Blog Archives
Aspire to Educate
In Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming, a young girl sheds light on the inhumane treatment of slaves as she narrates the harsh realities of her family’s experience. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of my story is my love for African American History and God. I aspire to educate everyone a little about African American History while encouraging them to hold on to their faith amid their difficulties.
I enjoyed the depth of the main character Betsy. What was your process to bring that character to life?
My inspiration for bringing the main character Betsy to life was for the story of an enslaved family to be seen through the lenses of a young child and for it to be told from their perspective.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
My goal while writing this book was as my first book in this series was getting published, I was writing this book. I wanted to be done writing this book by the time my first book was published.
Can readers look forward to a third installment in the Joy in Sorrow series? Where will it take your characters?
Yes, I am currently writing the third book to the Joy in Sorrow series. My goal is for this book to be published by this time next year. My characters are on an adventurous journey to their final destination.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
This book will encourage you to have faith during your most difficult situation. It is an inspiring, entertaining, and educating book. It uplifts you with its Christianity foundation, as well as enlighten you a little about African-American history. Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming continues to exemplify the importance of having faith and not giving up
A Timeless Attraction
In A Timeless Attraction, E.T. McNamara crafts a compelling narrative that follows the resilient Molly Hannon as she embarks on a life-changing journey. Molly’s early life was fraught with hardship, marked by her father’s abandonment in infancy and her mother’s death when she was just sixteen. Now, as she takes on a new role as a history teacher in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Molly hopes for a fresh, more promising chapter in her life. Despite a recent breakup, Molly, an optimistic and independent young woman, immerses herself in the study of the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg. As the story unfolds, Molly begins experiencing vivid dreams that inexplicably transport her back to 1863.
McNamara’s novel transforms into a fascinating time-travel adventure, providing readers with a unique perspective as Molly navigates the challenges of living in a bygone era with the mindset and sensibilities of a modern woman. The novel shines in its portrayal of Molly’s character development. Her journey of self-discovery and adaptation to an unfamiliar time period is skillfully depicted. McNamara excels in world-building, vividly contrasting the past and present and demonstrating thorough research in the language and nuances of the era.
The novel’s romanticization of the wartime period adds an intriguing layer of complexity. The familiar trope of love blossoming amidst conflict is explored with a fresh perspective, offering readers a compelling blend of romance and historical tension. While this approach adds a unique charm to the narrative, I believe there remains an exciting opportunity for an even deeper exploration of the era’s complexities, which could further enrich the story and its characters. This aspect provides a dynamic foundation for future narratives to build upon, enhancing the richness and authenticity of historical romance.
A Timeless Attraction remains an engaging read. Molly’s character is a highlight, showcasing a strength and resilience that resonate throughout the novel. McNamara’s captivating storytelling and the evocative depiction of different periods make this book a worthwhile journey for fans of historical fiction and time travel.
Pages: 331 | ASIN : B0D4F119ZS
An Act of Goodness
Until The Stars Align is the story of three young Jewish girls, their daring escape from the horrors of Nazi Germany, and their lives with foster families in England. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been aware of the Kindertransport for years. I’ve always thought it was phenomenal that the British rescued 10,000 mostly Jewish children and started the program right after Kristallnacht, realizing what was coming. They let these kids into their country to live there safely, with foster families, away from the impending war. It knocks my socks off every time I think about it. What an act of goodness! Bravo, Britain!
So I came up with the idea of writing about a family impacted by the parents’ decision to send three children, cousins, to safety in England. Once there, the three are split up, and sent to live with different foster families, but they stay in touch and begin to adjust to their new lives. I also wanted to show what the biological parents were going through in Germany as they tried to arrange to emigrate. From all accounts, getting out of the Third Reich before the war started wasn’t easy.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I did quite a bit of research for it, as you can imagine! I’ve always been fascinated by the time period, so over the years I’d already read a massive amount of books about it, just out of curiosity. For this story, I read, and in one case re-read, true accounts of children who had been on the Kindertransport. I also consistently fact-checked every little detail that I could get my hands on regarding the time period in both England and Germany. I found out what train stations the transports left from, where they ultimately arrived, the way the children also had to ride ferry boats from Holland to England, how long the ferry took to get there in 1939 – everything like that. I also researched as many details as I could uncover about London during the Blitz, such as what it was like to take shelter from the bombs in the underground stations, how accidents increased during the blackout, or that sandbags lined a lot of the streets. I even found a website listing exactly when and where every bomb attack fell on London and referred to that before writing the part of the story where one of the foster families gets bombed out. I wanted to make this book as accurate a historical novel as possible.
