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Immortal Wounds
Immortal Wounds emerges as Angie Barton’s masterful confluence of historical fiction, fantasy, and gothic mystery. She captivates with a narrative where history and magic converge with haunting results, smudging the boundaries between epochs. The novel plunges into a gripping ordeal as Isobel confronts the gruesome murders of her mother and husband. A startling revelation follows when a vampire, claiming to be her father, confesses to the crimes. Driven by desperation and the magic at her disposal, Isobel flees through time to unearth her origins, only to land in an era not her own.
Navigating through this alien century, Isobel peels back layers of her history, finding herself woven into a dire prophecy that has shaped destinies for ages. Angie Barton’s narrative prowess shines as she transports readers to a time rife with witch burnings and supernatural schemes. Every element of the setting contributes to an ambiance filled with suspense and enigma, turning each shadow into a repository of secrets. Barton’s fusion of immediate danger with timeless conflict ensnares readers, propelled by twists that keep them perched on the brink of revelation.
Character development is rich; every figure is imbued with intricate motives and emotions, rendering them both authentic and engaging. The historical backdrop not only enriches the tale’s fantastical elements but also reflects the grim realities of past persecutions, mirroring modern themes of injustice and societal fears. Witch burnings become a grim metaphor for the perils of ignorance, while the seamlessly woven supernatural facets like time travel and prophecy amplify the narrative’s resonance.
Approaching its finale, Barton skillfully resolves crucial conflicts yet hints at more to come, hinting at a sequel that many will await with keen interest. Immortal Wounds transcends the typical vampire story, offering a deep exploration of human endurance, the tangled skein of fate, and the ceaseless potency of familial bonds and love. It stands as a compelling recommendation for readers of historical fantasy and those seeking a narrative that reverberates beyond the last page.
Pages: 317 | ASIN : B0D9XTF25K
I Had to Look Harder and Deeper
Until I Have No More to Give follows a Union Civil War survivor who joins a group of workers trying to fix the issue of millions of displaced Southern whites and freed slaves who have no place to go and no means to support themselves. What inspired you to write this story?
When all this began, I had preconceived notions of what the Civil War was all about and discovered that my grandfather’s half-brother played his minor role and my father and his siblings knew little to nothing about him, even who he was. So, I had to look harder and deeper. Using the internet and established historical venues, I had tremendous advantages over my immediate ancestors. They had a picture of a group of Civil War officers and they had Hiram’s Appointment Certificate into the Veteran Reserves Corps, signed of course, by President Abraham Lincoln and the Secretary of War; but they had no idea what they had.
As I began looking on sites, I kept finding more and more. Military records, retirement pensions, etc. It took several years to realize that I needed to share this information and by this time, my dad and his siblings were all gone. I had to find someone who would be interested, so, at the urgings of my sisters, I decided to write a book. The approach I took was to take all of the historical facts I had discovered and put them in a time sequence. I took A and B and tried to figure how would Hiram have got from one point to the other. Using a lot of history and and an untested imagination, a story somehow began to take form.
My biggest and most pleasant discovery was how Hiram was historically right in the middle of major efforts that actually helped to shape who we are and perhaps even what we still stand for. I hope so.
So, ‘Chauncey’s Blood A Hiram Robinett Story of the Civil War‘ was published. However, my discoveries continued. I found new data and facts. I found answers that I did not have when writing book 1. Being the novice that I still am, I asked my editor/publisher if it was feasible to edit and update the story as a new edition. She suggested properly a second book, a story that expanded on the first book. So, that is what I decided to do.
I offered no apologies for changes that I found that modified the original story line somewhat. Such is life and why not reflect it accurately as fiction can be. I did that. The second book is a continuation of the story line from book 1 but reflects the accuracy discovered since the first writing. I additionally believe that I developed my interpretation of who Hiram was to be more accurate. He is definitely more human, with emotions that hopefully serve to make him more real. I love the guy and hope that who I described is who he was, an American average male who appreciated what life had handed him and felt a patriotic duty to give back when he could. His actions seem to dictate that to be true.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I should strive to say something really profound, but I’m not capable. At my age and in my condition, I have virtually every emotion under the sun. I can still be serious, I am quite feeble, I still love heartily and can only talk and sometimes dream with my new reality. So, I can soar with the eagles one day and have a difficult time getting out of my bed the next. I am getting a new rescue dog on Friday and expect to be all better by Monday. Life is good, sometimes hard, but always good. I should write about it.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The role that the President of the United States of America plays in history.
