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The Coffee Traveler
The Coffee Traveler, the debut novel by Tony Salles, is an exceptional read for fans of historical fiction and coffee aficionados. It narrates the story of a boy’s transformative journey in search of the perfect coffee, set against the rich tapestry of history. Kauê, a young boy from the Amazon rainforest’s Tupi Guarani tribe, discovers bright red cherries that his peers warn are poisonous. In an act of defiance, he tastes one and uncovers coffee, setting him off on a life-changing journey intertwined with the true historical tale of Lieutenant Palheta. Palheta, a Creole of Portuguese descent, introduces coffee to Brazil through a secret romance and daring mission. As Kauê matures, he grapples with balancing his Indigenous heritage with the encroaching modern world, facing love, danger, and moral dilemmas along the way. His story delves into themes of identity, cultural heritage, and personal growth, set against the backdrop of coffee’s global journey.
The novel isn’t always lighthearted but rarely feels heavy-handed. Salles masterfully explores these themes through the history of coffee, presenting a nuanced narrative. At times, it reads like a traditional coming-of-age story with a cultural twist, as Kauê transitions from a naive boy to a mature adult, navigating love, deceit, and the shadows of murder. The plot is full of suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Kauê’s unique position, straddling two worlds, forces him to navigate treacherous alliances and face adversaries more worldly than himself. Each decision carries significant consequences, with constant twists and turns adding to the excitement.
Character development in The Coffee Traveler is outstanding. Kauê’s personal growth is closely tied to his cultural identity, symbolized by his ancestral tattoos and the lessons learned in the Amazon. His relationship with Caíque, the tribal elder, is particularly touching, serving as his spiritual and emotional anchor. Other characters are equally well-developed. Nick, a narcissist, provides dark humor, while Alejandra, more than just a love interest, reveals layers of complexity. Her emotional armor gradually falls away after meeting Kauê, adding depth to the narrative. These morally complex characters complement Kauê’s earnestness and naivety, enriching the story.
The Coffee Traveler comes highly recommended. While it explores some dark themes, it remains engaging and handles them with sensitivity. Kauê is a lovable protagonist, and following his journey has been a joy. This novel is a must-read for anyone interested in a beautifully crafted tale of growth, heritage, and the enduring allure of coffee.
The Wages of Kin
In The Wages of Kin by C.J. Caughman, readers are introduced to Adelaide Battier, a widow left in the wake of her revered naval officer husband’s untimely demise. Suddenly, she is catapulted into a labyrinth of peril and conspiracy, with The Assembly—a formidable group with veiled intentions—at its center. As Adelaide delves deeper, she unravels the intricacies of the Cannon Fire Plot, a subversive plan conceived by her late husband intended to upend societal norms. With her and her children’s lives on the line, being ensnared in the aftermath of her husband’s controversial actions presents a palpable threat.
Set against a backdrop evoking the Colonial era, The Wages of Kin masterfully skirts the borders of genres. It’s not merely historical fiction; Caughman’s crafted world is peppered with elements of fantasy, action-adventure, and even echoes of seafaring tales reminiscent of Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterpieces like Treasure Island and Kidnapped.
The heart of this novel lies in Adelaide Battier’s unyielding spirit and profound love for her children. As the layers of her husband’s secrets unfold, it becomes evident that his choices, however clandestine, were grounded in nobility. Adelaide’s maternal grit and determination become her guiding compass as she navigates the treacherous waters of political intrigue.
C.J. Caughman exhibits skill in character development, particularly in breathing life into the members of the Battier family. As the story unfurls, revealing the sinister depths of The Assembly, readers will inevitably find themselves rooting for Adelaide and her kin to triumph over the malevolent forces at play. This compelling read enthralls, captivates, and leaves a lasting imprint.
Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0DBGKSNNH
Human Are Not Predictable
Hall of Deception follows a young woman who finds her life in danger after she accepts a job as a tutor at a mansion and becomes intrigued with the handsome and mysterious owner. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my favorite stories is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The story inspired me to write a novel about a young woman whose favorite book was also Jane Eyre. She carried it around with her. A bit obsessive, she wants to leave her humdrum life for a more glamorous environment.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes! I had the most fun writing this book. In fact, this book opened the door to my first series.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Humans are not predictable. When we find ourselves in a completely new situation, we surprise even ourselves by what we will think and feel and presents a writer with great plot twists.
Can readers look forward to seeing more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Absolutely. My upcoming new release October 17, 2024, Sea of Doubt: Can You Ever Escape Your Secrets, is the sequel to Hall of Deception Book 1, and is Book 2 of The Roth Saga. And, I’m working now on Book 3 with more from the Roth family. Plus there is a prequel also in the works.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In 1953, Dee Danes, an orphan raised by her spiteful cousin, is inexperienced in love and desperately wants to fit in. She takes a job tutoring a little girl at a mansion, secretly fantasizing about romance with the owner, just like her beloved heroine Jane Eyre.
