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Literary Titan Silver Book Awards February 2024
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their masterful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. Explore a universe of boundless creativity, recognizing 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 writers 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
Late Bloomer, Late Bloomer, Late Bloomer by James Young
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Taste of Light
The Taste of Light, by Giovanna Siniscalchi, is the second book in the Winemakers series, set in Portugal in 1872. Miss Anne Maxwell is a young English lady living with her brother’s family at a vineyard in the Douro Valley. When she visits a neighboring vineyard on an errand for her sister-in-law, the vineyard’s owner mistakes her identity. But before she can correct the misunderstanding with Pedro Daun, the Count of Almoster, the pair comes under attack when an evil man from Pedro’s past ambushes him in his home. They are forced to flee together and soon uncover a complicated conspiracy to frame Pedro for an attempt against the king’s life. Working together, can Anne and Pedro succeed in clearing his name?
I enjoyed reading this historical romance story. The author had a way of describing the sights, sounds, and scents of the historical scenes that allowed me to picture it vividly and imagine myself there in the main character’s place. I liked the element of adventure in this story when Anne and Pedro are running from his foe, the slave trader João Ulrich, trying to thwart the plot against Pedro and working to prove his innocence, not knowing who he can trust. They follow a trail of clues to discover the truth of what really happened when the king’s life was threatened and Pedro’s friend was killed. I liked reading about the various Portuguese locations that were visited throughout the book. I enjoyed reading the first and second books in this series and look forward to reading the next book, The Truth About Myths.
I felt a couple of things could have enhanced the reading experience. There were some things hinted at about past events at the start of the story, which were not fully revealed until near the end, but I felt these details should have been shared with the reader sooner. This book is a part of the Winemakers series; however, the vineyard location and wine-making only played a minimal role in the overall story.
The Taste of Light is an exciting historical romance story that takes readers on an adventure around Portugal. With vivid and detailed descriptions of the landscapes, readers will be transported back in time to this fantastic setting. Following the clues and solving the mystery at hand with romance building in each chapter will have readers hooked and turning the pages to see what happens to them next.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B0BMMBJD4B
The Girl in the Rain
The Girl in the Rain: The Epic Forgotten marks J. Christopher Wickham’s inaugural foray into the literary world as part of his The Epic Forgotten series. This novel skillfully entwines elements of historical fiction, mystery, romance, and fantasy, crafting a distinctive narrative that stands out in these well-loved genres. Wickham introduces us to Gwenn Chapel, a recent widow grappling with the loss of her husband and his fixation on a seemingly mythical “Girl in the Rain.” The discovery of her husband’s journal, replete with references to the Third Crusade and this enigmatic woman, sets Chapel on a journey of discovery. She joins forces with her husband’s former mentor, Dr. Campbell, and his former best friend, the charismatic conman Jeremy Connelly, embarking on a quest to unravel a tantalizing mystery. The task proves daunting as Chapel quickly learns she is not the only one intrigued by the journal and its secrets. Her quest forces her to reevaluate everything she believes about her husband, her beliefs, and herself, uncovering a conspiracy that others are desperate to keep hidden.
While superficially reminiscent of “The Da Vinci Code,” “The Girl in the Rain” delves deeper, particularly in its character development. Wickham portrays Gwenn Chapel with a nuanced touch, capturing her grief and resilience in an authentic and compelling manner. She emerges as a character who is vulnerable yet strong, offering a relatable window into the themes of loss and recovery. The narrative itself is a complex tapestry, seamlessly blending historical and fictional elements. Wickham’s skillful navigation between different timelines and realms of reality adds a psychological dimension to the story, inviting readers to question their perceptions alongside the characters. The historical aspects of the novel are particularly commendable, reflecting a thorough research and understanding of the era.
The Girl in the Rain is a multifaceted novel that explores themes ranging from the intricacies of love and loss to the nature of friendship and the questioning of reality. It is a substantial read that will likely resonate with historical fiction enthusiasts. As the first book of a promising series, it sets a high bar, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment.
Pages: 588 | ISBN : 1501036572
Anna’s Shadow
In Anna’s Shadow, by Ingrid McCarthy, readers are introduced to Sofia Rossi, an orthopedic surgeon working with Doctors Without Borders. Originally from Montreal, Sofia’s life takes a turn when she moves to Verona to care for her ailing aunt. The narrative deepens with the arrival of a letter from Luke Miller, a retired German soldier, expressing his longing to reunite with Anna Bissoli, a woman he met years ago. Sofia, no stranger to heartbreak herself, finds her personal struggles intertwined with Luke’s quest.