History is far more favorable to the Reconstruction Era than is warranted.
Historically, The Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen and Abandoned Lands was deemed a huge failure. I disputed that before the book and I continue to believe that an organization of 1,000 employees took on ‘fixing’ America’s 36 million ‘broke’ people. Their successes to support a million people is truly a highlight of a very dismal time in our country’s history.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I would love to make it a trilogy, however, the remainder of the story doesn’t have Hiram in the picture. There is a good story remaining, so I will just have to explore a bit more before making a decision. The other big question I still have is of 4.2 million freed slaves, approximately 1 million made use of the Freedmen’s Bureau. There has to be an amazing story as to how the additional 3 million survived. By 1870 Census, the black population had grown to more than 6 million, so something worked for them. Someone deserves credit.
Author Links: GoodReads | Second GoodReads
Award-Winning Author of “Chauncey’s Blood: A Hiram Robinette Story of the Civil War”
The Cadieux Murders: Historic Homes Mysteries, Book 3
In the 1950s, the alluring Rebecca Blaine ruled Long Island’s Gold Coast from Cadieux House, a gift of love from the brilliant architect Marius Cadieux. Today, as architect Wren Fontaine restores the house, she becomes immersed in a seventy-five-year-old murder, as well as fresh killings that echo it. To make it even more complicated, Cadieux was an important mentor to Wren’s father, who isn’t happy about Wren “fixing” the home.
Wren must think back to her childhood, when the elderly Cadieux gave her a riddle about a love triangle. She knows she must solve it to understand the house—and stop the killings. And meanwhile, Rebecca and Cadieux haunt the house …
Matilde’s General: Book Two of the Visigoth Saga
Matilde’s General by Robert S. Phillips is a captivating sequel to Elodia’s Knife that delves into the tragic love life of Matilde, Elodia’s daughter. Set against the backdrop of historical events between 394 CE and 400 CE, the novel masterfully intertwines fiction with history, providing readers with a vivid portrayal of the era’s complexities. The story begins with Matilde, who, at the tender age of 11, falls in love with Gisalaric, a young warrior. However, her heart is shattered when Gisalaric dies in battle. Despite this loss, Matilde eventually finds love again with Ildefons, only to face another heartbreak when he is killed while delivering a crucial message to the Thessalians regarding Rufinus’ decree. This decree, which demanded the Goths be awarded one-third of the Thessalians’ land, sparked conflict, leading to the Goths’ victory and eventual settlement. The peace of the Goths is short-lived as General Stilicho’s actions force them to give up two hostages to the Roman Empire, one of whom is Matilde. While in captivity, Matilde discovers love and happiness once more, but her time as a hostage ultimately leaves her emotionally broken upon her return home.
Phillips skillfully uses Matilde’s story to highlight the low value placed on women in the Roman Empire. Despite her intelligence and wit, Matilde finds herself sidelined when Gainas, who once sought her counsel, rises to power. Her pregnancy serves as a stark reminder of the limited roles available to women during this time, reducing her from a trusted advisor to a figure treated according to societal expectations. While Matilde’s General is rooted in historical fiction, with Matilde as a fictional character, the wars and events depicted are based on real historical occurrences. This blend of fact and fiction not only enriches the narrative but also educates readers on the period. Readers familiar with Elodia’s Knife may notice similarities between the two novels. Both Elodia and Matilde find themselves in similar circumstances, taken as captives and developing relationships with powerful men who hold them. These parallels might make the story feel repetitive to those who have read the first book. Matilde’s General remains an engaging read, especially for those new to the series. Phillips provides ample background information, allowing readers who haven’t read Elodia’s Knife to easily follow the story and understand the context of events and characters.
