Blog Archives
The Broken Bridge
The Broken Bridge by Iris March is a cozy mystery that captured my attention from the very first page. Following the story of Molly, the succulent sleuth as she tries to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of an out-of-town college student who visited her plant shop, the book promises a riveting read.
As the plot unfolds, the story delves deeper into the mystery, and Molly’s journey to find out what happened becomes all the more engaging. With the discovery of a gold earring and her cousin’s possible involvement, the twists and turns in the plot keep the reader hooked till the very end. Furthermore, the strange behavior of her editor adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story.
The Broken Bridge is a warm-hearted mystery that offers not only a thrilling read but also a charming and informative one. Author Iris March has done an excellent job in crafting an easy-to-read page-turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I think this is one of the best books I have read this year so far.
This intriguing crime fiction story is highly recommended for anyone who loves mystery novels with a heart, plants, and small-town friendships. The story is so well-written that it makes you feel like you are right in the middle of it all. I cannot wait for Molly and her friends to take on more cozy mysteries in my home state of Ohio.
Pages: 220 | ASIN: B09Y89HS5W
Excitement, Danger, And Romance
Unfriendly Fire follows two firefighters in a small town who find romance while trying to catch an arsonist. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like the metaphor of fire to show the passion between two people. I wanted to examine how that passion can motivate people to do good or bad deeds and how far someone will go to protect the ones they love. I chose the firefighting profession for its excitement, danger, and romance.
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
I wanted to have a near 50-50 split with the main characters’ POVs to illustrate how and why they reacted to the events in the story. I tried to get inside the minds of Wyatt and Kasey to fully explore their desires, fears, and aspirations.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Providing just enough clues to the reader without giving too much away is a tricky tightrope for any writer. Pacing is important as you want to dish out important details at a proper rate. The other big challenge is keeping everything consistant throughout the story. Adding surprising twists and turns to a story is the most exciting challenge of writing a mystery.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a novel about JFK’s assassination that I plan to self-publish later in 2023. This coincides with the 60th anniversary of the event.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
Hungry Trails
In Hungry Trails, author Maire Malone masterfully weaves an evocative tale of an Irish family’s desperate journey to escape the devastating effects of famine and disease. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of a world turned upside down, the Foley family is tested, their bonds of kinship and friendship strained to their limits. What awaits them across the ocean in the New World, however, remains uncertain—will the foreign shores offer them refuge, or will they merely exchange one set of hardships for another?
Narrated through the eyes of Julie Foley, the family’s spirited and inquisitive daughter, Hungry Trails presents a poignant coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and familial sacrifice. Despite the relentless adversity that befalls her loved ones, Julie remains steadfast in her pursuit of knowledge and her quest to forge her own path in life. Her unwavering dedication to her family and her unyielding optimism drives the narrative forward as readers eagerly anticipate whether Julie will ultimately find the fulfillment she seeks.
Set against the sweeping backdrop of historical events, Hungry Trails is a must-read for those who appreciate intricately crafted stories that transport the reader to another time and place. Malone’s exquisite prose and rich descriptions paint vivid images of the characters and their surroundings, immersing readers in the trials and tribulations of the Foley family. Accessible and engaging, Hungry Trails is a highly recommended read for discerning readers of all ages who are seeking an unforgettable literary journey.
Pages: 280 | ASIN: B0BPDXV3FH
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen by Cameron A. Straughan is a collection of twenty-three chronological short stories about the day-to-day life of Anthony Zen. As illogical as this book may seem, the character is not fazed by the absurd adventures he has to face on a daily basis. Anthony is a man who runs to work without pants, owns a cat named Monty that rings, and finds this wacky behavior normal. This humorous tale of a man who lives his life to the fullest is wildly creative and entertaining. This eccentric story is full of shenanigans and outrageous creatures. It is a creative tale with backward logic that makes you laugh.
The book is brimming with wildly imaginative shenanigans and outrageous creatures that are sure to keep readers entertained. The writing is sophisticated and free of grammatical errors, making it a joy to read. Although I think the book would benefit from illustrations, the quality of the writing and the depth of the characters is enough to engage readers and take them on a journey through Anthony’s surreal world.
While most books with eccentric worlds have a set of rules that guide the reader, The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen does not. The author adds details seemingly at random, leaving readers in a state of anticipation, never knowing what to expect next. This unpredictability adds to the entertainment value and keeps readers in suspense.
The book’s structure is broken up in a way where each chapter functions as its own individual story, but the book consistently follows Anthony’s overall narrative. This non-traditional approach to storytelling is refreshing and makes the book stand out.
The Surreal Adventures of Anthony Zen is a well-written and creative book that offers a unique take on storytelling. It is certainly an enjoyable one that will leave readers both amused and engaged.
Pages: 191 | ASIN : B088LQF344
Higher Steps Solutions For Healing
In Higher Steps Solutions for Healing, Dr. Pyant discusses mental wellness, being prepared, dealing with things like trauma, attracting the right energy, and being the best version of yourself. This book is a must-read for any individual that is struggling with knowing themself and fighting silent battles. Dr. Pyant uses her real-life experiences to expound on some of the issues being discussed in the book. As a reader, you are able to connect and feel the author’s concern and passion for each subject that she discusses. Higher Steps Solutions for Healing is not just a self-help book, but it is a necessity for all that aspire to live fulfilling lives.
