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They Did What Had To Be Done
The Return: The Grass Isn’t Always Greener follows a rancher in Colorado who, after his wife is struck with a mysterious illness, moves his family to Denver only to be caught up in a web of deception and hidden enemies. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Return is the third in the South Park series, all set in Colorado in the 1870s. It follows ranchers Ike and Lorraine McAlister as they struggle to survive in a fast-changing world. What they faced every day is not so different than what we face today, as days blur by in a seeming swirl.
How has character development for the main character changed for you through the series?
Ike McAlister is a strong protagonist who is also a flawed man. Much of what changes him is a result of his marriage to Lorraine, a steadfast, strong partner in a harsh world. He doesn’t have to carry the whole load, and relies on Lorraine throughout the series.
What intrigues you about this time period enough to write such a thrilling period piece?
I’ve always been intrigued by the grit of the Old West settlers. There was no whining, no complaining, no one was a victim, they just went about living and did what had to be done.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Right now, there’s no fourth instalment planned, but I am working on another western mystery set in the time period between the end of the Civil War and 1900. Six short stories in one novel, all revolving around a mysterious pistol with a deadly past.
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Lorraine’s condition fails to improve, and Ike narrowly escapes a deadly attempt on his life. Soon, the couple finds themselves tangled in a web of deception, where hidden enemies plot their destruction. As suspicion deepens and threats draw closer, Ike and Lorraine must unravel the truth before it’s too late.
Will they survive long enough to expose the conspiracy, or will the shadows of Denver claim them both?
Perfect for fans of historical western thrillers, [Your Book Title] delivers suspense, grit, and heart in a world where survival is never guaranteed.
The Return
Mike Torreano’s The Return is a western that finishes his South Park series. The book follows Ike McAlister, a rancher in Colorado whose life gets very, very hard. A terrible blizzard hits his ranch, and his wife, Lorraine, becomes mysteriously ill. Then he gets a job offer from a man named Stilwell, a railroad boss who is also a secret enemy. Ike’s family moves to Denver, but this move is a trap. The whole story becomes a dark mystery. Stilwell is trying to destroy them, seeking revenge for a long-past death, and Ike and Lorraine must fight for their very lives.
I really got into this book. The writing itself is direct. It doesn’t use fancy words. It just tells the story. I liked that. It felt honest, just like the characters. The pace just keeps moving. You get a real feel for the high-country cold. It feels brutal. The book really dives into ideas of loyalty. It talks about revenge. It asks what you would do for your family. I felt a lot for Lorraine. Her sickness was a total mystery, and it made me feel helpless right along with Ike. The whole plot is a big tangled web of old wounds. It was a heck of a thing to unravel.
The central theme is definitely revenge. This story gets dark. Stilwell is a really nasty piece of work. He has no good side. He just wants to destroy people. I felt real anger at his plotting. I was on the edge of my seat. I worried about Ike. I worried about the kids. The book’s real heart is the McAlister family and their friends. They stick together. They have grit. The ending was my favorite part. It was a huge surprise. This felt like true frontier justice. It was a very powerful and smart way to end the mystery.
I absolutely recommend The Return. It’s a fantastic read. It has all the classic Western parts. You get cowboys. You get vast landscapes. You get sudden danger. But it is also a really good mystery. The plot is full of twists. I think this book is perfect for anyone who just loves a solid, traditional Western. It would also be great for someone who wants a fast-paced mystery, one with a lot of heart.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0FQX3BH8W
Authenticity and Spirituality
Grand Illusion follows a gifted Balinese fabric artist who meets a wealthy heir from the Emirates, who introduces her to a world of opulence and power, far from her roots and heritage. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup began at the ending of Moroccan Sunset. Zayn Al Farooq was introduced as the youngest of Elena’s older brothers. We saw that he was into the privileges his family’s wealth provided. Yet he was fascinated by Mara’s ethereal beauty and creative talent.
When I began Mara’s book, I felt like I knew her character by now and could envision her unease in falling into Zayn’s lifestyle. Her cultural beginning was always about authenticity and spirituality. The cultural and religious barriers soon followed, making Zayn and Mara’s romantic connection next to impossible.
The entrance of Wayan, with a similar background, brought home the importance of her roots.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
To allow Grand Illusion to be read as a standalone, I had to walk a balance between readers who knew the characters intimately and those who were first being introduced. That required just enough backstory for new readers to catch up.
