Blog Archives
Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns
Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns, by A.W. Anthony, is a gentle and heartfelt coming-of-age romance set in the Midwest during the 1970s. Told through the perspective of Terry Deitz, a small-town high schooler, the novel follows his winding, often awkward journey toward love, manhood, and faith. At the center of this story is Debbie Douglas, the girl who catches Terry’s eye and, in time, his heart. Through football games, study hall antics, and tender moments of doubt and hope, the story paints a nostalgic picture of adolescence flavored with Christian values and clean romance.
Reading this book felt like riding in an old pickup on a country road—bumpy, charming, and unexpectedly meaningful. The writing is earnest and full of heart. It leans into its strengths: relatable characters, small-town dynamics, and the quiet courage of first love. I appreciated that the story was never rushed. The slow pace mirrors real life, especially in rural America, where relationships unfold over seasons, not chapters. Anthony’s choice to write from the boy’s point of view adds a fresh and grounded feel that sidesteps cliché. And while not every conversation crackles, many are brimming with sincerity and teenage honesty. I smiled a lot. Sometimes I winced. But I always believed them.
I do feel there are moments where the moral undertones get a bit heavy, and a few plot beats feel like they were written with a wink to Hallmark. But maybe that’s part of the charm. This book isn’t trying to be edgy or clever. It’s kind, and that’s rare these days. The moments that truly shine feel pulled straight from real life— tender, simple, and real—the kind of moment that doesn’t need big drama to feel big.
Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns is more than a simple love story; it’s a tribute to decency, patience, and young hearts figuring it out. I’d recommend it to anyone who craves clean romance, Christian values, and a walk through simpler times. It’s especially great for teenagers and their parents, or anyone who wants to remember what it felt like to fall in love for the first time—with a girl, with life, or even just with the idea that something good might be waiting around the corner.
A Life-Changing Injury
Only One Foot to the East follows a vibrant young woman who, after a motorcycle crash, is left severely injured, ultimately losing a leg and living with a colostomy, and her refusal to let this disability define her. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As outlined in the introduction, there were three elements I wanted to explore:
Firstly, the physical and psychological impact of a life-changing injury on a young and otherwise healthy and attractive woman and her subsequent journey of healing, acceptance, and growing as a person through the challenges this imposed;
Secondly, the phenomenon of fascination with and attraction to amputees, particularly by men towards amputee women, encompassing both positive and negative aspects of this – for both the amputees who are the recipients of this attraction and for those who, for whatever reasons, have this fascination or attraction (often unbidden, and frequently unfulfilled except through fantasy); and
Thirdly an exploration of the hippy era, which, although it had earlier roots, kicked off with the “Summer of Love” in Haight Ashbury in San Francisco in 1967 and emerged as a counter-culture by many in the baby boom generation, rejecting the values and attitudes of older generations, embracing psychedelic drugs (especially cannabis and LSD, but also including mescalin, magic mushrooms, and – to a lesser extent – “harder” drugs such as heroin, cocaine, etc., leading on in later times to ecstasy, and the plethora of drugs now available, the fashions of the time – flairs, kaftans, beads, Afghan goatskin coats, long hair for both sexes, an era of pop music – principally rock and roll – and of an interest in Hindu and Buddhist religion and philosophy. All of this, of course, resulted in the “Hippy Trail” in which many young people travelled overland from Britain and Western Europe to India, Nepal, and – in some cases – subsequently to East Asia and even Australia.
My interest in these three aspects derives from (a) the fact that I am married to an amputee, (b) I have known other people who have gone through life-changing illnesses and injuries resulting in disabilities, and (c) in my younger days I knew and was friends with several hippies, and although not participating myself in any drugs scene I was aware of it, knew several people who were part of it, heard many stories including those of people who had gone to India and took an active interest in the philosophies and practices of those it inspired.
By the way, please note that, in the book, Lucy’s colostomy is only temporary. I know there are many people who live with permanent colostomies or ileostomies, but these are usually the result of disease of the intestinal tract (colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or very severe IBS), much less frequently from trauma.
I found Lucy to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her and her emotional turmoil through the story?
Lucy is based on aspects of many people, no one of whom encompasses all of her. Influences have included my wife, other people I have known, the online blogs, YouTube videos, Instagram and Facebook accounts of many, characters in other books, and a lot of research!
What is the next book that you are writing, and when will that be published?
