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MATE: a novel in twenty games
MATE: a novel in twenty games, by Robert Castle, is unlike any book I’ve read. It dissects a marriage by mapping each moment of intimacy, conflict, and compromise onto the framework of a chess match. The story of Pillsbury and Larkin unfolds over twenty “games,” each representing phases of their relationship like courtship, childbirth, relocation, and eventual separation. Every chapter reads like a brutal play-by-play commentary of a high-stakes match where each line of dialogue is a calculated move. The result is raw, honest, and often uncomfortably accurate in its portrayal of the delicate, ongoing war that can exist beneath the surface of domestic life.
Castle’s writing is sharp, biting, and at times hilariously cruel. His chess metaphor isn’t just a clever gimmick; it’s an ingenious device that illuminates the absurdity and tragedy of two people trying (and failing) to love each other properly. The characters aren’t likable in a traditional sense. In fact, they’re often selfish, petty, or clueless. But that’s the point. Marriage, as Castle paints it, is not about romance or even companionship; it’s about control, defense, sacrifice, and sometimes resignation. It was refreshing, even when it hurt to read.
I do feel the relentless move-countermove commentary, while brilliant, could feel overwhelming to some readers. The structure, while unique, can become a bit too clever, making some of the emotional beats feel like intellectual puzzles rather than lived moments. Still, I can’t deny that Castle has created something utterly original. He lets the characters tear each other apart, and we’re left to pick through the wreckage.
MATE is not a book for romantics. But if you’ve ever been in a long relationship, especially one that has frayed over time, Castle’s work will speak to you. It’s for readers who want their fiction uncomfortable, honest, and unflinching. It would resonate with couples therapists, chess fans, failed lovers, and those quietly questioning their own relationships. It’s both cynical and relatable, and it left me thinking about it long after I put it down.
Pages: 176 | ISBN : 978-1963908497
Letting Go of Overthinking and Anxiety in Relationships: 57 Easy Techniques to Stop Overanalyzing, Rewire Your Anxious Thoughts and Build Trust in Your Relationship
Letting Go of Overthinking and Anxiety in Relationships is a compassionate and clear-eyed guide that gently walks readers through the emotional maze of anxiety and overthinking in romantic relationships. With 57 practical techniques, the book aims to unravel the tight knots that overanalysis and insecurity can tie between partners. It balances clinical insight with real-life advice, focusing on emotional awareness, cognitive reframing, and communication strategies that are not only actionable but empathetic.
I found myself moved by how much this book “gets it.” The author speaks to the experience of lying awake at night, spinning in silent spirals of doubt and fear, and validates those feelings without judgment. What struck me most was the simplicity of the tools—many are things you can do right away, without therapy sessions or fancy journals. In Chapter 1, the visualization script of a secure relationship felt like an emotional balm. I paused to do it myself. The imagined warmth, the calm space, the supportive presence of a partner—it was powerful. Later chapters dig even deeper. The section on “Defensive Awareness Check-Ins” offered one of the most refreshingly honest approaches to managing conflict I’ve read. It wasn’t about blame; it was about pausing and choosing empathy over ego.
Chapter 7, Nurturing a Resilient Mindset for Long-Term Relationship Success, is one of the book’s most empowering and quietly motivating chapters. It shifts the focus from fixing anxiety in the moment to building lasting emotional strength that can weather the ups and downs of love. The author emphasizes that resilience in relationships isn’t about being unaffected by conflict—it’s about bouncing back with understanding, empathy, and commitment. What resonated with me most was the idea that resilience is something you build, not something you’re born with. Techniques like setting shared goals, reflecting on past victories as a couple, and practicing emotional regulation in stressful times are all presented as realistic, do-able practices.
