Blog Archives
The Path of Saints and Sinners
The Path of Saints and Sinners is the fourth book in J.F. Collen’s Journey of Cornelia Rose series, and it carries Cornelia “Nellie” Rose Wright into the stark and complicated world of Utah Territory in the mid-1800s. The story picks up with Nellie, her husband Obadiah, and their daughters after the grueling journey westward. They arrive in Great Salt Lake City, hoping for rest, stability, and a sense of community, only to find tension, hostility, and political turmoil instead. The book blends the trials of pioneer life with the undercurrents of faith, loyalty, and the uneasy intersection between the United States government and the Mormon settlers.
I felt pulled right into Nellie’s restless heart from the start. She is exhausted and homesick, yet her sharp wit and stubborn courage refuse to give way. The dialogue brims with energy, and the little details like dusty wagon wheels, harsh light, and the smell of mold on corn husks make the setting feel immediate and alive. At times, I found myself irritated with Obadiah’s insistence on pressing forward in the face of obvious danger, but then that frustration softened because it mirrored Nellie’s own. The writing does not shy away from messy conflict. It lingers in the gaps between what is said and what is felt, and I admired that.
The book meanders through conversations and stretches of description that sometimes slow the tension. Yet, even when I grew restless, I found myself laughing at Nellie’s sharp asides or touched by the innocence of her daughters. There is an honesty in the way Collen portrays family life, messy and tender all at once, and that honesty kept me invested.
I realized this book is less about resolution and more about survival. Nellie’s world is uncertain, and her doubts echo across the pages in a way that felt strangely modern to me. I would recommend The Path of Saints and Sinners to readers who enjoy historical fiction rooted in strong female voices, especially those who like their history layered with personal struggle and the grit of daily life.
Pages: 504 | ASIN : B0FHPXS955
Inside Their Restricted Worlds
Night Hawks follows the lives of small-town drifters, dreamers, and the disillusioned who are all looking for something more, be that a fresh start, an escape, or just some understanding. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came to me from Edward Hopper’s famous 1942 painting Nighthawks. I always admired that painting and how it reveals a late-night café frequented by lonely souls. That’s what I always saw in it, anyway. The painting sparked an idea for a first chapter titled “The Last Train to Chicago,” which as a story, won a fiction contest award from The Vincent Brothers Review.
That first chapter ended with Hank appearing to lose his longtime server, Lois, and so I decided to write another chapter exploring where Lois went and what happened and once I felt it was becoming a book, I needed a couple more good characters to drop into the fishbowl already inhabited by Hank and Lois, and I put the four of them on constant collision courses.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
I don’t think so. Both Hank and Tyler are military veterans and I’m not. I don’t believe any of the four main characters are based on anyone I know now or from the past. For each of the four characters, I first established their names, and from the names I got a starting point for building them into people. I worked, too, off their occupations: Hank as a diner owner and cook, Lois as a veteran server, Clara as a young server still living at home, and Tyler, a jittery veteran just home from Afghanistan.
So, when I started putting flesh on each one, I began with knowing their name and job and my imagination assembled them, and then with each new chapter, I learned more about them and how they would react. For me, writing is a daily process of discovery like it is for readers. I don’t do character arcs before I start writing. I want the daily surprise that comes day as I know the characters better and hear their voice and understand their desires and conflicts.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Family is perhaps the most important – and obvious – theme in Night Hawks. But not the usual concept of family. The four people in the book whose paths and lives are so intertwined, don’t really have traditional families anymore and so their journeys require them to bond and become their own little family. There are lots of people whose lives have become small and desperate, and they look to the people inside their restricted worlds to be family members.
Perhaps enduring and persevering are themes, too. Hank, Lois, Tyler, and Clara must all maintain hope for something better. They don’t have a lot to work with but must keep fighting to have satisfactory lives.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am nearly done writing the draft of a novel titled The Gatsby Lover. It has a connection to The Great Gatsby, but I’ll keep that close to the vest for now. After I let it sit a few days and then make revisions, it goes over to my longtime personal editor, Carol Burbank, for her always useful reactions. Fingers crossed it finds a good publisher!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
Hank Spencer knows what goes on in his diner. He knows which days are best for business and whether the Blue Plate special is selling, and he makes note of the customers who come to drink and make small talk with his servers.