Basically, I had to focus on speeding up the less important moments between the characters, yet slowing down the primary moments. A good example is with Annie and Mara on the sailing yacht. Throughout the series, readers learned how much Annie loved that moment when the sail is hoisted. I have written it multiple times, so it was easy for me to speed through it. However, in this case, my editor, who had not read the other books, told me to write it like it was the first time, but now seeing it through Mara’s eyes. It completely changed the scene.
Now that you have finished your Annie’s Journey series, have you discovered anything about yourself while researching and writing these women’s stories?
I have a wide circle of friends, many of whom have faced serious stumbling blocks in their lives. The same applies to me. Personally, I believe in the ‘angels among us’ theory. In my writing, there is always someone who comes along to impart wisdom or insight. It can come from typical sources like a relative or close friend. But sometimes it is from a stranger, like the little old woman in the Bali market who cryptically told Annie, “The time to be happy is now.” Or it could be a stone like the one Annie gave to Sarah before her first art exhibition, or the blue diamond ring that Ramone gave Annie.
I finish each of these books with a sense of hope and anticipation about the future. Hopefully, readers experience that as well.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can fans expect it to be released?
Grand Illusion is being referred to as the 5th and final book in the Annie’s Journey series. Currently, I am taking 2 months as an author-in-residence in Blueridge, GA, to find inspiration for a new series. Although there is much to draw from here, I have to admit there are two characters from the series who keep whispering in my ear that their story hasn’t been told. Would it be so horrible if there were a sixth book???
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The 5th and final book in the ANNIE’S JOURNEY series, Grand Illusion: Lesson of a Balinese Lotus, finds young Balinese fabric designer, Mara, at the pinnacle of the fashion world! Her success is bolstered by the charming and enigmatic Zayn, an Arab financier whose influence opens doors to a world of opulence and power. Yet, behind the glittering façade, Mara’s identity is lost in a labyrinth of illusions.
One fateful night, Mara meets Wayan, a fellow Balinese soul and costume designer to the legendary opera diva, Antonella Rossi. Both Wayan and Antonella are entangled in their own webs of deception, struggling to maintain authenticity amidst the pressures of fame and fortune.
As Mara and Wayan’s paths intertwine, the echoes of their homeland call them back to Bali, where the roots of their heritage await to ground them once more. But even if the wisdom and symbolism of their ancestors offer clarity, can they find the courage to redefine their paths?
Mystery and Intrigue
While The Jury Waits follows a self-absorbed but magnetic defense attorney who gets tangled in the most personal case of his career, the murder trial of his lover. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of the story was driven by two things; first, my intense desire to step outside my comfort zone to write a work of fiction, and secondly by my love of crime shows, movies, and John Grisham novels.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Believe it or not, the movie, Liar, Liar where Jim Carrey played a charismatic attorney who came across as not having a legal mind at all.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I consider them different. Balancing the two, albeit difficult to do, is driven by the structure associated with writing a decent work of fiction. Introduce, develop, and create mystery and intrigue through plot twists is my approach.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
The sequel to While the Jury Waits. It is going to be a trilogy eventually.
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Always Asking Questions
Rebels and Saints follows a ragtag group of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of a corporate regime that controls food, water, and livelihoods in a post-collapse America. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
America has been riding high in many ways since WW2. The US ended up being the most powerful nation in the modern world. And yet… How then can there be no universal health care? So many gun deaths? Teachers paid a pittance? So much poverty in a country with so much? Such a division between the haves and have-nots, as well as polarized politics?
Maybe it’s my Canadian showing (and we’re no 51st state), but I fear a collapse could happen. I doubt it will be like my books, but there are too many problems for things not to come to a head. It’s easy to imagine corporate overlords running the government when so much is about the bottom line and making money.
The GreenCorps towns were modeled on coal mining towns of the past and the monopoly of the company stores, as was District 12 and the Seam from The Hunger Games. Some of my inspiration came from reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and watching the movie October Sky, about Homer Hickum and the Rocket Boys. Escaping that kind of life of drudgery was so difficult.
Another inspiration was for the entire series. The train hoppers were modeled on my grandfather, his brother, and a friend who hopped trains from Utah to California and back several times during the Great Depression.
The landfill scavengers of SoCal were inspired by Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay by Susan Hood.
I also wanted to set some of my story in Utah because I was born in Ogden. My family moved to Canada when I was two, but we visited every year through my childhood, and we went on several road trips using Ogden as a starting point. I’ve hiked in the canyons, swam in the Reservoir, and visited dozens of towns and cities in the west. I also forced my husband to detour to Craters of the Moon on our Volcanoes Roadtrip in 2010, so I loved that I could picture the landscape and setting of the story.