Matilde’s General is a well-crafted historical novel that offers a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the harsh realities faced by women in the Roman Empire. While it may feel familiar to fans of Phillips’ earlier work, it stands on its own as an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0DBGNXVSY
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe: An Unsung Woman Hero
The Life of Lee Lye Hoe, by James A. Wolter, is a poignant and compelling fictional account that draws from real-life events, chronicling the life of Sister Amah, who is forced to leave her home in South Canton due to the ravages of war. The narrative follows her journey from being a small landowner of a prosperous farm to becoming a servant in a war-torn world. In this new, harsh environment, she discovers love and compassion through her bond with a small child, beginning a new chapter in her life. Lee Lye Hoe’s story is emblematic of the countless sisters and mothers who, fleeing from Japanese or English soldiers, sought refuge far from their homeland. Wolter skillfully presents her life story, from childhood to her transformation into a domestic helper, capturing the resilience and strength of women in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Wolter’s writing is both accessible and deeply engaging, making it difficult to put the book down once you begin. The narrative is driven by a strong, determined plot that captures the reader’s attention from the very start. The book opens with a heart-wrenching challenge faced by Lee Lye Hoe and her mother, immediately immersing the reader in their struggles. However, this is not just a tale of war and migration; it is the story of a woman’s resilience as she overcomes every obstacle life throws her way. Even when she had no obligation to do so, she devoted herself to helping others, showcasing the vast reservoir of compassion within her. This book captivated me entirely, holding me in its grip from beginning to end. It reminded me of Pachinko, a novel that similarly explores the plight of Korean-Japanese people during times of conflict. The Life of Lee Lye Hoe stands out as a powerful addition to the canon of literature that portrays the harrowing experiences of those displaced by war. Wolter’s portrayal of Cantonese society and the hardships endured by its people during these tumultuous times offers readers a vivid glimpse into a world upended by conflict.
I highly recommend The Life of Lee Lye Hoe to anyone interested in exploring the profound impact of war on individuals and societies. This book is not only a tribute to the resilience of women like Lee Lye Hoe but also a stark reminder that, in the end, it is always the common people who bear the brunt of war’s devastation.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DDR3X4ZS
Changing Your Destiny
Depression follows siblings during the Great Depression who leave home and move to New York City in hopes of a better future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from my fascination with history. Ever since I was 12 years old, I have been a history fanatic because it has always been an interesting subject to me. To me, it is nice to learn about how past events can affect our current moment in life. In terms of the Great Depression, I felt that it was always a major stepping stone in American history because of its global impact (Ex: World War 2).
What many people tend to forget or leave unnoticed is how the Great Depression impacted those in the southern states. Agriculture was failing so badly for farmers that they needed help from the government but it still wasn’t enough to save their agriculture business. I’ve been wanting to write a story around this idea for 12 years now, but never got around to it until now.
Wade and Ruby both take different paths once they reach the city, struggling in their own ways to figure out themselves and how to get by. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I believe the idea for Ruby and Wade was to show everyone how even though we want to achieve the same goal in life, we will still go on a different journey to get there. Sometimes it can be a good path or a dark path.
For Ruby, she was always the tough, strong-minded country girl who never wavered from anything and always protected her little brother. Getting to New York City was her way of finally realizing that there was more to life than farming and Wade. Her main thing was finally growing up and stepping out of her Mississippi bubble.
For Wade, even being the ambitious one and wanting a better life for himself and his sister, he quickly learns that dreaming about something is very different than experiencing something. His dreams meet reality which caused a huge character shift for him.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important thing that I want readers to take away from this book is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. We as humans and society have our troubling, depressing moments in life, so sometimes hope is all we need. Overall, If there is anything you can learn from Wade and Ruby’s journey is that you have the power to take a step towards changing your destiny.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes. We can expect a sequel to Depression. Ruby’s story is not finished just yet. I won’t spoil too much of the next book, but I will say that Ruby will now learn the true meaning of love, loss, and healing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Set in the rustic backdrop of rural Mississippi, our story follows Wade and Ruby, two siblings
who must grapple with a life of impoverishment. Wade and Ruby are introduced to the harsh
realities of life at a tender age, as they toil on their barren land, trying to salvage their father’s
dream agriculture business.
Their parents, trapped in dead-end jobs, paint a bleak picture of their future.