I’d absolutely recommend this book to anyone who’s ever felt emotionally hijacked by their own thoughts in a relationship. Whether you’re newly dating or in a long-term partnership, this book has value. It’s especially helpful for folks navigating anxious attachment, or for partners who want to better understand each other’s triggers and emotional patterns. It’s the kind of book you dog-ear, return to, and maybe even read out loud together on a quiet Sunday night.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B0DTL5VB7Z
Information and Knowledge
Karen R Smith-Racicot, CLC
Rebecca K LaChance, PhD Author Interview
Widows Among Us: Stories and Insights is part memoir and part guide for preparation, support, and community; offering readers invaluable insights into navigating life before and after the loss of a spouse. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Becoming a widow was a very different experience for each of us, and we reacted very differently. However, we realized our experiences also had many similarities. We were surprised by the realization that we actually had not known what to expect. No one ever talked about widowhood, the amount of work to be done by the widow, or how to cope with unexpected situations. We want to make widowhood a topic that is discussed among women and families. We believe that the trauma of becoming widowed can be reduced by information and knowledge.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Everyone grieves differently, and that’s perfectly fine. You don’t need to adhere to what society ‘expects’ of you if it doesn’t resonate with your feelings.
Prepare yourself BEFORE a life event happens.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
It really is to your benefit to be prepared for life events. You can never know when a life-changing event is going to happen. Your way of managing grief and recovery is entirely your choice. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel you want it, but trust your inner voice. You have the ability and power to create your new future.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
There is life beyond widowhood, and it can be beautiful.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
unsure about how to support widows in their lives. The authors illuminate the realities of
widowhood by exploring its unique and often overlooked aspects. (Search for the Large Print Edition using B0DSG1SJRD in the Amazon search bar.)
Every day, over 2,800 American women become widows. The average age of these widows is
59. You might know one of the eleven million widows in the United States. You may be one
yourself, or you could find yourself in that situation one day.
This inspirational and enlightening book offers valuable insights. The three authors write
candidly and emotionally about their unique experiences as widows and their determination to
create new beginnings after loss. Each author’s voice distinctly reveals different yet similar
aspects of grief and rebuilding a life.
They have collaborated to create a spirit guide and a handbook designed to assist women and
those who wish to support them in navigating the challenges of widowhood. The book offers
explanations that ease the discomfort of preparation and provides practical lists for getting
ready. It reassures widows with logical, comforting, and valuable insights into their experiences
and their tasks. The book concludes with advice and suggestions on how to help and support
the widows in the reader’s life.
A quiet, welcome voice of calm and encouragement emerges from the pages. This book has the
power to comfort many.
Summer Sunshine
In the summer of 1959, a shy college student named Debby Detering embarks on a work-study program in Washington, eager yet anxious about making friends. She pushes herself out of her comfort zone by attending a church function, where she meets a man named Floyd. Their brief encounter fills her with excitement—she’s finally spoken to someone! What follows is a sweet summer romance filled with boat rides, zoo visits, and group dates packed into Floyd’s Volkswagen Beetle. But as the season ends, the looming question arises—what will happen when Debby returns to New England?
In an era when long-distance phone calls were a costly luxury, Debby and Floyd kept their love alive through handwritten letters, a testament to their patience and devotion. Despite the miles between them, they stayed connected, visiting whenever possible, and to the surprise of their parents, the summer romance endured. The couple married in 1960, and their love blossomed into a 60-year marriage. Their story, beautifully captured in this memoir, is told through heartfelt poetry, nostalgic stories, cherished photos, and meaningful Bible verses. This memoir radiates warmth and devotion. I loved how Debby and Floyd’s relationship centers around connection, education, spirituality, and shared experiences. The poems interspersed between the chapters are poignant and perfectly complement the themes of each section. Raw and genuine, every verse is steeped in emotion, making it easy to revisit them time and again. The inclusion of personal photos brought a smile to my face, and the author’s use of metaphors, like the image of a family as a tapestry woven in vibrant colors, added depth to the storytelling.
Though a quick read, I found myself drawn back to the poems, savoring their heartfelt simplicity more than once. Debby and Floyd’s journey of love, growth, and the life they built together serves as an inspiring example, especially for newly married couples. If you’re in the mood for a wholesome, uplifting love story, Summer Sunshine: Memoir and Poetry is a delightful and heartwarming choice.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 1733942785
Dictatorship Versus Democracy
Till Marriage Do Us Part follows a woman struggling to keep her rocky marriage together while also wishing to pursue a relationship with a stranger from the internet. This is an intriguing setup to a novel that is high in social commentary. What was your moral goal when writing this novel and do you feel you’ve achieved it?