McCarthy crafts a tale that is not just about the search for Anna but also explores the complexities of love and familial expectations. Sofia’s mother’s pressure for her to marry adds another layer to the story, creating a relatable dilemma. The character of Luke Miller is particularly striking, with his enduring love for Anna creating a poignant depth in the narrative. One of the novel’s highlights is its rich cultural tapestry. McCarthy skillfully weaves Italian phrases and expressions throughout the story, enhancing the authenticity of the setting and characters. Readers will find themselves engaged in the depiction of familial dynamics, particularly the drama surrounding Sofia’s mother. The novel also delves into a budding romance between Luke’s son, Romeo, and Sofia, which provides an intriguing twist to the storyline. As a romance novel enthusiast, I found the development of their relationship, along with the inclusion of love letters and romantic moments, particularly captivating.
Anna’s Shadow stands out for its vivid imagery and compelling setting, particularly appealing to readers who appreciate narratives set in the 20th century. Ingrid McCarthy’s writing style is both engaging and evocative, making her a noteworthy addition to my list of favored romance authors. This book is a testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of human relationships, making it a worthy read for those who cherish a well-rounded love story.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0CKMCLGZH
There Are No Absolutes in Human Behavior
A Winter Gathering is a collection of historical fiction short stories focusing on the duality of human nature, showing readers the depth of good and evil that resides among us. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
I reject the idea that there are absolutes in human behavior and instead believe that a person’s surroundings and life experiences shape who they are. I therefore make it a point to probe deeper and attempt to illuminate the motivations behind people’s actions. In both my writing and actual life, I do that. When I published my first novel, “Winter Pale”, I noticed in posts, reviews, etc., that several characters were being misinterpreted. So I began writing brief snippets of their narratives, and that gradually expanded, as more ‘small’ characters from “Winter Pale” surfaced with a desire to share their stories.
What draws you to the WWII time period and makes it so appealing for you to write your collection in this period?
Ever since I was a teenager and began reading classic literature, I have been captivated by stories that take place in a set of war. From “War and Peace” to “For whom the bell tolls”, and from “Gone with the Wind” to “All Quiet on the western front”, I saw how conflict impacted people’s otherwise typical lives and their rather common desires for love, happiness, acceptance or power. WWII is the period of such massive conflict closest to my generation, so it is something I can relate to, and there are many historical sources from which to gather information, but there are also quite a few oversimplified and clichéd interpretations for why this war happened and what was ‘good’ and ‘evil’ about it. For a writer like me, it is literally like a jar of honey. Anything from alternate history to romance, military action, espionage, resistance, even fantasy and science fiction, can be written about WWII. It’s a huge chapter in history.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Most of my works, including this collection, are centered around two main concepts. First of all, that there is rarely just black or white in what people do. For anyone who cares to look a little deeper, there will always be an explanation for one’s attitudes and behaviour. That doesn’t mean, of course, that evil is acceptable, only that it can be understood. When we understand something, perhaps there is a way to prevent it from happening again. Secondly, that it is universal human nature to desire love, acceptance, recognition, and the freedom to develop to the fullest extent possible. Understanding this basic idea helps tolerate others who are different from us. And greater tolerance means less conflict.
Will there be more books in this series? If so, when will it be available?
“A winter gathering” is already Book 3 in the ‘Winter Pale’ series. The first book is “Winter Pale”, a full length novel set in occupied Paris, about a young British woman’s struggle for strength, love and acceptance through her conflicting relationship with a French Resistance fighter and a German SS-major. The second book, “A sad Chopin waltz”, is a short story where Winter illustrates the healing power of music and friendship by recounting the tragic story of Louis, the pianist of ‘The Golden Doe’ club, and one of my favourite minor characters in “Winter Pale”. Book 4 of the “Winter Pale” series is currently on the works. It will transport the protagonist to post-World War II Berlin to settle some old scores with Erhard Blut, the former Gestapo interrogator, and Karl Freier, the SS-major’s childhood friend, both of whom have played an important role in “Winter Pale”. We’ve also been able to glimpse into critical moments of these characters’ past in “A winter gathering”, and even more revelations will come in the next book. It should be expected no sooner than the end of this year or even early next, as there is a great deal of “homework” to be done on the historical accuracy of this story’s background—something to which I am fully committed. Finally, since Louis has grown to be so close to my heart, there will undoubtedly be more on his heartbreaking and thrilling tale of bravery, love, and hope in the future.
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Meet Erhard Blut, long before he transformed into a formidable Gestapo interrogator, and bear witness to Georgette’s devastating journey from a loving sister to a traitor fuelled by deep-rooted hatred. Uncover the profound love that forever imprinted Louis’s heart and unlock the hidden secret harboured by Klaus Molnich. In a heartfelt and introspective letter, Oberstleutnant von H. bares his last thoughts to Winter, while Aunt Martha reflects on her desire for an ever-lasting reunion with her beloved, Johann.