But keep in mind, I’ve adored doing research since all the way back when I was a grammar school girl. For me, it becomes like a treasure hunt of sorts, looking for those elusive bits of information, and then, voila, finding them!
What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story?
I created a whole lot of characters for this book in order to show as many different sides of their various experiences as possible.
The three girls have suffered discrimination in Berlin and it’s taken a toll on them, suddenly they’re being sent away from there, but to live with whole new families. It starts off from there, and there’s also the situations happening with the parents left behind in Berlin, the kind foster parents, the English homefront, the Battle of Britain, and more. Above and beyond all else, there’s no mail service between England and Germany once the two countries go to war with one another, so the big pervasive question for these three resettled children in England is what’s going on with their relatives back home?
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve worked on a cozy mystery that will be available soon. It’s called There’s No Cure for Impossible. How’s that for a title? It’s about a young gal who learns the toxic friend she wrote off just kidnapped a baby. It was another fun one to write!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Blog | YouTube | Amazon
It’s June 1939. Three young Jewish girls, Rosi, her sister Anni, and their cousin Emilie, wait to board the Kindertransport train that will take them away from Nazi Germany, and a life of discrimination, to kind foster families in England. The parents hate to let them go, but realize it’s for their own good, and that it may just be their only chance of survival. When guarded Rosi arrives in London, she’s placed in the East End with a welcoming family of “Pearlies,” and begins to blossom into the happy young girl she was originally born to be, before the Nazis disrupted her world. Anni goes to live with upper-crust foster parents and their shy daughter, and Emilie with a newsagent and his wife. They like their new country and adore their “new parents,” but what has happened back home in Berlin to their “old” parents? By 1945, when there are still no answers, Rosi is determined to find out. Will the stars align to bring about a reunion or is it already too late?
Struggling to Survive
The Witch of the Breton Woods follows a woman who is part of the French Resistance who gives aid to an American soldier only to discover she has been betrayed and reported to the leader of a paramilitary organization affiliated with the Germans. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I love the region of Brittany and discovered that there were approximately 35,000 members of the French Resistance in this area of northern France during World War II. I also learned that many of the Allied planes flying American paratroopers into Normandy for the D Day landing were plagued by severe thunderstorms, gale force winds, and German 88mm antiaircraft flak artillery guns. I decided to write a novel where a young healer–a member of the French Resistance, struggling to survive under the Nazi Occupation of France– finds a critically injured soldier. She hides him from the Nazis and la Milice–the French paramilitary organization that collaborated with the Germans and betrayed their own countrymen.
How much research did you undertake for this book to ensure the accuracy of the historical aspects, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
I did extensive research! In selecting the regiment for my American paratrooper protagonist, I chose a division of parachute infantrymen, researching their military orders, uniforms, gear, insignia, obstacles encountered, and adaptive strategies undertaken once they were dropped into Normandy and forged their way into Brittany. I researched Operation Cobra, Operation Neptune, the building of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, the forced labor camps for Frenchmen under the Third Reich, the Battle of Brittany, and the specific details of the Battle of Saint-Malo, which is where my story culminates. I also researched the ranking of SS Officers, German tanks and artillery, and the Russian Cossack soldiers who were recruited by the Nazis to hunt down members of the French Resistance.
Do you have a favorite scene from your novel? One that was especially enjoyable to write?