Lois is a hardworking waitress pushing fifty who hasn’t forgotten her big city dreams. When opportunity presents itself, she boards the train for Chicago, despite the risks and her boss’s attempts to warn her.
Working all the double shifts in the world won’t take care of Clara’s problem. She’s young, single, and knocked up. She feels trapped—at the diner, living with her god-fearing parents, and in the gossipy town full of watchful eyes.
Tyler is adjusting to civilian life after a stint in the army. At Hank’s Diner, he finds camaraderie and comfort, and sometimes, he can drown out visions of war over a plate of potatoes and meatloaf, and several, ice-cold beers.
These lonely souls converge under the fluorescent glow of the eatery, late at night and during long days, as the train speeds through, blaring its horn and signaling an alternate path. NIGHT HAWKS is a tender novella with a touch of noir about finding family in unlikely places, living through losses, and the connections that keep us showing up for another shift.
The London Cheque
Allen Longstreet’s The London Cheque delivers a haunting debut horror tale set in the picturesque yet ominous 1960s Scottish village of Catrine. The disappearance of four boys, including 12-year-old Arun Khan, sets off a chilling chain of events that intertwines the lives of Aniqa, a mother driven by relentless determination, and Margaret Brown, a jaded policewoman seeking redemption. As Aniqa begins to suspect Albert Reid, a local benefactor with a shadowy presence, the story spirals into a gripping tale of resilience, redemption, and the horrifying truths hidden within the seemingly serene community.
Suspense drips from every page, showcasing Longstreet’s skill in crafting an unsettling atmosphere. The visceral image of “the man with no skin” lingers long after it’s introduced, a testament to the author’s ability to create vivid, terrifying moments. Aniqa’s journey is especially gripping. Her pain, resilience, and fierce maternal instincts ground the story in raw emotion, while Margaret’s parallel struggle adds layers of complexity, showing how two very different women are united by their pursuit of justice and truth. Albert Reid, the antagonist, stands out as a truly unforgettable character. Longstreet crafts him with grotesque precision, but he isn’t a caricature of evil. Instead, Reid’s humanity peeks through the horror, making him as tragic as he is terrifying. This depth elevates the narrative beyond a simple battle of good versus evil, delving into the complexities of human darkness and redemption. The balance of horror and humanity keeps the story gripping and emotionally resonant.
The Scottish dialect, though challenging at first, adds authenticity to the setting, pulling readers further into the world of Catrine. Longstreet’s descriptions of eerie landscapes and the harrowing events that unfold feel cinematic, painting vivid pictures of terror and tension. The book almost begs for a screen adaptation, with its evocative imagery and powerful character arcs. While some scenes are undeniably disturbing, they serve a purpose, highlighting the stakes and the cost of the characters’ choices. Longstreet doesn’t exploit violence for shock value but uses it to underscore the weight of trauma and resilience. By the time the plot reaches its shocking twist, every harrowing moment feels earned, leaving an indelible mark on the reader.
The London Cheque is a chilling, emotionally charged novel that lingers long after the final page. It explores themes of loss, survival, and the enduring bonds of family with unflinching honesty. Longstreet’s debut is nothing short of remarkable, and I eagerly anticipate what he brings us next. For fans of horror with depth and heart, this is a must-read.
Pages: 579 | ASIN : B0CTHK2H57
Sketches from the Periphery
Michael Patrick Summers’s debut novel, Sketches From the Periphery, stands as a remarkable achievement in historical storytelling. It illuminates the human narratives behind world conflicts, offering a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the Darfur conflict in Sudan. For anyone fascinated by history, this novel provides a poignant and empathetic window into the lives of those impacted by one of the 21st century’s most complex crises.
The story centers on Alexander Barr, a young American contractor working with the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Darfur in 2006. Through Alex’s eyes, readers navigate the brutal realities of a war-torn region. The narrative delves into existential themes, grappling with the enduring legacies of colonialism and the often violent dynamics of human history.
