Blog Archives
Buried Secrets
Buried Secrets picks up with a jolt. The book throws Samantha Jordan and Detective Nick Ballard straight into a chaotic mix of protests, an explosion at a construction site, and a buried set of bones that kick off a genuine mystery. The plot widens fast. What starts as a fight over Comanche remains becomes a deeper story involving political pressure, corruption within law enforcement, tribal tensions, and a startling discovery tucked inside the concrete foundation of an old grocery store. The book follows Samantha and Nick as they clash, cooperate, and dig into a crime that was literally cemented over. The stakes climb fast, and so does the tension between them.
I felt myself reacting to this one in a more personal way than I expected. The writing moves with confidence, and the pacing is punchy. It felt like watching fireworks go off one after another. Some scenes made me grin because the banter hit just right, and then others had me tense because the danger felt close. Samantha and Nick have a dynamic that made me laugh and sigh. They get under each other’s skin in that messy, irresistible way that makes their partnership crackle. I liked how Samantha carries her knowledge like armor. She never apologizes for it. Nick, on the other hand, is a storm of frustration and loyalty and old wounds. Seeing them work through their differences while everything around them blew up kept me rooting for them.
The ideas sitting under the plot also caught me off guard. The book digs into how politics twist simple decisions until nothing is simple anymore. It touches on greed, identity, and the uncomfortable ways power gets used when no one is watching. I liked how the story made space for that without slipping into heavy language. The scenes in the medical examiner’s office felt eerie and sad. The discovery of the young woman’s remains pulled the story into a darker place, and I could feel my stomach drop when the characters realized what it meant. The writing captures that dread without drowning the reader in it. It reminded me how crime fiction can make you feel the weight of a life even when that life isn’t on the page anymore.
Buried Secrets is a great pick for readers who love crime novels with emotional punch, fast pacing, and characters who spark off each other. It felt to me like Buried Secrets carried the same mix of tension and character chemistry that you get in The Lincoln Lawyer, only with a sharper emotional pull and a mystery that hits closer to the heart. This book is perfect for anyone who wants mystery mixed with humor, tension, and a touch of romance that doesn’t feel forced.
Pages: 279 | ASIN : B0DKB3NBZ8
The Charms of US Farms
When I finished The Charms of US Farms I sat back and smiled because the whole story feels like a warm class trip rolled into a picture book. It follows a group of kids as they head out to visit two farms where they learn about crops, animals, tractors, corn, cotton, and even how baseball connects to farming. The kids ask playful questions, the farmers share fun facts, and the day ends with everyone realizing just how much of their everyday life comes from the work done on farms.
I enjoyed the easy way the book explains big ideas. It feels light and friendly. Nothing ever gets bogged down. I also loved the characters and the way the kids react to everything. Billy starts out bored and grumbly. Then he slowly wakes up to how cool farming actually is. The writing made me feel like I was tagging along with the class. The artwork is bright, detailed, and reflects the charming nature of the story.
I also had a soft spot for the little moments that sneak up with charm. Ms. Della serving date cake. Farmer Dole casually pulling a baseball from his pocket like some kind of farm magician. The cow named Bessie leaning into scratches. These details gave the story a cozy feeling that stuck with me. The ideas in the book go beyond farms. They nudge kids to wonder where things come from. Paper. Crayons. Milk. Even clothes. I like that the book makes learning feel natural. You pick up facts without ever noticing you are learning them.
I would say this children’s book is great for kids who like field trips, animals, or anything hands-on. It would also be fun for any young reader who enjoys stories that mix real facts with friendly characters. Parents and teachers could use it to spark conversations about food, work, nature, or even history. I’d happily recommend it to early elementary kids and to grown-ups looking for a cheerful read-aloud.
Pages: 40 | ASIN : B0G1CK9BN8
Burning Secrets
Burning Secrets drops you straight into danger and never really lets go. The story follows Adelaide Reese, a sharp-minded chemical engineer who gets tangled up in a mill explosion, a web of corporate denial, and a town slowly breaking under the weight of polluted water and rising fear. The book moves fast. It blends environmental suspense, legal tensions, and a simmering connection between Adelaide and Brock Emerson, a man who is far more complicated than he first appears. The stakes grow chapter by chapter until the personal and the political crash into each other in a way that feels both messy and real.