Twelve characters with little space but huge impact in the award-winning Historical novel ‘Winter Pale’ share their sweet and unkind, heart-warming and upsetting, mellow and spicy tales in this short stories collection of good and evil, light and darkness, that will thrill lovers of anthologies like the Fall of Poppies and Frozen in Time, as well as readers who enjoy character-driven plots with the ambience of 1930s and WWII London, Paris, and Berlin. Their tales can be enjoyed independently as a set of heartrending vignettes but will be better appreciated if read together with the previous two books in the series.
Only The Dead (Know the End of War)
Only the Dead, authored by Jan Notzon, presents a compelling narrative set amidst the tumult of a revolutionary movement, exploring the intricate ethical dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the throes of societal upheaval. The story orbits around José Necahuatl, a character whose allegiance to Father Hidalgo is juxtaposed against his apprehensions about the uprising’s violent nature. This central conflict serves as a lens to examine the broader implications of war on personal ethics and societal norms.
Through characters such as José Nicolás de Cos de la Portilla, the novel delves into the psychological impact of conflict, showcasing the internal strife and emotional complexity inherent in times of war. The narrative is further enriched by the experiences of Miss Luz and Mr. Macalister, who confront the stark realities of life during such turbulent times. Particularly moving is Miss Luz’s ordeal of captivity and torture at the hands of the Comanches, a storyline that poignantly captures the dehumanizing effects of prolonged warfare. Notzon skillfully weaves these personal stories into the broader tapestry of a community in reconstruction. The struggles faced by José Necahuatl in the Bajío region post-rebellion mirror the broader challenges encountered by a community in the throes of rebuilding. Alongside Señor Tomás and other characters, the narrative navigates a path marked by uncertainty, shared histories, and the collective effort to overcome the aftermath of conflict. Incorporating elements of threat, tragedy, and a perilous journey to escape persecution, the novel embeds these experiences within the fabric of the characters’ lives. As the plot unfolds, the characters face moral dilemmas, unexpected acts of kindness, and the harsh realities of life post-war, drawing the reader deeper into their personal journeys.
Only the Dead paints a vivid portrait of a community undergoing significant change. By balancing the personal struggles of its characters against the historical backdrop, the novel offers an intimate glimpse into the impact of war and revolution on individual lives and moral decisions. This interplay between historical events and personal narratives renders the story engaging and thought-provoking, providing a unique perspective on a pivotal historical period.
Page 298 | ASIN : B09SLZV429
Poetic Justice
In the dwindling twilight of Roman dominion, Poetic Justice by Fiona Forsyth transports readers to Tomis, a remote outpost at the Empire’s edge, where the esteemed poet Ovid finds himself in exile. Initially dismissive of the locals as mere barbarians, Ovid’s attention swiftly shifts to a more sinister matter: a series of ritualistic murders, eerily escalating from animal to human sacrifices. As the macabre acts begin to mirror the unsettling themes of Ovid’s own verses, he forms an unlikely partnership with Marcus Avitius, the Governor’s advisor, in a bid to unravel the mystery. Together, they delve into the dark underbelly of Tomis, seeking to expose the chilling truth behind the violence.
As the inaugural installment of the Publius Ovidius Mysteries, Forsyth’s novel is an ambitious foray into historical fiction, ingeniously casting the ancient Roman poet Ovid as a central figure in a gripping murder mystery. Against the odds, the narrative captivates with its richly woven tapestry of historical intrigue and literary imagination. Forsyth demonstrates a profound command over the era, bringing Roman life’s societal and political nuances into sharp relief, thus enabling readers to immerse themselves fully in the period.
The depiction of Ovid and Avitius stands out, with both characters meticulously crafted and offering a compelling dynamic. They are supported by a cast of vividly drawn figures, each contributing to the unfolding drama and deepening our understanding of Roman society. Forsyth’s narrative prowess shines through in every element of the book, from the authentic dialogue and well-measured pacing to the underlying tension that simmers throughout, hinting at the lurking dangers in the shadows of Tomis.
Forsyth’s work is a testament to the power of historical fiction, demonstrating an ability to educate about a bygone era and entertain and engage through a story that is as thrilling as it is unlikely. Poetic Justice is a testament to the genre, proving that with enough skill and creativity, even the most obscure historical figures and moments can spring vividly to life, offering readers a window into the past that is both enlightening and profoundly entertaining.
Pages: 283 | ASIN : B0CP9HW9SJ
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