I’m not sure I had a moral goal, but I certainly set out to challenge traditional morals and long-held beliefs about the one-love-til-death-do-us-part ideology. From the feedback I’ve had, I would say that I have achieved this goal.
Were the characters’ backstories something you always had or did they develop as you were writing?
The backstories for these characters developed as I was writing. My approach to writing is similar in that the plot, ending, and character development often changes and evolves as the story develops.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore a number of interrelated themes, such as marriage, polyamory, and compersion (i.e. to view an individual as autonomous and celebrate their own unique path to fulfilment). By nature, a long-term union (like marriage) is demanding and punctuated with compromise. But at what personal cost? If the needs of the union are always placed above the needs of the individuals, then isn’t it more of a dictatorship than a democracy? This revolutionary idea of dictatorship versus democracy is the central theme of TMDUP.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have a few works in progress: Book One of a Thriller/Suspense series; and a Women’s Fiction novel. I will strive to have at least one ready next year. Readers can subscribe to my newsletter to receive updates.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
At Ghost Gum Winery in Australia, married couple Aden and Bronte are dealt a cruel hand of fate when a financial audit forces them into foreclosure. Starting afresh in a seaside suburb of Brisbane, their marriage rapidly deteriorates as Aden mourns his dream life and Bronte seizes an opportunity to pursue the writing dream she buried when she became a winemaker’s wife.
In America, Luther is an indie author who is unhappily married to his second wife. With his bohemian mother encouraging him from the sidelines to keep searching for his ideal, but impossible, woman, he searches Twitter hashtags and discovers Bronte’s profile. Instantly smitten, he ghost follows her until he can orchestrate the perfect meet.
When Aden’s new job takes him to Dubai for three months, and the Twitterverse unites Bronte and Luther, Bronte soon finds herself in a predicament in which she must choose between her husband and a man she’s never met.
Problem is, she wants them both.
Determined to explore a relationship with Luther and keep her family unit intact, Bronte makes it her mission to redefine her conventional marriage in order to keep both relationships alive.
But these three hearts cannot foresee where each of their romantic lives will lead when Bronte’s burgeoning writing career takes her to Hollywood.
Growing up, Patty
Growing Up, Patty, by Patty Beecham, is one of the most candid and heartfelt memoirs I’ve encountered in a long time, and I found myself captivated by every page. From her earliest school days, Patty felt out of place—longing to fit in yet always sensing she was different. Her twenties were a turbulent time, marked by a troubled marriage, unemployment, and no stable home. Despite these challenges, Patty’s resilience shines through as she gradually pieces together the life she wanted, proving her unwavering dedication to creating her own path.
Throughout the memoir, readers are taken on a vivid journey through her friendships, romantic relationships, family struggles, career transitions, and a deep passion for adventure. Her experiences with failed relationships are laid bare, and one revelation—that she had once been stalked—left me genuinely surprised. Eventually, she meets Chris, the love of her life, and together they build a family. The challenges of motherhood were not easy for Patty, but with Chris’s steadfast support, she overcame the hardships. Her career, which began in advertising, later evolved into a successful role as a radio presenter. I admired her boldness in starting fresh, never hesitating to reinvent herself. Her courage and determination left a lasting impression.
One of the qualities that stood out most about Patty is her incredible resourcefulness. I recall her initiative in setting up one of the first school websites on the Internet, a moment that filled me with pride for her accomplishments. The way she navigated the joys and pains of motherhood, including heartbreaking miscarriages, was deeply moving. The strain her marriage endured due to her husband’s demanding job underscores the broader theme of how work can ripple through every part of a person’s life, affecting health, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Amid life’s toughest challenges, Patty’s humor became her shield, allowing her to find light even in dark moments. Her stories brim with wit and wisdom, and I found myself relating to many of her experiences—whether it was the quest for purpose, the restless ambitions of young adulthood, or the bravery it takes to pivot careers when life demands it. Growing Up, Patty is not just a memoir; it’s an honest reflection on the highs and lows of life, filled with moments of vulnerability, strength, and humor. It’s a deeply personal narrative, and I loved every moment of it.