I have written a few short stories, and plan on writing more – and maybe at some point another novel. However, as yet I don’t have any plans for publishing anything.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
After a devastating motorcycle accident leaves her with one leg, Lucy is determined not to be defined by her disability. She joins her free-spirited boyfriend on the iconic “Hippy Trail” to India, seeking freedom, healing, and meaning. Along the way, she encounters a whirlwind of experiences—from ancient mysticism and spiritual awakenings to the harsh realities of addiction, grief, and betrayal.
As Lucy navigates continents and cultures—from Europe through the Middle East to India and on to Australia—she also journeys inward, confronting hidden fears, a haunting secret, and a world that doesn’t always understand her. Alongside her travels, she meets Brian Patterson, a quiet, kind-hearted doctor wrestling with his own deeply personal truth. Their bond grows as each of them searches for belonging, self-acceptance, and love.
Spanning Ireland, England, India, and Australia, One Foot to the East is a powerful and deeply human story of transformation, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a woman determined to live life on her own terms.
Omega I – The Creation
Omega I: The Creation, by David J. Story, is a gritty, emotionally charged vigilante thriller that throws readers headfirst into the horrors of child trafficking and the failures of the justice system. It follows a group of ordinary citizens, survivors, the broken, and the angry, as they unite to form “Omega,” a clandestine team that takes justice into their own hands when the courts fail. Beginning with a mistrial that lets a known pedophile walk free, the story quickly escalates into street-level retribution, covert operations, and deeply personal reckonings, all woven together with high-octane drama and moral ambiguity.
David J. Story does not hold back. From the opening chapter, the emotional weight is immediate and intense. The section titled The Macon Trial is especially powerful, an unflinching depiction of courtroom failure that had me tense with frustration. The dismissal of crucial evidence on a technicality, allowing a known predator to go free, felt disturbingly plausible. That sense of injustice is palpable, and it’s clear the author intended to provoke exactly that response. Story captures the deep, familiar outrage that comes when the system fails the vulnerable. The prose is blunt and unpolished at times, yet that roughness complements the story’s urgency. Even when the writing strays into uneven territory, the emotion behind it remains unmistakably authentic.
The characters, particularly Jack and Shay, are compelling not because they embody heroism but because they feel authentically human. Shay’s trauma and Jack’s own concealed past unfold gradually, revealed through moments of vulnerability and stark, difficult conversations. One especially powerful scene takes place when Jack and Shay sit in a diner reflecting on their experiences with abuse and vengeance. The moment is emotionally jarring. The writing may not be refined or lyrical, but its honesty is undeniable. It strikes with blunt force. Jack’s revelation about his past is both unexpected and deeply affecting. This is a novel that holds profound pain at its core, yet there is a persistent, somber sense of justice that lingers long after the scene ends.
What truly carried the story was its heart. This isn’t a book about flawless prose; it’s about people reaching their breaking point and choosing to act when no one else will. When the Omega team commits fully to their brand of vigilante justice, I couldn’t help but root for them, even when it made me question my own sense of right and wrong. That’s the power of this story: it doesn’t offer easy answers. It wrestles with justice and vengeance, law and healing, and it does so with an honesty that’s raw and compelling.
If you prefer stories with clean resolutions and neatly tied endings, this may not be the book for you. But for those who have ever felt a surge of frustration at injustice, whether watching the news or sitting helplessly in a courtroom, Omega I resonates deeply. It speaks to the angered, the grieving, and those who still hold onto the conviction that action matters, even when the system fails. Unflinching and emotionally charged, this novel is both powerful and provocative.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0C2L9KH94
The Universal Struggle
When the Boss is Not Right is a searing novel set in Mumbai’s chaotic media world, following a young journalist who battles toxic mentorship and systemic corruption in his fight to stay human and honest. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When the Boss is Not Right emerges from the harsh realities of Mumbai’s media landscape, where idealistic journalists confront powerful forces of corruption daily. The characters inhabit a world drawn from real encounters – mentors who normalize ethical compromises, colleagues who sacrifice principles for career advancement, and the rare individuals who stand for truth regardless of consequences.
The newsroom depicted serves as a battlefield where journalistic integrity clashes with commercial imperatives and political pressure. The story unfolds through layers of frustration, hope, and the raw wounds that form when truth becomes negotiable.