The strikingly handsome and wealthy owner of Rothmorton Hall, Hugh Roth, appears to enjoy embarrassing her and Dee worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Mystery surrounds the other staff and Hugh, particularly the ex-wife everyone is forbidden to discuss.
Shocking truths about Hugh are exposed and Dee struggles to accept the lies and deceptions questioning the man he truly is. When frightening attempts on Hugh’s life and other strange incidents occur, Dee fears for the lives of those she’s come to care for-and perhaps even her own.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Abbey’s Road by Danna Schweitzer
eMortal by Steve Schafer
The Third Estate Secrets of the Manor by D. R. Berlin
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary TItan Silver Book Award August 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Sunscreen Shower by JP Rieger
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Stonechild
In a London that crackles with hidden magic, young Molly Hargreaves stumbles upon a world where statues of historical icons come to life. These awakened figures deliver mesmerizing performances and cryptic messages, presenting an enticing mystery. As the city’s residents revel in this new phenomenon and the authorities scramble to suppress it, Molly embarks on a thrilling quest across the city to uncover the statues’ secrets. What profound truths will she unveil in her pursuit, and how will they change her life forever?
Stonechild, by Kevin Albin, is a masterfully crafted audiobook that seamlessly weaves together the richness of history and the profound messages of life’s journey. From the very first chapter, Albin captivates listeners by introducing central “figures” whose stories unfold with a blend of familiarity and mystique, setting the stage for an unforgettable narrative. The plot unfolds with a delicate balance of suspense and revelation, punctuated by moments of humor that make the narrative easily digestible despite the wealth of information presented. The characters in the book resonate with remarkable depth and authenticity, each one intricately developed to draw readers into their world. Among these compelling characters, Molly stands out. As a teenager with a profound sense of purpose, her thoughts and actions strike a chord with the audience. Molly’s extraordinary upbringing, rooted in a family of travelers, has endowed her with an out-of-the-box mindset that is both lovable and endlessly fascinating. Her perspective on life, shaped by diverse experiences and a constant quest for meaning, adds a unique and refreshing dimension to the story. Molly’s journey is not just a path she walks but a testament to the transformative power of seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and intention. The main message masterfully straddles the line between the expected and the unexpected, delivering a revelation that made me laugh at its surprising clarity while simultaneously driving home its profound significance. This duality underscores how easily such crucial insights can be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life, yet how imperative it is to keep them in mind. The narrative delves deep into a web of themes that resonate with our very existence, unlocking key reflections on identity, legacy, and the passage of time. Each chapter peels back another layer, inviting readers to ponder their own lives and the symbols that populate them.
Each chapter offers new layers of intrigue, compelling one to ponder the interconnectedness of past and present, fiction and reality. Stonechild isn’t just a book—it’s an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter is done, leaving one eager to explore the nuanced messages woven throughout its narrative.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B08B5FSNST
Tap Your Emotions & Write Sincerely
Matson’s Case No.2 follows a detective leading the investigation of five complex murder cases who discovers a government coverup operation in the process. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Reading about Operation Paper Clip and how the United States government brought many German scientists, Nazi intelligence officers, and members of death camp personnel here. This open door policy also was extended to members of Unit 731, the Imperial Japanese Army’s biological weapons unit. I used my character, Robert Matson, to peel back the layers of this onion. In the process, Matson reveals how the Agriculture Lab off the coast of Lyme, Connecticut, became the epicenter for Lyme’s disease and other infectious diseases that have been diagnosed in this area. Members of the U. S. Senate were informed about the tick colony at this facility and how the insects had escaped, but they took no action. Lab leaks do not happen only in China.
With so many emotionally impactful scenes in your book, what was your hardest scene to write and why?
The death of Bumpy Johnson was hard to write, because I wanted to open with an event that was significant for Matson because Bumpy, although a criminal, had been helpful in starting Matson’s career on the police force. I wanted to make sure that the scene was very accurate in terms of location, who was there, and what Matson’s emotions as he saw his friend die in front of him. It also reminded me of witnessing my first death and how I felt seeing a patient alive only a few hours earlier and then at autopsy.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write about things that move you. Don’t think about financial gain, because if that is your primary focus, you will never write anything worthwhile. Tap your emotions. Write sincerely about your at experiences: the loss of a loved one, the birth of a child, the anger at being betrayed, the fear when facing danger. Be a good observer of life. Describe people, places, and objects. Put the reader in those places. Think about what would make you turn the page.
What types of questions do you ask yourself when planning a new book?
What is your interest in the particular story you want to tell? Who are your characters? Who are they before they show up in your story? Each character has a life. He or she breathes, eats, loves, and hates. How do you write these things so that your reader will find your story worthwhile to read? While I do not outline a story in advance of writing it, many writers prefer to do that. Whatever works best for you. I also have no idea how many pages I will need to write to tell my story. I let my characters dictate what happened, where they’re going, and what happens next and in the long run. Do not keep writing after you finish telling your story just to add more pages. It’s not the length of a book that counts; it’s the quality of the writing on whatever pages it takes to tell the story.