Alongside Alex’s journey is the parallel tale of Tariq, a battle-hardened operative of the Darfur liberation movement, whose life has been indelibly shaped by conflict. Although their paths do not directly converge, the interwoven stories depict life on the margins of civilization, where idealism and survival clash in a haunting dance. Adding richness to the narrative is Cassandra, a fiercely independent European journalist whose presence brings a fresh dynamic to Alex’s search for meaning. Her depth and resilience make her a standout character. Summers deftly blends historical fiction with profound philosophical reflection, creating a layered and immersive experience.
The novel not only exposes the raw truths of the Darfur conflict but also challenges readers to confront broader questions about humanity’s capacity for both destruction and creation. The richly developed characters, each grappling with moral complexity, bring the story’s themes to life in vivid and unforgettable ways.
Sketches From the Periphery is an evocative and introspective work, appealing to history enthusiasts, fans of philosophical literature, and readers drawn to stories of resilience and moral struggle. Even for those who may not typically choose books about war, this novel offers an unparalleled journey into the depths of human conflict and the search for meaning amidst chaos. It’s a profound, moving, and deeply worthwhile read.
Pages: 197 | ASIN : B0DL6S7VHX
Flawed Characters
London Skies centers around a woman haunted by the memories of a lost love and her own experiences as a wartime nurse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first had the idea for the story of a WWII nurse in 2004, and briefly wrote something, before shelving it. It was sparked by a documentary about ‘the Guinea Pig Club’ – the group of pilots badly burned, and then experimented, on with pioneering plastic surgery and facial reconstruction at East Grinstead. Coincidentally, I then found out that my mum spent six weeks in that very hospital after a near-fatal car crash in the 1960s, where she had many broken bones, including to her face.
I had more ideas about Charlotte over time, and just thought she’d be a good person to build connected stories around.
I grew up adjacent to Heathrow Airport as my dad worked there for nearly 30 years, and I never really thought about the town where we lived until I was much older and had left.
I then had the idea that Charlotte could connect the stories initially via a scene at what was then called London Airport, in 1956, as the story moves forward but also with her looking back on the war.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I wrote it so that I can relate to all the characters in some ways, and have empathy for their plight, even if they may be the opposite of how I am, or how I think about things.
Some are closer to my actual experiences, but I don’t tend to turn my life into fiction. So, being a newly divorced dad 20 years ago who couldn’t have access to his young son was something I could relate to, despite having part-time access as a father in a more amicable way, but where it obviously left me appreciating what it must feel like to be cut off completely.
I also find it interesting how a character like Monty splits opinion based on the feedback so far, but I feel a lot of sympathy for his plight.
I try to balance as many things as possible in a novel, so there are three-dimensional, flawed characters, but also interesting descriptions, a sense of place, and sufficient plot and intrigue. It takes time to do that in a way that works.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I always liked seeing the world through someone else’s eyes and experiencing things I never would in my life, through the different books I grew up reading.
We can step into someone else’s shoes, even their skin, and try to think about how we’d react if in the same situation. The act of reading puts all the imagery in their own mind, and that’s powerful.
I like flawed characters, but I don’t like the idea of character arcs, or that everyone must learn a lesson. “No hugging, no learning” was the Seinfeld mantra, and I like that. But I also like at least some hugging and some learning. Because in real life, some people learn, and some don’t.
I make zero effort to conform to what’s popular, proven, or marketable, as ultimately, I’m writing the best book I can, that only I can write. I had an agent in the past, but the shoe-horning of a story into something more commercial was too distressing. The BBC showed interest, but again, it wasn’t quite right. It’s why I went indie, as I didn’t want to compromise to the point where I lost belief in what the story was about.
I’d love to find readers, but readers who want to read the kind of books I write, as I don’t want to waste anyone’s time!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have the research done for another book, including a visit to a key location and acquiring dozens of books and documentaries, but it takes me about ten years, on and off, with all the other writing I have to do for a living, as well as being only partially functional due to having suffered with M.E. since 1999, and now I’m going blind in one eye. But I still have the other eye.
