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Janice Everet: A Southern Gothic Jane Eyre Retelling
Janice Everet is a Southern gothic historical romance that retells Jane Eyre through the perspective of a blind heroine growing up in the 1930s American South. We follow Janice from a childhood shaped by cruelty and neglect, through her years at a school for the blind, and into adulthood as she becomes a teacher and finds both purpose and love. The book mirrors the familiar arc of Jane Eyre but transforms it, rooting the story in disability representation, trauma survival, and the complicated social dynamics of its time.
As I read, I kept returning to how intimate Janice’s voice feels. Burton writes her with a sensitivity that made me slow down, especially during the painful early chapters. The scenes with Arnold, in particular, are hard to take. They’re written with an unflinching honesty that makes Janice’s fear almost tactile, and moments like the doctor noticing the bruising around her eyes and gently explaining her retinal damage hit me right in the chest. The book doesn’t sensationalize the abuse; instead, it sits with the emotional fallout and lets Janice carry both her pain and her stubborn resilience. I liked that the writing never turns her blindness into a metaphor or punishment. Burton even says in her author’s note that she wanted to challenge that trope directly, presenting blindness not as a tragedy but simply as part of Janice’s life and identity. That intention really comes through.
What surprised me most was how naturally the story shifts from gothic tension to warm, character-driven romance. The scenes with Edwin feel like stepping into sunlight after a long walk in the dark. Their relationship grows slowly, with a gentleness that contrasts with everything Janice has survived. I found myself appreciating the quieter moments: shared meals, woodworking, guiding each other through unfamiliar emotional terrain. Even the small exchanges with side characters, like Janice reading a story to a child on the bus or meeting friends at Pembrook, widen the world and keep the novel from sinking into despair. Burton’s choices here make the story less about escaping the past and more about claiming a future. And because the book is a romance, the emotional payoff lands in a satisfying, comforting way.
By the time I reached the end, I felt like I’d traveled with Janice rather than just observed her. The blend of Southern gothic atmosphere, historical detail, and classic romance gives the book a distinct flavor. It’s not a light read; some chapters sit heavily, especially for readers sensitive to themes of assault, trauma, and systemic prejudice. But the heart of the story is hopeful. It’s a journey toward dignity, connection, and the quiet courage of choosing joy after years of being told you don’t deserve it.
If you enjoy character-centered stories, historical romance with emotional depth, or retellings that genuinely reimagine their source material, this book will speak to you. Fans of Jane Eyre who have wondered what that story might look like with a heroine whose challenges aren’t tied to beauty or sight but to agency and survival might find this version even more resonant. I’d recommend Janice Everet to readers who appreciate Southern gothic atmosphere, nuanced disability representation, and a romance that feels earned and tender.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0FYK3JCKG
Under the Guise of Religion
Woman in the Abbey follows a young woman fleeing her abusive father, who finds an abandoned abbey in a haunted forest, where she finds Lucifer, who is searching for love and redemption. What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
I have always been interested in the gothic genre. I have read and reread the classics: The Castle of Otranto, The Monk, Melmoth the Wanderer, Dracula, etc. What intrigues me is the mystery and the elements of the supernatural. What I find most interesting as a writer is that the genre allows me to explore the psychological and sociological aspects of the story and its characters. Unlike horror, whose sole purpose is to frighten, gothic allows for a more in-depth exploration of the psyche.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes that I was interested in involved issues of faith and doubt, fidelity and betrayal, and, in the case of Sister Lucretia, cruelty under the guise of religion. We have seen this misapplication of doctrine by religious zealots throughout history, going back to the Inquisition. Lucretia is the embodiment of this. One of the other themes I was interested in exploring was that of violence against women. In this case, the violence was by a woman towards other women. This issue is prevalent in our society. It needs to be exposed and dealt with because, while we may not see it in our daily lives, it is there and there are many women who are suffering.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a novel that involves my Italian heritage, but which, I hope, will speak to people of all ethnicities. It involves three generations, starting with the immigrants and ending with the grandchildren of those immigrants. I am hoping to explore what it means to be an immigrant — the difficulties they face from language to cultural differences; what is means to be the children of immigrants — those in-betweeners who have to navigate both the old ways of their parents and the new ones they face on a daily basis; and what it means to be third generation where the old ways are there still, way in the background but are mostly ignored. Much of this is based on my own experience as well as on my observations of our new immigrants and their children. The book is in its early beginnings and won’t be done for perhaps 2 or 3 years. I hope, though, that it will appeal to all ethnicities, not just Italian-Americans.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A young woman, fleeing the clutches of an abusive father, stumbles upon an abandoned abbey on the edge of a haunted forest. But what she finds there is far worse than anything she left behind.
