a thriller that packs a punch and leaves you thinking long after the final page, this one’s for you.
Pages: 313 | ASIN : B0DTJP4LMV
Consequences of Choice
A Tuft of Thistledown follows a white man and a Cherokee woman in the early 1800s who grew up together as their mothers were like sisters, and now as adults are rivals each fighting for different things. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I dreamt it all many years ago but forgot how it ended. It wasn’t until a few years later that I remembered the ending thanks to a very special horse and a horse whisperer from Scotland, UK.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I wanted to not insult/portray badly/misrepresent the Cherokee and Africans of those times along with everyone else who lived there first.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I guess, thinking about it, there could be a few really; when to trust, the sometimes never-ending consequences of choice, the pain of a love or a life that can’t be had, and what the terrible want of always more can make people do.
Our hard-wired will to survive is also a theme, unless like one of the characters, too much has been seen or happened, then that will can spill away.
But for me, one of the major themes is the absolute need to sometimes go with what all you feel inside, no matter what others say.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
I think the one biggest thing that surprises me is when some people say they think about it after they have finished reading it.
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In the early 1800s, a time when people in parts of the world did things that their souls wouldn’t want them to, John Lucas Jnr. and Horse Song, the children of two women raised as sisters in England, find themselves caught up in the brutal western expansion of America; a place where for some to live and survive was all in the undying consequences of choice.
Later, in 1839, after being officially tasked to clear all Cherokee still living in hiding east of the Mississippi, John Lucas Jnr. finds Horse Song, the woman whose hands he once wanted to hold forever. Torn by their shared past and love that couldn’t be had, Horse Song and the Cherokee she is hiding with are forced into deciding that when it comes to duty, land, and the right way to be, can John Lucas Jnr. be trusted or not.
The Silent Professional
Sky Thunder follows a man retired from the military who now works as a CIA operative leading a mission to protect a scientist defecting from Morocco while facing off against a group of radical terrorists. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
As I finished my first book Cry of the Eagle I was doing some research on how I was going to continue the Colt Hawkins Series. During my research, I was reading about how the stealth technology had gone from aircraft to missiles and how China actually has a stealth missile called Sky Thunder. I loved the name. As I was building the outline, I remembered a book from the late 70’s that I read in high school by Gayle Rivers called The Five Fingers. I used that as the base idea for Sky Thunder.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I research everything. For Sky Thunder, I did an in-depth study of Russian Services like the FSB, Elite units, and how Russia uses contractors to be mercenaries, and even though I may know some of it, I still researched to make sure I am as accurate as I can be. I always want the story to sound authentic with the reader in mind. Especially my fellow brothers and sisters who wear or have worn the uniform. If I get positive feedback from them, then I know I did ok.
Colt Hawkins is such an engaging character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
That is really a good question. Colt is a combination of people that I have had the pleasure to work with. Hell, part of him is me. Colt is the silent professional, Once you have been through some real life and death experiences you have nothing to prove to anyone. Colt knows what he can do when he has to do it. He doesn’t like it but he will do it for the greater good. The part where he tries to keep his emotions to himself. All the good that comes his way he is afraid to trust it. The bad he keeps in because he doesn’t want to burden anyone.
Colt slowly realizes he can’t do it alone. This is my story. Use what you know, right? I think as warriors we have it ingrained into us that we can endure, I don’t need help, I am ok, we shake it off, ignore it, or bury it deep within regardless and continue the mission at all cost. But now the mission is us, our families. At some point you have to depend on others if you don’t it becomes a lonely world. So Colt and his teammates are flawed. Like every team I have ever been on.
Where will the next installment in this series take readers? When can they expect to see it released?
Book Three Rogue Vengeance is the aftermath of Sky Thunder on so many levels. The opening paragraph reveals several things from Sky Thunder that will catch the readers by surprise. China reveals itself to Taiwan. I will say this, for Colt and Liberty things hit too close to home.
Rogue Vengeance is ready. As of right now, we are looking at every Veterans Day to be a release date for all my books. But that may all change if I acquire representation with an agent.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
“Sky Thunder” is the story of the men and women of one of the world’s most elite and secretive paramilitary organizations. Special Activities Division of the CIA, Former Tier One Operator Colt Hawkins is gritty, smart, honorable, battle-tested, and devoted to his fellow operators and his country, who are frequently put in harm’s way by the evils of the world.
Colt Hawkins has recently retired from the military and is now a CIA Operative engaged with NASA Director Dr. Liberty Starr. A new team has been assembled on their first mission in Morrocco to protect a CIA spy transferring a defecting Chinese Scientist. During the defection, Vlad Benchiko, the mastermind behind the Dallas bombings, and Wahid Madi and Amal Sefer, the two Iranian-trained radical terrorists who were also responsible for all the killing and destruction in Texas, catch Task Force 24 and the CIA off-guard trying to stop the defection.
The scientist discovered a secret about Russia and China collaborating to develop the first strike weapon, a stealth missile called Sky Thunder. The new President is determined to obtain the innovative technology that America abandoned and orders the mission- seize the technology and destroy a secret facility deep inside Russia in the Caucasus Mountain ranges. Colt leads his team, U.S. Army Special Forces members, and U.S. Navy Seals into a never attempted feat. Inside the White House, a Chinese double agent is a top advisor and part of the President’s inner circle.
CIA Special Activities Division Task Force 24 retrieves the technology. Another team is ambushed by Vlad and his army of mercenaries of Red Star Group. At the same time, the President gives the abort order, afraid of being blamed and giving the White House a black eye, leaving the CIA operatives inside Russia to fight for their survival, not giving up Dr. Liberty Starr and the CIA team with Washington insiders try to save Colt and the men and women in Russia.
An unbreakable bond is forged when people sacrifice their lives for each other to bring these brave men and women home.
LITERARY TITAN 