I respect how Donna Tartt works, taking time to get it right, except she sells a lot more books and wins a lot more awards than I do!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Dotted around the terminal, a handful of strangers whose lives will be forever linked by the tragedy that rolls in with the snowstorm, and the decades each spends attempting to unravel its remarkable connections and mysteries.
From wartime Piccadilly Circus to a remote Icelandic shoreline as Eyjafjallajökull erupts in 2010, London Skies is a sweeping story of family secrets, lost loves, and unravelling the past.
A Noble Bargain
Jan Sikes’ A Noble Bargain transports readers to 1948, a time when post-war prosperity contrasted sharply with the struggles of small-town life. In Crossett, Arkansas, Oliver Quinn dreams of escaping his humble beginnings to become a professional baseball player. Across town, Rose Blaine endures a harsh reality under the thumb of her abusive, moonshine-brewing father. The two form an unlikely alliance: Rose promises to connect Oliver with her influential uncle in St. Louis if he agrees to take her and her brother away from their oppressive life. Their pact sets the stage for a poignant tale of ambition, resilience, and survival.
Sikes writes with a plainspoken elegance that perfectly suits the story’s setting and themes. Oliver and Rose, the central characters, embody a restless hope that propels the narrative. Their yearning for a better life highlights a central tension of the era: even amid national growth and optimism, achieving one’s dreams often remained an uphill battle for those born into hardship. The book’s portrayal of economic struggle and personal perseverance resonates deeply, making their journey all the more compelling. The story shifts gears when the protagonists arrive in St. Louis, expanding the narrative’s scope and raising the stakes. Sikes captures the wonder and challenges of city life with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of contrast, deftly illustrating how overwhelming the big city must feel to individuals from such modest beginnings. The new setting introduces a rich supporting cast that adds layers of intrigue and drama, pushing the characters to grow and adapt. Sikes keeps the plot moving with charged interactions and period-appropriate details, skillfully blending personal struggles with broader societal themes. Sikes avoids excessive sentimentality, instead grounding the story in the grit and determination of its protagonists. The conclusion feels earned and satisfying, a testament to the characters’ resilience and the strength of their bond.
Fans of character-driven fiction and historical narratives will find much to admire here. Young adults may connect with the story’s themes of ambition and self-discovery, while older readers will appreciate its rich period detail and timeless message. Reminiscent of Elmore Leonard’s The Moonshine War and the baseball-themed works of John R. Tunis, A Noble Bargain is an evocative, heartwarming novel that lingers long after the final page.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0DHQY46MJ
London Skies
Paul Tomkins’ London Skies is a beautifully crafted tribute to the unsung heroes of the sky—both the aviation industry and the soldiers who served during World War II. This novel is more than just a story; it’s an immersive experience. Tomkins’ vivid descriptions and evocative prose transport readers to another time, allowing them to step into the post-war world of 1956, where humanity’s resilience and interconnectedness take center stage.
Set primarily at the newly built London Airport, the novel weaves together the lives of its characters through seemingly unrelated stories, all bound by aviation as the common thread. At its heart is a deeply introspective protagonist who visits the airport daily, haunted by memories of her wartime experiences as a nurse and the loss of her lover. Charlotte’s reflections on the bustling lives around her and her poignant musings on grief and resilience offer profound insight into the psychological toll of war. Her observations of strangers’ fleeting interactions reveal universal truths about connection, healing, and the small ways we find meaning in life. The narrative takes a dramatic turn during a snowstorm in 1956 when a tragic incident forces a group of strangers to confront their vulnerabilities and share their stories. Families, couples, and individuals recount their journeys, their lives often subtly intersecting in ways only the reader can fully appreciate. From moments of heartbreak to flashes of humor and romance, their tales reflect the rollercoaster of human emotions and how our paths often cross in unexpected and profound ways. The story builds to a heartwarming conclusion, reminding us of the invisible threads that bind us all.
London Skies captures the essence of post-war humanity with grace and depth. It’s a novel for those who love historical fiction and relish stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships. Tomkins deftly balances personal, relatable moments with larger reflections on loss, love, and resilience, creating a narrative that resonates long after the final page. This is a moving testament to the endurance of the human spirit and the moments of connection that keep us moving forward.