Pages: 350 | ISBN : 978-0645247855
The Unexpected Guests
The Unexpected Guests, by Ruth F. Stevens, dives into the tangled web of midlife relationships, family dynamics, and the journey of self-discovery. At the center of this contemporary fiction is Margaret, a recently divorced woman trying to piece her life back together. She rekindles a complicated connection with Charlie, a successful but emotionally guarded author. The story intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, each with their own struggles and secrets. Margaret’s friend, Sunny, faces her own battles with love and career, while Gwendolyn, Margaret’s mother, harbors a past shrouded in mystery. Set against the vibrant backdrop of South Bay in Los Angeles, the narrative delves into love, second chances, and the inevitable chaos that others bring into our lives. This book appeals to readers who crave character-driven tales infused with humor, heart, and a touch of drama.
Ruth Stevens’ The Unexpected Guests offers a warm, heartfelt reading experience. The story invites readers into the lives of seemingly ordinary characters grappling with life’s oddities. Their experiences resonate deeply, making the narrative feel intimate and personal. Certain characters stand out, their stories laced with tension yet softened by the tenderness in Stevens’ prose. This balance evokes empathy as they navigate old wounds and new opportunities. The writing flows effortlessly, accessible yet charming. The prose sparkles with wit and emotion, striking a balance between light-hearted moments and more reflective, poignant scenes. I do feel that the dialogue sometimes feels as if the characters are speaking past each other rather than engaging in genuine conversation. This detracts slightly from the otherwise engaging narrative.
Each character, even the secondary ones like Sunny and Gwendolyn, is thoughtfully crafted. They bring their unique dilemmas to the story, enriching the main narrative in meaningful ways. Stevens excels in portraying relationships, whether romantic, familial, or platonic. The flaws in these characters make them more endearing, drawing readers deeper into their lives and struggles. The plot leans toward a slice-of-life approach, focusing on emotional depth rather than high-stakes drama. This style may resonate with those who enjoy introspective, character-focused stories. The pacing is steady, and these quieter scenes offer valuable space to reflect on the characters, enhancing understanding and connection.
The Unexpected Guests explores love, second chances, and the beautifully messy nature of human relationships. It’s a moving story for readers who appreciate well-drawn characters and narratives that feel both genuine and heartfelt.
Pages: 355 | ASIN : B0DFCS8BKN
Forks & Knives: A Marriage at the Crossroads of Addiction and Codependency
Mimi Wahlfeldt’s Forks and Knives: A Marriage at the Crossroads of Addiction and Codependency is a poignant and powerful fictional narrative rooted in real-life events. The novel offers an intimate glimpse into the turmoil of a marriage engulfed by the struggles of addiction, painting a vivid and heartrending picture of what it means to love and live in the shadow of alcoholism. The story centers on Kat Torrington, a woman who uncovers her husband Eric’s secret battle with alcoholism just as she prepares to welcome their first child. This discovery places Kat at a critical juncture—a decision point that many readers may find relatable: should she stay and fight for her marriage or walk away from it?
Wahlfeldt’s choice to tell the story through Kat’s first-person perspective is one of the novel’s most compelling elements. This narrative approach allows readers to experience the emotional depth of Kat’s journey firsthand. Her fears, hopes, and inner conflicts are laid bare, creating a raw and unfiltered portrayal of a life entwined with addiction. The narrative’s strength lies in its authenticity. Wahlfeldt does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of addiction and its ripple effects on relationships and families. The novel delves into the cyclical nature of denial, relapse, and recovery with a stark honesty that is both challenging and enlightening.
The metaphor of “forks and knives” serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel, representing the difficult choices Kat faces and the often sharp, painful consequences of those decisions. For readers who have faced similar struggles, Forks and Knives offers a sense of validation and shared experience.
Wahlfeldt’s Forks & Knives goes beyond mere storytelling; it offers a form of closure to those who have questioned whether they gave their all in the most challenging moments of their lives. Whether you are familiar with the battles of addiction or simply seeking a compelling, emotionally resonant read, Forks and Knives is a novel that will stay with you long after you have turned the last page.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0CZ18RM29
LITERARY TITAN 