The protagonist’s journey reflects the universal struggle faced by media professionals: that disorienting moment when trusted guidance leads toward ethical quicksand. The corruption portrayed often pales compared to the disturbing realities of modern newsrooms.
This novel confronts essential questions that define modern professional life: Where does healthy ambition end and corruption begin? How can personal integrity survive in systems designed to undermine it? What separates necessary compromise from fundamental betrayal?
The fictional story offers no simple solutions. Instead, it creates a world where readers might recognize their own workplace dilemmas – the difficult superiors, the moral crossroads, the choice between advancement and values. Success for this book isn’t measured in sales figures but in moments of recognition when readers pause to question what “just how things work” truly costs.
What personal experiences, if any, informed your portrayal of Deep Kakarpathi and the toxic newsroom environment?
Creating Deep Kakarpathi and the newsroom of When the Boss is Not Right was an exercise in pure imagination. The character emerged not from personal experience but from countless “what if” sessions wondering how someone might respond when idealism collides with institutional corruption in a completely invented setting.
The fictional Bombay Chronicle newsroom sprang fully formed from creative exploration of workplace dynamics. Every character, situation, and ethical dilemma was carefully constructed to serve the narrative without mirroring any real people or events. Satyajit’s journey through this fabricated pressure cooker environment allowed me to examine universal themes of integrity, ambition, and moral courage from a safe fictional distance.
What readers connect with isn’t recognition of specific real-world parallels, but rather the emotional authenticity of the protagonist’s struggle. Through this entirely fictional narrative, I wanted to create a space where readers could contemplate complicated questions about professional ethics without the baggage of real-world reference points. Satyajit’s fictional ordeal becomes a lens through which we might examine our own relationship with truth, power, and personal integrity.
The novel operates purely in the realm of “what could be,” not “what is.” Any perceived resemblance to actual newsrooms or media personalities is entirely coincidental—the product of touching universal human experiences rather than specific real-world inspiration.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In When the Boss is Not Right, I aimed to explore the complex interplay between power, morality, and identity in the high-pressure world of journalism. One of the primary themes that emerged was the struggle for integrity in a corrupt system, where the pursuit of truth is often compromised by personal gain or institutional pressures.
The book also delves into the nuances of mentorship and its impact on personal and professional growth. The toxic dynamic between Satyajit and his superior serves as a catalyst for exploring the blurred lines between guidance and exploitation, highlighting the devastating consequences of unchecked power.
Furthermore, the novel touches on the theme of resilience and resistance in the face of adversity. The journey of the characters serves as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere and adapt, even in the most challenging environments. Perhaps most importantly, the story examines resilience not as simple perseverance but as the complex process of reconstructing personal identity after disillusionment.
Ultimately, the book is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. By weaving together these themes, I hoped to create a narrative that would resonate with readers and spark meaningful conversations about the importance of integrity, accountability, and personal agency.
What message or emotional response were you hoping readers would walk away with after finishing the book?
With When the Boss is Not Right, I hope readers would walk away with a profound sense of empathy and understanding for those navigating toxic work environments. I wanted to ignite a spark of recognition, encouraging readers to reflect on their own experiences and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.
As readers close the book, I envisioned them carrying with them a renewed sense of purpose and conviction. I hoped they would be inspired to challenge unjust systems, to support those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to cultivate workplaces that value integrity, compassion, and respect.
Ultimately, I desired for readers to experience an emotional resonance that lingers long after the final page is turned. I wanted them to feel the weight of Satyajit’s struggles, the sting of injustice, and the triumph of resilience. By sharing this story, I aimed to create a ripple effect, inspiring readers to become agents of positive change in their own lives and communities. In doing so, I hoped to leave a lasting impact, one that would continue to resonate with readers long after the book is finished.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A Wave of Uncertainty
When Jesus Leads: A Sequel to When Jesus Calls follows a woman struggling with her feelings of fear, uncertainty, and a desire to protect her heart and her daughter. In complete faith, Mary leans on God to guide her path. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although written as fiction, both Novels are based on true-life testimony.