As I read, I found myself pulled into the heat of the scenes. The writing has a directness that works well for the high-stress moments. Sometimes I felt the pacing sprint ahead of me, but that breathless rush fit the tone of the story. Adelaide’s point of view struck me right away. She is capable and stubborn and worn down by a world that constantly underestimates her. I related to the weight she carries and the way she fights through it with grit instead of speeches. There were moments when I caught myself holding my breath as she pushed through the chaos at the mill or tried to get answers from people who clearly wanted her kept in the dark. I also appreciated how the book shows the loneliness that follows a woman who works in places that do not want her. It hit harder than I expected.
My feelings about Brock shifted constantly. At first, he felt like trouble wrapped in a perfect smile, and honestly, those characters usually annoy me. Then the story let me into his doubts and his guilt, and it surprised me. I started rooting for him even as I questioned his choices. There is a real spark between him and Adelaide. Some scenes almost felt too warm for how dangerous the situation around them was, but that tension gave the book a nice heartbeat. I found myself thinking about them long after I put the pages down. The bigger ideas behind the story also stuck with me. The book digs into environmental harm and corporate neglect without lecturing. Watching the community suffer made me angry in the best way. It made the fight feel necessary instead of abstract.
Burning Secrets delivers a fast, emotional story that blends danger, romance, and small-town desperation into something that kept me hooked. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romantic suspense, legal thrillers with heart, and stories where the environment itself becomes a character. It is especially good for anyone who likes imperfect heroes, tough heroines, and a plot that never stops tightening. If you want a book that keeps your pulse up and your emotions stirred, this one will do the job.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0DH44X9NQ
CLEOPATRA: Secrets from the Tomb
From the first pages, Cleopatra: Secrets from the Tomb sets itself up as a sweeping historical fiction retelling of Cleopatra VII’s life. The opening chapters follow her from childhood in the royal palace gardens to the brutal politics of the Ptolemaic dynasty, where executions, betrayals, and uneasy alliances shape her world. We watch her lose a sister, fend off assassins, endure exile, and stage her dramatic return to Alexandria, ultimately stepping onto the stage with Julius Caesar in a way that blends political calculation with personal ambition. It reads like a behind-the-scenes chronicle of a woman forced to sharpen her instincts in a nest of vipers, and it moves steadily from innocence to strategy to survival.
As I moved through the story, I found myself reacting not just to the events, but to the way Blundell chose to show them. The writing is direct, almost cinematic at times, with scenes that place you right in the heat of Alexandria or the hush of a temple at night. Some moments are vivid enough to feel like you’re standing beside Cleopatra herself, like the early image of her playing among flowers before freezing at the sight of a viper, a simple childhood moment that quietly foreshadows the dangers ahead. Other scenes, like Berenice’s execution or Cleopatra’s exile, come at you quickly and without sentiment, which fits the harsh world the book wants you to feel. I appreciated how the author frames Cleopatra as intelligent and capable without softening the darker edges of her ambition.
What surprised me most was how personal the story sometimes feels, even while staying grounded in historical detail. Cleopatra’s voice comes through in her shifting confidence, her anger, and her sharp awareness of how others perceive her. The book doesn’t try to turn her into a flawless heroine. Instead, it lets her be ambitious, manipulative, wounded, and occasionally tender. Those choices made the familiar historical moments feel fresher. And while the writing is straightforward, moments of sensory detail land well when they appear.
By the time I closed the book, I felt that anyone who enjoys historical fiction centered on political intrigue, complicated women, and ancient worlds brought to life would get a lot from this story. Readers who want a richly detailed, almost immersive retelling of Cleopatra’s rise will appreciate the blend of fact and interpretation. If you’re looking for a reflective character study wrapped in the drama of palace life, war, and shifting loyalties, this book is an engaging pick.
Pages: 323 | ISBN : 979-8-8230-9526-6
Bluring the Line
The Perfect One follows a formidable District Attorney accused of murdering her affair partner, who, with the help of her Sheriff husband, tries to prove her innocence. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wanted to explore the paradox of a woman who prosecutes the truth for a living, yet finds herself entangled in a lie so personal it blurs the line between guilt and innocence. The affair wasn’t just a plot device, it was a way to examine vulnerability in someone who is otherwise formidable, disciplined, and untouchable in the public eye. I wanted to explore the human emotions and unveil the vulnerability to show readers how imperfect we are even when we seem perfect to the outside world.
I feel that your characters are the real stars of your mystery; they are intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
Emma was my favorite character to write.