Pages: 438 | ASIN : B0CX22HWSX
Underlying Strength
Beneath the Scarlet Frost follows a princess living in a magical kingdom who has to grow up quickly and come to terms with reality when wielders of wicked magic invade their lands. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The world of this story, Alse Hanya, was actually one I created back in 2011 when I was fourteen years old. I had wanted to write a book about warring magical clans at the time but never got too far into it. In 2014, I started a book about a war of magic vs non-magic, inspired by the Grimm story, “Sweetheart Roland.” I wrote and re-wrote the first ten chapters countless times, but it was never “right.” Then, in 2019, I read a book by Helen Rappaport, The Race to Save the Romanovs, and as the family had always interested me, the more I learned the more I was inspired by those real historical events. I ended up combining the world-building from my fourteen-year-old self, the characters I’d started in the retelling, and the influences of WWI and the Imperial family of Russia at the time. That, and I knew without a doubt that I wanted to write a heroine who showed different strengths than we normally see in modern books. I wanted to show how the quiet, dutiful, compassionate character that usually hangs back could be the strong protagonist, and how those strengths have such an impact.
A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The most important factor for me was making sure the characters all interacted authentically. I wanted the sibling dynamics to really feel like siblings, each with their differing personalities but unquestionable love for one another. I also wanted to show a different kind of “strength” to each character. No matter which character you look at in this novel, main, secondary, or minor, each one has a certain underlying strength to them, traditional or less commonly seen. Of course, they all have flaws and weaknesses too, as is human nature, but the personal impact and emotional depth through the characters were extremely important to me. Additionally, I modeled the Zdraevit family with some character traits from the real Romanov family, and I did a lot of research to get to know the family as much as possible, including reading their personal journals. I definitely wanted to hide those little easter egg details in there.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
As I mentioned above, the world came from a story I wanted to write about warring clans when I was fourteen. I wrote lore and histories etc., and created a rough magic system surrounding thirteen “types” of magic, for which their country was named. When I started the retelling in 2014, the world setting was very flat, it was also set against more of a 1940s London backdrop. It wasn’t until I decided to use the Romanovs as inspiration that the pieces clicked together, and I knew I wanted there to be nods to real-world countries and histories woven throughout the narrative, which of course then influenced the setting at large. Eisa for example, started out as a land of endless winter but then was dialed back to a climate and environment more realistically akin to Russia.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
Following the significant event that takes place at the end of Beneath the Scarlet Frost, book two, Within Forsaken Shadows, will focus on exploring more of the world and coming to terms with grief, duty, fear, and moving forward. It is a story of survival and healing, growing war, courtly politics, and culture shocks, and it is a story of new beginnings and understanding. Some of the naivete displayed in book one, won’t really fly in the sequel. The world the characters are entering into is dangerous and often very unforgiving, with little room for innocence or stagnance. Within Forsaken Shadows is set to release on February 18th, 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Shadows scream, whispers torment, and wishes curse.
The empire of Eisa once stood as a symbol of hope for purging the wicked magic that had plagued its lands. But, when Wielders are spotted within those borders, the sanctity that once acted as an unshakable foundation crumbles beneath Sorrel Zdraevit’s feet.
With the resurgence of Wielders on Eisan soil, protests are increasing in the streets, citizens are suffering, and everywhere she turns tragedy fractures the facade of peace that had sheltered her.
As the second eldest princess in Eisa’s imperial family, when war is brought to the kingdom’s door, Sorrel is forced to step into a new role, leading her deeper and deeper into the world she fears most. Desperate to protect her country against dark and twisted magic, and heal those around her, she must decide what it is she stands for when the world as she knows is rendered senseless.
Unsure of whom to condemn, and whom to put her faith in, Sorrel is faced with tainted realities that threaten to destroy everything she’s ever held dear. All that matters is keeping her kingdom and family safe against the monsters infiltrating her country. Secrets and lies drag her into the depths of her worst nightmare, where fighting through the calamities is the only way she will have any hope of making it out alive- If she can hold on to her own will to live.
LITERARY TITAN 