Within the crumbling walls of the Abbey of San Pietro, ancient horrors stir. A mysterious old woman holds secrets of the past, and an unearthly being watches from the shadows—a being with the power to raise the dead and a thirst for vengeance.
Driven by damnation and bitterness, he weaves a sinister plan, using the living and the dead as his pawns. But is it love or something far more dangerous that motivates him?
In this gothic tale of love, betrayal, and unholy retribution, nothing is what it seems. Will she escape the abbey… or become part of its eternal curse?
Curse: A Novel
Curse by Christina Maraziotis, the second installment of the Loveletting series, immerses readers in a mesmerizing and captivating tale that will leave them yearning for more. Within the pages of this book, a blend of romance, danger, and adventure awaits. Having faced the depths of despair and grappled with profound loss and grief, Charlotte discovers solace in Jesse McCoy’s tender and loyal embrace. While evading the law for crimes she has been unjustly accused of, Charlotte finds herself entangled in a web of enigmatic figures as the search for the elusive serial killer, Mac Kinnon, persists. Amidst the unsettling supernatural occurrences that unsettle Charlotte’s sense of identity and security, Jesse’s steadfast nature becomes a beacon of hope, allowing her to heal and rediscover the joys of life. As unexpected romance blossoms and her freedom is put to the test, Charlotte traverses a path that unravels the true essence of love. However, lurking behind captivating and mysterious faces lies a darkness threatening to corrupt even the purest of souls, transforming them into unrecognizable beings, yearning to reclaim their former selves.
From the very outset, Curse shows immense promise. The author’s skillful writing and thoughtful structure transform what could be an intricate and protracted narrative into a series of concise, well-crafted chapters. This approach enables the plot to breathe and seamlessly engross the reader in an immersive experience. Once engrossed in the story, one is transported to a new world where the narrative and its characters take center stage. The book’s length is justified, as it adds depth and complexity to the overarching storyline, allowing for fully realized character arcs that embody the true nature of each individual and the myriad challenges they face.
Passion, romance, and darkness intertwine throughout the narrative, with supernatural elements deftly woven into the fabric of the plot, heightening its mystery. This narrative technique captivates the reader, holding their attention steadfastly throughout, even during quieter moments. However, the true strength of this book lies in its characters. They are flawlessly imperfect, each possessing a depth and complexity that authentically reflects the human experience and its trials. Engaging and diverse, these characters form a vibrant tapestry of personalities and emotions, with their highs and lows.
Curse by Christina Maraziotis is an entrancing and spellbinding book that transports readers to a realm brimming with mystery and passion, reminding us that amidst the darkest shadows, true beauty can still be discovered.
Pages: 879 | ASIN : B0BVQHGTBC
Haunt
In an attempt to flee from a world that has turned her life upside down, Charlotte and her darling horse are only met with more complications—running into a serial killer. Having no choice but to stay with him after becoming a wanted woman herself (for a crime she did not commit), Charlotte and her newfound companion are thrust into situations previously unimaginable. A man with a dark and haunting past, and a woman who fears a dark and haunting future, these two souls collide in a thrilling romance.
Haunt by Christina Maraziotis is a book that makes itself very clear right away: it is not for an audience who cannot handle certain topics and themes. At the front of the book, before getting to the story itself, there is a list of trigger warnings, so readers will know what they are getting into with this novel ahead of time.