Your characters are wonderfully emotive and relatable. Were you able to use anything from your own life to inform their character development?
I always borrow bits of myself and people I know when writing. I hope I can get inside my characters and make them feel real. Clark, for example, doesn’t connect well with others and always feels alone. I’ve felt that way often, and like Clark, I went through a short phase when I couldn’t speak around others. Elsa is tough and doesn’t give in to peer pressure and constantly strives to do better, which I can also relate to. Plus, she’s much happier and more secure with Walker. I can relate to having a partner who makes me feel safe and accepted as myself.
I find that, while writing, you sometimes ask questions and have the characters answer them. Do you find that to be true? What questions did you ask yourself while writing this story?
My editor has pointed out that I ask a lot of questions, and I’m working on reducing the number. That said, I have constant questions and things I’m wondering-my head is a very busy place. I used to think everyone was that way, but it seems I might have been mistaken. I think it might be more common with a neurodivergent brain.
When I was writing, I asked myself what would make the story satisfying? What would happiness look like to the different characters? What would they need to show their hope, their belief in a better life? I thought about what would make a rebellion successful. I didn’t want huge battles and a huge war, but I asked myself how else an uprising could work. My answer was that everyone scared to take part needed to choose a side and be brave in their own way.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I have two ideas…so far.
1. Wade got away. I think Tatsuda, Ginger, and Wade might meet again in a few years.
2. I have a story on the shelf, one written in 2020, that I plan to revise. It’s set in 2192 across the continent in Salem, Massachusetts. It could be the opening of another series that might connect to the Train Hoppers, showing what’s happening in other places throughout North America post-collapse.
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With renewed hope, they return to join the rebels. Some sneak into SoCol to free Elsa’s family, others lead teams to collect seeds from the bunkers, and others bring hope to the populace and free the downtrodden.
Like Elsa, Janna grew up in SoCal, but instead of escaping, her brother sold her as a prostitute. Liberated by the rebels, she plans to fight alongside them.
Clark grew up in rebel Utah and, one by one, has lost his family to GreenCorps. Broken, he hides among the neutral Saints, taking refuge and avoiding his problems—until he meets Janna.
Though cracks have appeared in the Greencorps stranglehold, it will take everyone working together to break them apart. Without them, the rebel cause will fail and the corporatocracy will once more prevail.
Grab your copy of Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom, the action-packed conclusion to the Train Hoppers series.
Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom
Lena Gibson’s Rebels and Saints is the gripping third installment of the Long Haul trilogy, a dystopian saga that follows a ragtag group of rebels fighting against the oppressive rule of GreenCorps, a corporate regime that controls food, water, and livelihoods in a post-collapse America. Set in the year 2195, the novel continues Elsa’s journey as she leads the fight to distribute long-lost seed reserves that could free people from corporate dependency. With high-stakes train-hopping, underground bunkers, and daring escapes, the book is a thrilling blend of adventure and rebellion, all while exploring themes of survival, autonomy, and hope in a bleak world.
Right off the bat, the pacing had me hooked. This is a full-throttle, edge-of-your-seat kind of ride. One of my favorite scenes happens early on when Mason and his team are sneaking off a train into enemy territory. Gibson has this great way of making every movement feel significant and every risk feel personal.
What really made this book stand out wasn’t just the action it was the characters. Elsa, Walker, Mason, and Caitlyn aren’t just rebels with a mission they’re people with relationships, regrets, and fears. Elsa’s internal struggles, especially in moments where she realizes just how much power she wields, feel incredibly real.
The world-building is superb. Instead of drowning readers in exposition, Gibson reveals details naturally through the rebels’ experiences. The concept of train-hopping as a means of resistance is brilliant, adding a sense of motion and unpredictability to the story. And the contrast between GreenCorps-controlled zones and rebel havens is stark. That contrast makes the fight for freedom feel even more urgent.