However, their narratives take a turn when the siblings decide to break free from the chains of
their circumstances. They aspire to redefine their destinies and escape the shackles of their
poverty-stricken existence by moving to the bustling, promise-filled streets of New York City:
“The City of Dreams.”
Their journey to New York City will be a transformative one for the siblings, as they will be
forced to step out of their comfort zone and experience a new life beyond the confines of their
old rural lifestyle.
Once Wade and Ruby reach the promised land, they are ready to embark on the next chapter in
their lives, but it won’t be easy.
To survive, Wade and Ruby must quickly learn to navigate through NYC’s cutthroat environment
while also facing the darkness of their family’s past mistakes in a place that can either catapult
them to their dreams or shatter them entirely.
Immerse yourself in a narrative that pushes the limits of emotion and suspense, as “Depression”
peels back the curtain on the darkness of life itself.
The Smiths’ journey will be filled with a whirlwind of emotions while offering you a compelling
narrative that will linger in your mind long after the final page is turned.
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze
An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze offers a poignant and insightful glimpse into the complexities of growing up during one of history’s most tumultuous times—World War II. The novel centers on Scotty Johannsen, a 15-year-old boy navigating the challenges of adolescence while the world around him is engulfed in chaos. Through Scotty’s eyes, we witness the trials of friendship, family dynamics, and the struggles of coming of age in a period marked by uncertainty and loss.
Despite its heavy themes, this book is surprisingly heartwarming and nostalgic. Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era. His writing captures the spirit of the time with a light touch, making the narrative both engaging and accessible, even as it tackles the profound effects of the war on those living in the United States. Richardson’s respectful and thoughtful portrayal of World War II and its impact on ordinary people, particularly teenagers, adds depth to the story. It’s fascinating to imagine how a typical teenager like Scotty managed to navigate such a complex and challenging environment. One of the novel’s greatest strengths is the author’s ability to depict this experience authentically and with sensitivity. The characters, especially the siblings Greta, Scotty, and Erik, are richly developed and integral to Scotty’s journey toward maturity. Their interactions, full of both tension and tenderness, are some of the most memorable moments in the book. The way they find ways to cope with their circumstances and grow closer as a family is both touching and realistic. The chapters are well-structured, and the writing is clear and compelling, making it difficult to put the book down.
If you’re looking for a reflective yet adventurous slice-of-life novel set against the backdrop of World War II, An Empty House Doesn’t Sneeze is the perfect choice. It’s a beautifully crafted story that will resonate with anyone interested in the impacts of history’s most challenging moments.
Pages: 356 | ASIN : B0D7JYK4MQ
UNTIL I HAVE NO MORE TO GIVE: A Hiram Robinett Novel of the Civil War
Until I Have No More to Give by Curt Robinette is a compelling work of historical fiction that brings to life the story of Hiram Robinette, a Union survivor of Gettysburg who later served in the Freedmen’s Bureau until his death in 1868. The novel offers a raw and honest portrayal of the Civil War and post-war America, effectively teaching, entertaining, and moving readers with the poignant tale of Hiram’s life.
Hiram Robinette is presented as a fully realized person with dreams, aspirations, and a deep sense of duty that drives him throughout his life. Curt Robinette’s skillful narrative makes the Civil War feel real, as he explores the inner conflicts of those who lived through it—questioning the righteousness of the war, grappling with its moral implications, and seeking the true meaning of good amid such turmoil. The novel underscores the complexity of the era, showing that while slavery was indeed a great evil, it was not the focal point for many who fought. By emphasizing the humanity at the core of this historical period, Curt Robinette has crafted a must-read for any Civil War scholar. As someone who has studied the Civil War extensively, I found Until I Have No More to Give to be a refreshing and insightful addition to the genre. Curt Robinette has a knack for capturing the complexity of the era through the eyes of a man who, despite his physical and emotional scars, continues to fight for what he believes is right. The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring importance of justice.
Until I Have No More to Give is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction that goes beyond the battlefield to explore the personal and social ramifications of the Civil War. It’s especially recommended for those who appreciate character-driven narratives with rich historical context. The novel’s emotional depth and historical insight make it a worthy addition to any Civil War enthusiast’s bookshelf.
Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0D7HN4614
LITERARY TITAN 