What are you in the middle of writing now?
I am writing a series about a family during the Spanish Reconquista from about 1230 to 1492. This three-part historical novel deals with the politics, intrigue, war, family life, and heartaches of noblemen and women trying to survive.
Author Links: GoodReads
In their investigation into the three murders, all revealing ties with Hitler, the two cops go to the FDA’s animal research facility, site of the three murdered men’s work on biological warfare off Lyme, Connecticut, namesake for Lyme disease.
Who murdered whom becomes a twisted riddle of love and covert operations—and protection of government secrets. Will the truth ever be known? Matson and Smith, in their search for the answer, venture off to the FDA’s Animal research facility, site of the three Nazi scientists’ work on bacteriological warfare off Lyme, Connecticut.
In the familiar sub-plot to the Matson series, he continues to advance in the police ranks, despite ongoing discrimination during the pre-Civil Rights era of the late 1950s. Sissy, Matson’s wife, begins her education in earnest toward becoming a highly respected psychologist.
Find the Courage to Keep Going
Big Love and War Horse follows a family in North Carolina at the start of WWII who struggle to heal from the death of their wife and mother and the secrets that have been kept hidden. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We all have family stories we hear growing up. When we share them with others we gain new understandings and form new connections. I began writing Big Love and War Horse in 2015. Life has a way of happening though, and I could not work on my manuscript consistently. This delay benefited me greatly. As time went on I found more and more inspiration from hearing new family histories, and from the historical research I did for my book. With each bit I learned, the story naturally grew.
Although Big Love and War Horse is a work of fiction, many of the characters and stories within the book are loosely based on my family’s history. I will say the original inspiration for the novel was the death of my grandmother. She sadly took her own life when I was very young. All of us have experienced loss and grief during tumultuous times. I wanted to share the emotions of a broken family surviving the same adversities many of us face today. No matter where a person is from, or who they are, there will be moments in life where they need to find the courage to keep going.
What inspired and guided your thinking in telling this family’s story through the eyes of their beloved dogs, and how did you get into the mindset to do this?
Sometimes I think no one knows you like your pets do. Anyone who has a dog can tell you about the unconditional love their furry friend has for them. For a lot of us, our dogs are with us during some of our most vulnerable moments. They witness us in private when no one else is around. I truly believe they share our joy and empathize with our pain. Although she has passed now, my Great Pyrenees, Big Love, was always a comfort to me. My Doberman, War Horse, is still always at my side. I have often wondered what my dogs are thinking as they experience life with me. I think a lot of people wonder about that. It seemed only fitting to add the dogs’ perspectives. I felt telling parts of the story through the eyes of Big Love and War Horse added a level of intimacy and understanding that we would not otherwise have.
As for getting into the mindset to write from the dogs’ perspectives, it wasn’t much different than developing my other characters. That may sound funny, but I had to imagine what it would be like if I were a dog. I live on a small farm, so I spend much of my time surrounded by animals. I actually have six dogs. All of them have very different personalities. I spent time observing each of them and learning to understand their behaviors.
Writing from Big Love and War Horse’s perspective was one of my favorite parts of writing this novel. Even during the heaviest moments in the book, I found writing from the dogs’ perspectives refreshing. A dog’s actions are based solely on survival, loyalty, and love. They have the freedom to be who they are with an unbridled spirit.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
All of us in some way have felt the impact of war, financial crisis, racial injustice, or the loss of a loved one, just as the Deacon family does in the novel. I wanted to write a story reminding us of the strength of family bonds and the unwavering friendships that lift us up in our darkest moments. There were many themes I explored and touched upon as I wrote. Jonas and Kay coming of age through tragedy, Luke questioning his self-worth and morals, Linnie weighing what is good versus evil as she tries to find her place in the world, and of course, the unconditional love and loyalty of Big Love and War Horse were just a few themes I felt were important. Most of all, I hoped my novel would be a story of love, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity, where justice and redemption give the readers hope.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I spend a lot of my time writing. I love to explore new genres, and I always let my creativity take me where it wants to. I have several children’s picture books written that I am hoping to publish. I have three novel ideas I am outlining and researching for future projects. Currently, I am working on two different manuscripts. The first is a children’s chapter book that tells the fictitious life story of a crow. However, my main focus is on a novel I am co-authoring with my husband. The genre is contemporary literary fiction. This next book will be a comedy. Be prepared to laugh as much as you probably cried while reading Big Love and War Horse. I am uncertain when my next book will be available, but be on the lookout for The Summer Beard.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website
Abandoned by their father, Luke, after the sudden death of their mother, fifteen-year-old Jonas and his younger sister Kay are coming of age in a world shrouded in secrecy and uncertainty. Luke’s sister Linnie steps in to help mend the broken family, but haunted by her own hidden truths, her life is shattered by the past.
Through the intimate perspectives of the Deacon family and their dogs, this intricately woven tale of tragedy and love reminds us of the power of the human spirit to rise above seemingly impossible circumstances.
LITERARY TITAN 