Mary met Jimmy, who had a past that she wasn’t familiar with, but in a vision, God showed her his heart, as He saw it. God called her to love him. This wasn’t easy for Mary, but she had no choice as the conviction from God was strong. As a single mom, desiring to protect her daughter’s heart made it more difficult for Mary. God poured so much love into her heart for him, and most importantly, she wanted to follow God’s will for her life. Mary’s Faith became more real than she had ever known it as she continued to walk against a wave of uncertainty to love Jimmy through his addiction that ultimately brought him to Jesus, and his life was dramatically changed.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Although When Jesus Calls and When Jesus Leads are written as fiction, both of my books are based on true life experiences. I used Mary as the main character because Mary always rested at Jesus’ feet while Martha always seemed to worry. This was a lesson that Mary continued to grow in. When Jesus Calls is about my life and how being betrayed at a very young age caused a lot of trust issues; Mary poured herself into her work as sales and marketing director at the Inn to hide behind the pain. When Jesus Leads brings Jimmy back into the story of dating, meeting family, holidays, etc. Mary continues to seek to understand God’s will for her life with him and ultimately surrenders her will to God’s.
While writing my story, God healed my heart on many occasions and freed me from pain that I never dealt with. Pain that I never knew existed. Writing both books has been an amazing but emotional journey, as real-life experiences are written deep into the pages of each Novel.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
After marrying my husband, God called me to leave my career many years ago to be a stay-at-home wife and homeschool mom. It was a tough decision for me, as I trusted in my ability and what I could do to provide for myself and my daughter.
I had to understand the importance of letting go/surrendering and trusting Jesus above all else. After my daughter went to college, I asked the Lord to please give me something that I could do on my own again. I studied for all of my insurance licenses and, within six months, owned my own insurance agency. After building a business almost four years later, God called me to sell my business to write When Jesus Calls and When Jesus Leads. This has been a profound journey of God’s amazing love.
When we trust God and walk in His will, hearts change.
When Jesus Leads has already won a Gold, 5-star award with The Literary Global Book Awards. I am humbled!
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the 3rd book in the series. This book should finish the story, or there may be one more. My prayer is that it will be available in the Fall.
John 11:40 – Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Join Mary on an inspirational journey of romance, hope, forgiveness, and, most importantly, faith. Will Mary’s unwavering faith be enough to follow God’s will for her life?
When Jesus Leads is a sequel to When Jesus Calls—Mary’s life as a young woman whose life does not turn out as planned. The betrayal in her marriage leaves her bitter, heartbroken, and angry. Focusing on forgetting the pain of her past, Mary pours herself into her work as a sales and marketing director of a charming resort called the Inn and becomes an award-winning author. Her job becomes her identity.
Mary’s life takes a remarkable turn when she meets Michael, an author. After he decides to leave town and not return, Mary becomes a single mom. Mary attempts to try to find a balance in her life, enjoying her career at the Inn and writing. She then meets Jimmy, who has a past that she is uncomfortable with, and as God calls her to love him, her world feels uncertain. “Is this God’s will for my life?” she asks herself.
Surprisingly, Michael comes back into her life, leaving her feeling vulnerable about her and her daughter’s future.
As she grapples to understand her relationship with Jimmy, doubt and fear surround her.
When Jesus Leads is a story about undeniable faith and a journey toward romance, forgiveness, love, and learning to trust God above all else. Jesus reminds her of His word in John 11:40: “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the Glory of God?”
Down and Out in the River City
Wm. Stage’s Down and Out in the River City is a gritty, no-nonsense dive into the underbelly of St. Louis, where homelessness, crime, and corruption bleed into each other under the glow of neon tavern signs. The story follows Francis, a process server whose job forces him to navigate both the seedy and bureaucratic sides of the city. What starts as a routine attempt to serve a legal document quickly turns into something much bigger as Francis gets swept into the chaos of a city-wide protest, a police crackdown, and a mystery surrounding the overdose of a troubled young man. The novel paints a vivid and often brutal picture of a city grappling with racial tension, crime, and the slow erosion of morality in the face of desperation.