By the time I hit the final chapters, my emotions were all over the place. There’s a sense of triumph, yes, but also loss—because the fight doesn’t end just because the book does. That’s the hallmark of a good dystopian novel. If you love fast-paced adventure with heart and if you enjoy stories about found families and underdogs taking on impossible odds, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0DVNLNMGC
Everything in Prosperity: Book 2 – Prosperity Series
In Everything in Prosperity, Judy Hannigan masterfully transports readers to the rugged, untamed world of the Old West, weaving a tale rich in action, romance, and suspense. The novel follows Sam and Jackson Knight, whose partnership with Deputy U.S. Marshal Price Hardin to dismantle the notorious Colson Brigham Gang sets the stage for conflicts that reach far beyond gunfights and outlaws. Their most perilous battles are not against their enemies but within their own hearts. Sam carries a secret that weighs heavily, her past shrouded in whispers and shadowed by guilt. Meanwhile, Jackson wrestles with his loyalty to Sam and his connection to Jessa Nolan, the widow who saved his life and whose son may hold an unspoken bond with him. Complicating matters further is Deacon Storey, Sam’s childhood confidant and former suitor, whose return stirs old emotions and unresolved tensions. As danger closes in and trust is tested, Sam and Jackson must navigate a maze of jealousy, doubt, and betrayal to determine if their love can withstand the pressure—or if the past will tear them apart forever.
Hannigan’s storytelling stands out for its meticulous research and seamless integration of real historical figures like Annie Oakley, anchoring the fictional narrative in a vivid sense of authenticity. Her portrayal of frontier life brims with detail, painting scenes of dusty trails, bustling saloons, and the raw, unpredictable nature of life on the edge of civilization. Every description immerses readers in a world that feels both gritty and alive, pulling them into the drama and danger. At its core, this is a story about resilience and redemption. Sam and Jackson’s relationship is layered and deeply human, their love tested by external threats and personal demons alike.
Sam’s strength and vulnerability make her a compelling heroine, while Jackson’s loyalty and inner conflict ground him as an imperfect yet endearing partner. The supporting cast adds richness to the narrative, from the determined Deputy Hardin to the enigmatic Deacon Storey, and even young Peter Jack. Together, they create a tapestry of relationships that feel genuine and multifaceted. The villains, meanwhile, bring a chilling edge, their menace adding tension and urgency to the story.
Everything in Prosperity isn’t just a tale of romance and adventure—it’s an exploration of the themes of forgiveness, loyalty, and the enduring power of love. Hannigan’s ability to balance heart-pounding action with deep emotional resonance ensures that the story grips readers from beginning to end. Fans of historical fiction, romance, and suspense will find much to admire in this novel.
I highly recommend this book, as it is an unforgettable journey into the trials and triumphs of the Old West. It leaves readers pondering one of the oldest questions of all: Can love truly conquer the scars of the past and the challenges of the present? With its gripping narrative and emotionally charged characters, Everything in Prosperity delivers a resounding answer.
Pages: 402 | ASIN : B0DMYGL3LM
Irresistible Bond
Irresistible Bond (Central Florida Stories) by Victoria Saccenti is a captivating contemporary M/F/M romance that weaves together love, intrigue, and the emotional complexities of trauma and healing. Storm Canales, now working for the DEA, leaves behind her childhood friends Marcus and Barrington Laurier. But after a mission is compromised by a mole within the agency, Storm is captured by a Colombian drug cartel. When she returns to Florida, haunted by her time in captivity, Marcus and Barrington are determined to help her heal. But the question lingers—will she let them?
The dynamic of long-standing friendship evolving into romance is one of my favorite tropes, and Saccenti explores it beautifully here. The bond between Storm, Marcus, and Barrington, rooted in years of shared history, is palpable and makes the emotional journey even more satisfying. The moments of teasing banter between the characters add a much-needed lightness, balancing the darker elements of Storm’s harrowing experience. After five years apart, it was refreshing to see how these characters still had new things to discover about each other, despite their deep connection. I also appreciated the elements of intrigue that ran throughout the plot. The twists added a layer of suspense that kept me engaged.
There were a few pacing issues that slowed down the narrative for me, particularly in Chapter 2. The lengthy exposition about what had happened in Marcus and Barrington’s lives over the past five years felt like it disrupted the flow of the story. I would have preferred to see more of these details unfold naturally rather than through long descriptions. Additionally, the alternating points of view between Storm, Marcus, and Barrington worked well overall, but there were moments where details about one character were conveyed through another’s perspective, which could have been handled more effectively.
Irresistible Bond is a heartfelt, engaging story of love, friendship, and resilience. The emotional depth and strong connection between the characters make it a worthwhile read for romance fans with a touch of intrigue.
Pages: 248 | ASIN : B0CZ7NFYBV
LITERARY TITAN 