The characters and settings in Haunt are truly ones to be remembered as they all feel full, fleshed out, and alive. Even characters who aren’t important are given full personalities and recognizable traits. The story itself is nothing less than a page-turner, and readers will most definitely feel themselves eagerly turning the page to see what will happen next—good or bad.
The writing in this novel is eye-catching. The style is complex at times, fightings with itself to have beautiful words and prose and then having sentences that feel out of place, much like the characters feel at times. The formatting can also be distracting; there are often POV changes that can be disorienting for the reader. While some may find these a deterrent, they are actually brilliant literary elements that add to the haunting and intricate storyline.
Haunt is truly a thrilling western story with characters readers will yearn for, feel for, and never forget. Readers will feel their own hearts break as they look into the minds of characters that they normally wouldn’t and have to choose whether their actions are justified.
Pages: 920 | ASIN : B0BKY7ZH23
Rosemary for Remembrance
Rosemary for Remembrance, an alluring book by Nikki Broadwell, is a fictionalized account of a war-torn love story. The author tells readers the story of a couple who has to face many troubles due to the World War. The conditions soldiers are forced to live in and how the soldier wives lived back home are shown. In this story, our protagonists, Rosemary and Dylan, wade through the waters of war, trauma, and distance between themselves to conquer their fears and insecurities.
The writing style of this book is fast-paced and captivating. Readers are drawn into this story from the beginning. I could finish this in a single day because the storyline was engaging, and each chapter left the reader wanting to know more. The natural and supernatural events filled the narrative with suspense and anticipation of what thrilling event will come next.
The mental exploration of the Prisoners of War and their post-war trauma has been explained in detail. From Rosemary’s point of view, we can witness the struggles and problems of the soldier’s family left behind without any contact with their loved ones. This book also explores the impact of soldiers’ traumas on their families and relationships. Fallouts and Divorces were common, but no one was to blame.
The journal entries by Dylan from the Prisoner of War camps made me feel the pain and anguish which coursed through those soldiers. The helplessness and cruelty of the war are being laid bare through those journals. As the author has mentioned, those journal entries were the actual journals of their grandfather. This makes them more realistic and horrific to read.
There is a parallel plot running in this book. In that story, the eighteenth-century dilemma and struggle for love are shown. The condition of women at that time has been described in a way that left me uncomfortable and angry. The story of Rebecca and Edgar reflects the story of Rosemary and Dylan, yet they are drastically different.
This book took me into the midst of the horror that was felt by the soldiers as well as their families. The simple and captivating writing style paired with a headstrong female protagonist makes this book a brilliant read. Some mature topics are presented in this storyline due to the brutal nature of the time and war. I recommend this book to people who want to read about the conditions of war and a love that’s being tested by time and troubles.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B0711FL8T8
Invisible Thread
Invisible Thread by Heather Koelle is a fantasy novel about how the lives of two families intersect. An unplanned pregnancy leads to marriage between the daughter of a wealthy doctor and a blue-collar worker. Despite disapproval from their families, Suzanna Wilkes and Weston Granger’s love for each other is strong. The years pass, and they welcome children and grandchildren to their families. However, Helen Charlesworth’s childhood is filled with difficulties, and as an adult, her marriage is not happy. So when reconnecting with her college sweetheart, will it bring her happiness or heartache? And how will the invisible thread ultimately connect these two families?
This book had an interesting structure. The first part of the book is about Suzanna and Weston’s life, and the next part of the book is about Helen’s life. Then at the end of the book, the two storylines merge. I liked seeing the contrast between the two women’s lives. Each had trials they had to overcome, and it was interesting to see how they reacted to different situations. In addition, I liked how the book showed multiple generations of the two families. The story followed Suzanna and Weston from their first meeting to marrying and starting a family, then watching their children grow into adults and begin their own lives. For Helen, the author started with her childhood, then marriage and having children, and ended with watching those children grow up, marry, and create their own families.