One of the most memorable scenes was when Yvette sought “retribution.” I won’t say any more so as to not spoil the suspense for my readers.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently writing Dragon of Denmark, book 1 of a Viking trilogy set in 10th century Normandy. It takes place during the time of Richard the Fearless, the Viking Duke of Normandy, and Harald Bluetooth, the Viking King of Denmark and Norway. I’m integrating historical fiction, Norse mythology, paranormal fantasy, and Viking historical romance into an epic trilogy!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow: Homecoming
In Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow, Vonnetta Mayo tenderly reveals the brutal reality of slavery in America. With a sensitive yet compelling approach, Mayo crafts a narrative that highlights the innate human desire for freedom and the pivotal role of religion as a beacon of hope for those enduring desperate circumstances. The book is concise and accessible, aiming to shed light on the inhuman treatment faced by slaves. Central to the story is Betsy, a cheerful young girl who shares her days with her three brothers, her mother, and her mother’s three friends. Despite the harsh realities of their existence, the children find solace and distraction in each other’s company, while the adults toil under oppressive and abusive conditions on a plantation. Through unwavering faith and constant prayer, they cling to hope, trusting in God’s plan and longing for the day they will be free.
Mayo’s straightforward and easy-to-read prose draws readers into the daily lives of the plantation’s inhabitants. Each chapter lays bare the grueling labor and the systemic oppression they endure. As the narrative unfolds, readers are gripped by a sense of foreboding about the future of these individuals, yet the innocence and resilience of the children provide a glimmer of hope. This hope is sustained by the recurring theme of prayer, imbuing the story with a sense of faith that persists even in the bleakest of situations. The structure of the book reinforces the monotony and inescapability of the slaves’ routine, characterized by scarce resources and distant dreams of freedom. Despite these harsh conditions, what unites and sustains this small community is their unwavering faith in God. The narrative invites readers to ponder whether their fervent prayers will ever be answered, and whether they will finally attain the freedom they so ardently seek.
Joy in Sorrow, Hope for Tomorrow stands as a moving short story that humanizes the experiences of those subjected to the atrocities of slavery, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and spirit of Black communities. Mayo brings to light the harsh truths of American history, while also revealing the profound beauty found in family, hope, faith, and religion. This book not only illuminates the past but also underscores the enduring power of faith and the unbreakable spirit of those who, despite facing unimaginable hardships, continued to dream of a better tomorrow.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B09VWR3S4K
Aftermath Boy
Aftermath Boy, by Robert E. Honig, is a poignant narrative centered on Billy Cohen, the sole offspring of Holocaust survivors Rozsa and Bertie Cohen. The novel intricately explores Billy’s complex identity as a Son of Holocaust Survivors, which profoundly influences his life decisions and his understanding of Jewish identity in America amidst a backdrop of persistent antisemitism. His fervent critiques of the government and a fleeting association with the Communist Labor Party lead to strained family ties and draw unwanted attention from the FBI. As tension escalates, Billy is accused of tampering with the ballot boxes during the 2024 Presidential Election, culminating in a trial that challenges his freedom and ideals.
Honig masterfully interweaves the narrative of Billy’s mother, Rozsa, offering a harrowing glimpse into her past. The book recounts her youth in Budapest, the forced displacement from her home, and the grim ordeal of the Vienna Death March leading to forced labor in Dachau. Her eventual escape and arduous journey to America provide a stark contrast to Billy’s modern struggles, linking past and present through shared experiences of trauma and resilience. The novel emphasizes the universal human condition, illustrating that despite differing times and unique challenges, fundamental experiences of love, grief, adversity, and triumph bind us all. Honig’s analysis of how the past reverberates into the present is both compelling and insightful, making this book a moving exploration of historical and contemporary themes.
The dual-narrative structure is executed with remarkable skill, seamlessly transporting readers between different eras. The novel’s fluid transitions between current events, such as the tumultuous recent U.S. election, and vivid historical recountings are both engaging and relevant. The meticulously researched historical segments authentically convey the brutal realities of the Holocaust, bringing to life the stark horrors faced by survivors.
While the book’s mature themes may not be suitable for younger readers, Aftermath Boy will captivate adults, particularly those with an interest in historical fiction centered on the Holocaust. Honig’s storytelling provides a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on how history continues to shape contemporary identity and society.