What drew me to her was the balance she embodies, strength without arrogance, empathy without blindness, and loyalty without submission. She’s deeply capable, but she never shuts off her instinct to question, especially when something doesn’t add up. That internal tension made her feel incredibly real to me.
Emma doesn’t move through the story assuming she’s right; she’s willing to pause, reflect, and reassess, even when it’s uncomfortable. That willingness to question herself, rather than blindly defend a narrative, is what gives her moral depth. She listens as much as she acts.
In many ways, Emma represents the best of what we can be when we choose integrity over convenience. She’s proof that strength doesn’t require hardness, and that empathy doesn’t mean weakness. Writing her felt like writing toward an ideal, someone who leads with conscience, remains open to truth, and refuses to ignore the quiet voice that says something isn’t right.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I don’t see story development and plot twists as opposites; they’re most powerful when they’re the same thing. A shock for the sake of surprise never lasts, but a twist that grows organically out of character and theme deepens the story rather than derailing it. At times what the characters reveal is a shock to me as well.
For me, development comes first. I spend a lot of time building motivation, relationships, and emotional stakes so that when a twist happens, it feels both unexpected and inevitable. The best twists don’t introduce something new, they reveal something that was already there, hiding in plain sight.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am working on What Lies Next Door- Release Date is June 8, 2026.
What Lies Next Door
In this neighborhood, appearances matter, but reality is often hidden.
Seeking a quiet life, Sophia and Josh Miller moved to Edgewood Estates, known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Virginia Beach. With manicured lawns, a pristine cul-de-sac, and welcoming neighbors, it seemed ideal for starting a family.
Across the street, the Patels were polite but reserved. Next door, the Wilsons appeared ideal, especially Hana, who always arrived with fresh-baked cookies and cold lemonade. Yet behind Hana’s perfect smile, something unsettling remained.
Soon, unusual events occur.
Shadows appear outside the Millers’ windows. Doors open unexpectedly at night. Someone, or something, is watching.
Accusations arise, and neighbors turn against each other. Long-buried secrets begin to surface, leading to serious consequences.
When Josh’s co-worker and secret mistress disappears, suspicion falls on the Millers. Matters escalate when Hana’s husband, Brian Wilson’s body is discovered in his own backyard.
The once-tranquil neighborhood becomes a full-blown crime scene, with detectives circling like vultures and neighbors whispering behind drawn curtains. Sophia can’t shake the feeling that they were never truly welcomed in Edgewood Estates.
Someone wants to get them out of the neighborhood. But why?
How do you fight back when you don’t know who — or What Lies Next Door?
On the surface, Lyla and Jack Peterson are the golden couple. He, the respected Virginia Beach Sheriff, and she, the formidable District Attorney. But behind closed doors, their marriage is built on dangerous secrets.
When Lyla’s lover, a charismatic defense attorney, turns up dead, suspicion slams down on her. She was the last to see him alive, and every shred of evidence points her way. Then, a darker secret erupts: the body of her stepfather resurfaces after fifteen years, threatening to destroy what’s left of her world.
As Detective Aiden Blackwood untangles a web of betrayal and buried grudges, Lyla and Jack are forced into a deadly game to prove her innocence. Every ally could be an enemy. Every lie could be a weapon. And the deeper they dig, the more one truth becomes terrifyingly clear— Someone is setting her up… and they won’t stop until she’s behind bars for good.
Fun, Unusual, and Silly
Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog follows a lovable German Shepherd adopted from a rescue shelter who joins her family on a trip to the zoo and spends the day learning about the animals. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration was my niece who was a zookeeper and continues to work with animals in her current job. In addition, my love for animals!
In your story you packed in a lot of educational information, but still made it feel organic and not like reading a fact sheet. What was your thought process on deciding what facts to include?
I tried to include ‘fun’, unusual, and silly facts to make it fun for the reader- while learning- and not be boring!
The colorful artwork is dynamic and charming, especially the representation of Cadie. What was it like to work with Chris Schwink?
I absolutely love working with Chris. He really is talented in how he brings my stories- and visions- to light. Most people use digital illustrations where I like the raw talent of hand drawn ones, and Chris does an amazing job!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This is our 3rd book of the Adventures With Cadie Kids Book series and it just was released in December 2025. I have ideas for the next one already, with some outlines but unsure of when it will be finished at this time!