Stage’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and packed with a dark wit that makes even the bleakest moments sting with humor. Francis is a character who sees the world in shades of gray, a refreshing break from the typical hero. He’s cynical yet strangely principled, acknowledging the corruption on both sides of the law while trying to keep his head above water. One of the most compelling parts of the book is the way Francis interacts with different factions of St. Louis society like bar regulars who rib him for getting arrested with protesters, hardened cops who see him as an outsider, and the desperate people caught in the crossfire. The riot scene early in the book is electric. Its filled with tension and sharp dialogue that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the chaos. It’s one of the best examples of how Stage captures the raw energy of a city on edge. While the novel thrives on its gritty realism and immersive atmosphere, there are moments where I felt the story meanders. I think some of Francis’ internal monologues and interactions, especially in barroom settings, could be trimmed down to maintain the narrative’s momentum.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its unflinching look at race relations and police violence. The story doesn’t shy away from the ugliness on both sides, whether it’s protesters eager to turn a tragedy into an opportunity for anarchy or police officers who have lost all patience and resort to brute force. The courtroom scene following the Stockley verdict is gut-wrenching, a moment where you can feel the weight of history pressing down on the city. Stage doesn’t try to push an agenda, he just presents the chaos as it is, which makes it all the more powerful. Francis’ own discomfort in navigating these tensions adds depth to the story, making him a compelling guide through this moral minefield.
Despite its heavy themes, the book doesn’t drown in its own darkness. The dialogue is lively, the humor biting, and the characters feel like people you’d run into at a South City dive bar. The subplot involving Francis being hired to investigate the death of Austin Lambert, a privileged kid who spirals into drug addiction and homelessness, adds a noir-like mystery element to the book. The scenes where Francis and his partner Cale chase leads through homeless encampments and sketchy motels are gripping, giving the novel a detective story edge that keeps you hooked.
Down and Out in the River City is for readers who like their fiction raw, real, and unpolished. Fans of Elmore Leonard or George Pelecanos will appreciate its punchy prose and morally complex characters. If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t sugarcoat reality but still delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking ride, this one’s a must-read.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0DZ7MJ2MK
Love is Possible
Hold Me follows a woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia who has put her life on hold for years and now questions her future after reuniting with a man from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Due to this story being set in the village of Greengrove, where all my books are currently set, I wanted Dawn to meet someone from her past who was better than someone she went to school with. That way they shared a past but not enough that they knew each other too much. I also wanted to show that people with conditions such as fibromyalgia are just as capable of falling in love and being in relationships as long as they have someone who understands them and their condition.
Who is your favorite character to write for and why?
My favourite changes with every book. For this book, I think Debbie was my favourite because she was the sister that you would love to have supportive but annoying, strong but loving and funny.
Is there anything from your own life included in Dawn and Connor’s experiences?
I have Fibromyalgia so when I wrote Dawn’s experience of it I had to use a lot of mine from being diagnosed to falling over and cuddling the concrete to the shower pin pricking me as the water runs down on me. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible but I knew that everyones fibromyalgia can be different so I was mindful of that.
Can fans look forward to a fourth installment in the Greengrove series? Where will it take readers?
Yes there will be a fourth installment of the Greengrove Series it’s called Second Chances and I am writing it now it is Debbie’s (Dawn’s twin sister) story and how she accidentally bumps into the man who broke her heart in London while she was there for a weekend away. Only it turns out that things are not as simple as that.
Author Links: X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Dawn had lived in Greengrove all her life. Love had never been a priority in her mind. She had plenty of time for that, especially after watching her twin sister Debbie fall in love and have her heart shattered. Why would you put yourself through that?
For the past few years, Dawn has been suffering from ill health. Being given a diagnosis was a double-edged sword. Yes, they now knew what was wrong with her, but now she feels useless. All those things that she had put on hold may now not happen. Falling in love and having children is no longer a possibility. Who would want to stick around with her now?
But a chance meeting with one boy she went to school with proves her wrong. Can she believe he could love her and her broken body?
Families and Friends
In Better Than Coffee, a family learns to resolve their differences and rediscovers the power of Christianity through regular meetings and a renewed supportive family network. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The comfort of how coffee and tea in society brings families and friends together and my love for drinking a hot cup of tea or ice cold glass of tea.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Yes, watching meaningful tea and coffee talks through world events and enjoying tea and coffee talks with family and friends through the years.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The importance of a healthy support system of family and friends who are safe to share hard times, tears, and laughter, with the joy of enjoying a cup of coffee or tea for additional comfort and relaxation.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I am in the formation stages of writing family and friends fun books.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
learn later that although coffee provides them with temporary comfort, God becomes their ultimate comfort for every walk of their lives, unhealthy addictions, brokenness, and despair in their lives with God’s help and the support of one another.
Although the characters are fictional, the power of God and Christianity is real.
May readers be inspired to love God, enjoy coffee or tea, and share their blessings and life’s adventures with their loved ones.