Invisible Thread is a captivating fantasy romance that will have readers eager to see how these two families are connected.
Pages: 286 | ASIN : B09JWSM3KS
The Fisherman’s Wife
The Fisherman’s Wife by T N Traynor is a story of a young fisherman’s wife, Connie who struggles with her husband’s brutal and drunken temper. Being unable to have children has left Connie feeling broken and cursed.
The real adventure begins when a band of pirates and townsmen decide to rade a ship for its treasure. Connie stumbles upon Ernest Eddie, one of the pirates of the raided and wrecked ship drowning. She saves his life and hides him. Both are looking for a way out of the life they are currently living. Developing feelings for one another complicates matters further. So together, they set out to find a lost treasure.
The Fisherman’s Wife was a fun and easy romance novel. Author T N Traynor did an excellent job setting up the back story of Connie and her longing to escape her abusive husband. You really get to understand both her loyalty to her husband as well as her disdain for the drunken brute. The author’s character development is strong and well thought out. Readers will want to see Connie find happiness while finding Eddie to be complex and struggling with his own identity.
I thoroughly enjoyed the love story between Connie and Earnest Eddie. I am a huge fan of the bad boy, or in this case, the pirate turned good, all in the name of some woman they happen to fall in love with. However, I was also hoping for a bit more excitement and adventure as the two of them made their escape while being followed by Smiley and the rest of his pirate crew in order to obtain a treasure from Eddie.
The Fisherman’s Wife: Love & Murder in Pirates Cove is a captivating historical romance novel that will also give readers pirate treasure hunting and a thrilling escape adventure.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B09ZJ8FNZH
See Me Forever
![See Me Forever by [Oriel, Susann]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51-IoEO6tqL.jpg)
See Me Forever begins in an old alluring home in Erradale Bay where Arianna Harte, a beautiful woman oozing with class, purchases the home in hopes to begin a new life. A spirit is instantly drawn to her, becoming obsessed with wanting her to himself. Edmond Nathaniel Wilde is the man behind the spirit, a well-spoken man who comes from the Victorian era where sins such as infidelity are not to be tolerated. Meanwhile, Logan, a detective, is investigating an incident involved with Arianna’s home and finds himself beginning to fall for Arianna’s beauty and charm. Between a passionate spirit and a detective filled with skeletons in his closet, Arianna will be thrown into a dark and brooding love triangle with supernatural twists.
See Me Forever, written by Susann Oriel, is a beautifully written love story that has a touch of all the right genres; including action, mystery and supernatural elements. It is hot and steamy, romantic and at times frightening, providing a story line that is full of entertainment for all readers.
The words drip with elegance and sweep the reader through a colonial home. Gargoyles adorn the outskirts of the beautiful colonial styled Oak Lane property, giving the reader a glimpse into a home which would have been luxurious in the Victorian era. Susann’s style of writing is easy to read but descriptive; the conversations and interactions between both spirit and human are easily imagined and felt by the reader.
I love the way Susann Oriel describes Arianna Harte. She is innately beautiful but also physically stunning, catching the eyes of suitors around her. But she isn’t sleazy or forward and has a level of class and integrity that is to be admired. Her encounters with others are filled with lustful desire and will leave the reader feeling as though their blood is on fire. Arianna’s is a sensitive, different from a medium in that she sees the spirits as well as feeling them. This particular talent will land her in sticky situations as she sees the faces of those who pass everywhere she goes.
The story begins with more questions than answers and I was eager to know how Edmond had passed. There is an element of suspicion surrounding his death and how his first wife may have died. A woman who previously lived in the home is now an elderly lady and once held Edmonds affections. How do they fit together to form the pieces of the puzzle? You will have to read it to find out!
You’d be mistaken to think that this novel is only a love story. There are mysterious plot changes, broody characters and action scenes that will leave you begging for more. I would recommend See Me Forever for those who enjoy a romantic novel but also enjoy their haunted house styled stories.
Pages: 296 | ASIN: B06XXML53F
LITERARY TITAN 