Author Links: Instagram | GoodReads | Facebook | Website
In her latest escapade, Cadie explores a bustling zoo with the help of a kind zookeeper who introduces her to a parade of fascinating animals―from towering giraffes to mischievous monkeys. Join Cadie as she discovers new friends and finds joy in every pawstep!
Along the way, young readers will follow a colorful zoo map, answer playful questions, and learn fun animal facts without even realizing they’re learning. With vibrant illustrations, interactive elements, and Cadie’s lovable charm, this story is perfect for families who cherish animals, adventure, and stories that spark curiosity.
Whether read aloud at bedtime or explored independently, “Zany Zoo Adventures with Cadie the Rescue Dog” invites children to laugh, learn, and believe in second chances.
Even Villains Have a Personality
The Arkencrest Chronicles: Battle for Crossroads follows an eighteen-year-old young man carrying the weight of his parents’ mysterious deaths, who joins a caravan, setting him on a path to discover his destiny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I grew up in a home without parents and I know many other kids do as well. I was lucky enough to have a grandmother to take me in, so I feel I connect with the main character, Bourdain, on a personal level. He is basically a fantasy version of past me.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities, breaking away from some traditional fantasy tropes and giving it a fresh feel. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from, and how did it change as you were writing?
I am a huge ttrpg player and Dungeon and Dragons fan. This original started as a custom setting for my roleplaying group to play our games in. I fell in love with the characters and the world so much that I felt it needed to become more. While writing it, I was running a ttrpg game set in the future and having that live feedback really help me lock in what happened and where I want the story to go, as well as help flesh out the characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Hope when there is none.
Everyone can make a difference, even from humble beginnings.
Light vs Dark.
Even villains have a personality.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
I see this being a full series 3-7 books depending how it flows. I tend to write on the go and don’t plot out all the details, so I guess we all will have to see where the writing takes the story.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
When swordsman Bourdain leaves home, he expects to find his true path, but never the weight of prophecy. Whispers spread of a darkness older than the gods, poised to shatter the foundations of existence. Joined by Devra, the Scoutmaster’s daughter; Braggo, a goblin airship captain; Batso, a wily smuggler; and many others. Together, they must stand against the forces of primal fury that threaten not only the kingdom, but the world at large.
Will light endure?
Or will the Devourer rise to claim the world once more.
The ADHD Awakening: A Woman’s Guide to Thriving After Diagnosis
The ADHD Awakening tells the story of a woman piecing together a lifetime of confusion, emotional intensity, and masked struggle into a clearer picture shaped by a late ADHD diagnosis. The book moves from her childhood experiences of impulsivity, shame, and missed signs into the chaos of undiagnosed adulthood, where relationships, parenting, and self-worth tangled together. It blends research with lived stories from many women, creating a guide that feels both personal and universal. The arc of the book shifts from raw memoir to a practical roadmap for self-understanding. It shows how ADHD weaves itself into every corner of life and how clarity can open the door to self-compassion.
The writing lands with this honest, almost disarming warmth, and I kept feeling like I was eavesdropping on someone telling the truth they never had the chance to say aloud. I liked that the author didn’t try to polish her past into something neat. The stories of hiding in plain sight, of dealing with rejection, of feeling intense emotions that others shrugged off hit with real weight. Some chapters made me stop and think for a moment. The moments about growing up in instability and learning to mask emotions resonated with me. They showed how misunderstood ADHD in girls can be and how easily the real story gets buried under labels like “dramatic” or “too sensitive.”
I also appreciated how the book layered science into the narrative without slipping into cold textbook talk. The explanations of executive dysfunction, emotional flooding, time blindness, and dopamine seeking were human and straightforward and strangely comforting. Sometimes I wished the pacing slowed down so that specific ideas could be explored more deeply, but the emotional honesty kept me hooked. There’s a tenderness in the way the author speaks to her younger self and to the reader. It made the book feel less like advice and more like an invitation to stop fighting your own brain.
I’d recommend this book to women who suspect they might have ADHD or who were diagnosed later in life and are now trying to make sense of the past. It’s also a great read for partners, friends, or anyone who wants to understand the emotional world behind the symptoms. If you like books that explain things with real stories instead of stiff jargon, this one will feel like a warm hand on your shoulder. It’s heartfelt, accessible, and practical, and it gives anyone navigating ADHD a sense that they’re not alone.
Pages: 319 | ASIN : B0G4SP8L38
LITERARY TITAN 