This thought-provoking book gives the reader a sense of being heard. Dr. Pyant’s writing feels authentic and genuine. The author writes based on researched facts and lived experiences. She does not fill the pages with useless information or antidotes; rather, she writes concisely and with purpose. I enjoyed this book because of the analysis provided. It does not matter whether It is a hypothetical situation or an actual occurrence; Dr. Pyant analyzes the details and gives the reader in-depth answers.
I appreciate the section of the book titled ‘Beginnings.’ In this section, the author discusses how trauma affects the brain. This is a deep topic, and the discussion that follows is even more profound. We learn that there are three types of trauma; Acute, Chronic, and Complex. The three may not have the same magnitude, but they all affect different people in diverse ways.
Reading about trauma, the impact trauma has on our brains, and the traumatic events the author and other people have gone through was eye-opening. I like that the author gives a step-by-step discussion in that she shares notes and gives practical guides on every topic that she writes about. Dr. Pyant, in her wisdom, wrote about critical mental issues that we face and has helped many readers face the said issues. She touches on almost every situation that the average adult has gone through, and that is what makes this book special. Some of my favorite chapters in the book were those that discussed cosmic guides, religion, finding peace, and of course, the author’s personal story.
Higher Steps Solutions for Healing is a well-written self-help book that helps readers understand the different kinds of trauma and how to work through them. At the end of the reading, one subconsciously reflects on the topics that have been discussed and take on life lessons that will aid them when dealing with trauma.
The Healing Book
The Healing Book: A Collection of Short Stories, authored by Dustin Grinnell, is a poignant anthology that takes readers on a journey alongside diverse characters as they confront personal challenges and seek a deeper sense of purpose. Comprising thirteen compelling short stories, this collection delves into various themes, ranging from the discovery of one’s own voice to providing solace to someone who may not be healed.
A standout story in the collection, titled The Healing Book, tells the tale of Dr. David Mitchel, a surgeon grappling with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. As he exhaustively explores every possible avenue to help her combat the disease, from conventional medical treatments to holistic practices and the transformative power of literature, he eventually comes to terms with the painful reality of her passing. Through this story, Grinnell masterfully captures the emotional turmoil faced by countless individuals affected by cancer.
The author’s writing style strikes a delicate balance between scientific grounding and a thought-provoking exploration of morality. Drawing upon his background in Western medicine, Grinnell deftly showcases the complexities of the human experience, posing challenging questions and confronting difficult issues with sensitivity and courage. Each short story is thoroughly engaging, marked by well-developed characters and insightful examinations of human nature.
A unifying thread that runs through the collection is the characters’ pursuit of spiritual healing. These relatable, evocative tales will resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. I am pleased to have read this captivating and thought-provoking book, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking empathetic, introspective, and engaging stories.
Witches Could Be Clever
Winifred the Wonder Witch follows a whimsical good-natured witch who uses creative problem-solving in different situations to help herself and others.What was the inspiration for these stories?
The inspiration to write ‘Flying Santa’ and ‘Winifred the Wonder Witch’ was my granddaughters. When they were small I told them many stories, and these were the two that resulted in a book.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I thought that witches in many stories had ‘a bad rap.’ I wanted to show that witches could be clever, kind and helpful – like many other heroes.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Winifred is an excellent problem solver. From Winifred, children could learn how to be smart, kind, and help those in need. She also knows how and when to involve others in her projects.
Will there be more stories about Winifred the Wonder Witch, and when will they be available?
There may be more Winifred books, but only if ‘Winifred the Wonder Witch’ proves to be popular.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In the second story, we meet the princesses who want to save the dragons; because ‘there aren’t many dragons left in the world.’ Winifred, as she does in ‘Flying Santa,’ comes to the rescue in her inimitable, dramatic and exciting style.
The Karmatic Way Series
Angelica Quantinet Grayer’s The Karmatic Way Series: Side Effects is a captivating and emotionally-driven novel that explores the power of karma and its impact on our lives. Grayer’s storytelling skills are exceptional as she weaves a complex tale of twin sisters, Treesy and Twinkle, who find themselves drifting apart due to a lack of communication. The author takes us on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs as the sisters’ relationship is tested in unexpected ways, leading to karmic consequences that are both good and bad.
The plot of this book is well crafted, with a great mix of mystery, crime, and erotica that will keep you turning the pages. Grayer’s ability to balance the various plot elements is impressive, and the way the story concludes is both satisfying and surprising. The characters are well-developed, with Treesy and Twinkle stealing the show as the two protagonists. Treesy’s desire to break away from her sister’s shadow while still wanting to protect her is relatable, and Twinkle’s strength and resilience in the face of her disability are inspiring.
The supporting characters are equally engaging, with the twin brothers that Treesy and Twinkle start dating being the perfect matches for them. The signs they receive that indicate they are meant to be together are cute and endearing, adding to the overall charm of the story. Greer, a father in the story, is a standout character, with his protective nature and desire to help his daughter, adding depth to the narrative.
The Karmatic Way Series: Side Effects is a must-read for anyone looking for a well-written and engaging novel. Grayer’s storytelling skills are on full display in this book, with the plot and characters being skillfully crafted. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of romance and erotica thrown in. You won’t be disappointed!
Pages: 297 | ASIN: B085ZTJK8F
LITERARY TITAN 