Pages: 383 | ASIN : B0CYLS5PXL
Until the Stars Align
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s Until The Stars Align is a captivating and heartwrenching novel that transports readers to the turbulent era of June 1939. The story follows three young Jewish girls—Rosi, her sister Anni, and their cousin Emilie—on their courageous journey aboard the Kindertransport to England, escaping the looming horrors of Nazi Germany.
Quinn’s storytelling prowess shines through as she delves into the emotional depth and resilience of her youthful protagonists. Rosi’s transformation from a guarded child into a joyous young girl, thanks to the warmth and kindness of her foster family in London’s East End, is particularly moving. Anni and Emilie’s contrasting experiences with their respective foster families further enrich the narrative, illustrating the diverse and complex lives of refugees during this dark period in history. The author excels in bringing her characters to life through vivid and realistic imagery. Each character’s portrayal is intricately detailed, making their journeys both relatable and profoundly moving.
Quinn’s depiction of Nazi Germany’s oppressive atmosphere, with its haunting images of deserted streets and ominous shadows, contrasts sharply with the sense of refuge and renewal in England, enveloping readers in the historical context and making the characters’ experiences deeply tangible. The narrative’s emotional resonance is heightened by Quinn’s sensitive and nuanced approach to the characters’ struggles and triumphs. The pacing, though occasionally deliberate, adds to the depth and authenticity of the storytelling, maintaining a gripping and emotionally charged momentum throughout.
Until The Stars Align is a testament to Quinn’s remarkable ability to craft a story that is both compelling and uplifting. The book offers a powerful and touching tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity, capturing the essence of hope and survival amidst despair. Quinn’s masterful storytelling and rich, immersive world-building make this novel an unforgettable reading experience, leaving readers both moved and inspired.
Pages: 205 | ASIN : B0D62DRJZS
The Witch of the Breton Woods
In The Witch of Breton Woods, Jennifer Ivy Walker transports readers to the closing days of World War II, weaving a tale of resilience, danger, and unexpected romance. The novel follows Yvette, who, despite living alone in the Breton woods, becomes a crucial part of the French resistance led by her brother, les Loups’ leader. With her family’s brutal death at the hands of the Nazis fueling her resolve, Yvette refuses to let the war be confined to the front lines. Her resolve intensifies when she finds herself tending to a handsome American soldier whose plane has been shot down, making the conflict deeply personal as the Allies advance towards Normandy and the Nazis grow increasingly desperate.
Walker masterfully blends the serene beauty of the French countryside with the ever-present threat of the Nazi regime, creating a subtly unnerving atmosphere even in seemingly idyllic settings. The tension escalates when Yvette decides to shelter the injured American soldier, heightening the stakes and adding layers to the narrative. Despite the palpable tension, the novel skillfully manages to maintain a sense of hope and resilience for Yvette, les Loups, and their allies. Each crisis presents a timely and resourceful solution, keeping the story focused on the anticipation of the next challenge rather than dwelling on immediate danger. This approach allows the antagonists to cast a looming shadow over the narrative, adding a suspenseful undercurrent that enhances the readers’ engagement without overwhelming them with despair.
While the romance between Yvette and the American soldier is a central theme, I feel it occasionally overshadows other aspects of the story. The predictable nature of their relationship and the extensive focus on their romance detract somewhat from Yvette’s otherwise compelling character. Her journey from a strong, resourceful woman into a romantic plot device feels like a missed opportunity to explore her rich background and the fascinating dynamics of the resistance movement.
The novel excels in showcasing Yvette’s ingenuity and survival skills. Her ability to barter, grow, and create resources not only for herself but also for les Loups highlights her determination and cleverness. The resistance efforts depicted in the story are captivating, and readers may find themselves wishing for a deeper dive into these elements.
The Witch of Breton Woods captivates with its atmospheric setting and the intriguing premise of a solitary woman’s contribution to the resistance. The novel’s strengths lie in Yvette’s resilience and the tension that permeates her world. Walker offers a blend of historical intrigue and personal struggle, making it an engaging read for those interested in the complexities of war and the unexpected paths of love and survival.
Pages: 184 | ASIN : B0D3MDHMJ2
LITERARY TITAN 