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The Fallen Man
The Fallen Man takes us deep into the Pacific Northwest’s Olympic Peninsula for a gripping exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the haunted landscapes of the human psyche. This romance novel revolves around Edward, a disillusioned ex-priest whose return to his hometown sets off a chain of events that threatens to unearth buried secrets and shatter fragile lives. Author Cat Treadgold’s narrative, which is rich with atmospheric detail and sharply drawn characters, draws the reader into a world where the past is never truly in the past, and redemption is a hard-earned prize.
Treadgold’s prose is a standout, melding poetic descriptions with a tense, driving plot that keeps the pages turning. The psychological depth she brings to her characters adds a compelling layer to the story, making their personal struggles resonate with universal themes of regret and the search for meaning. The rich, immersive experience is especially evident in the deep introspection of Edward, the protagonist, whose complex inner life adds significant depth to the story.
The dialogue in The Fallen Man is another high point for me because I felt it was crackling with authenticity and helped to flesh out the characters beyond their archetypal roles. Treadgold has a keen ear for speech patterns and regional dialects, which enhances the setting’s authenticity and helps anchor the story’s dramatic tensions in a real place. Despite some characters’ motivations feeling somewhat manufactured towards the climax, I felt, the interactions remain engaging and thought-provoking throughout.
The Fallen Man is a compelling read, particularly for readers who appreciate holiday romance novels that delve into the complexities of human emotions against a backdrop of natural beauty and small-town intrigue. Treadgold offers no easy answers but crafts a narrative that stays with the reader long after closing the book.
Pages: 336 | ASIN : B0CY9RR5TZ
Finding Common Ground
Whispers in the Vineyard follows a woman looking to learn more about her heritage and winemaking who falls in love with the son of a rival family. What inspired the setup of your story?
Whispers in the Vineyard draws inspiration from a rich textile of sources, combining elements of classic romantic literature, the time-honored tradition of vineyard cultivation, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Ghana. The central theme of the story—rival families with a complicated history finding common ground through the younger generation is a twist that highlights reconciliation and cooperation instead of tragedy.
The novel also taps into the universal appeal of returning to one’s roots. The protagonist (Loom)’s journey to learn more about her heritage and the art of winemaking serves as a metaphor for exploring one’s identity and reconciling with one’s past. This theme resonates deeply in a global context where many seek to reconnect with and understand their cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the setting in a vineyard is particularly symbolic. Vineyards, which require patience, careful cultivation, and a deep understanding of the land, parallel the process of nurturing relationships and building communities. They are places where nature meets human craft, where each season brings new challenges and opportunities for growth—much like the personal and communal growth experienced by the characters in the novel.
Lastly, the choice to set the story in Ghana—with its rich history, diverse cultures, and beautiful landscapes—provides a backdrop that enriches the narrative with authenticity and a sense of place. It allows the story to delve into specific cultural practices, particularly those surrounding agriculture and communal living, that shape the characters’ lives and the plot’s development.
Overall, the setup of Whispers in the Vineyard was inspired by a desire to weave together themes of love, heritage, and personal growth within the evocative setting of a Ghanaian vineyard, offering readers a story of enduring human connections forged in the face of historical rivalries.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
For characters in a novel like Whispers in the Vineyard, emotions such as longing, redemption, and reconciliation are often inspired by universal human experiences. These emotions are frequently explored in literature and reflect common human conditions—struggling with one’s identity, resolving past conflicts, seeking understanding and common ground, and experiencing the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.
Moreover, the emotions and journeys that characters like Loom and Feika experience can be modeled on real-life stories of heritage discovery, the complexities of family legacies, and the passionate pursuit of personal and professional dreams. The backdrop of a vineyard adds a layer of connection to the land and a tradition that many readers might find evocative and grounding. Thus, while the characters and their emotions are fictional, they are constructed to echo real human feelings and developments, not the author’s personal life, making them accessible and engaging for readers who may see reflections of their own lives and struggles within these stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Whispers in the Vineyard, several themes were pivotal to enrich the narrative and offer depth to the reader’s experience. Here are some of the key themes explored in the book:
1. Heritage and Legacy: The book delves into the significance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage. Loom’s journey into the world of winemaking is not just about learning to manage a vineyard but also about connecting with her ancestral roots and the legacy left by her family. This theme underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and how it shapes individual identity.
2. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The theme of overcoming historical rivalries and personal grievances is central to the novel. The story explores how Loom and Feika navigate their initial animosity and the broader family feud to find common ground. Their journey toward reconciliation serves as a metaphor for healing and building new futures on the foundation of forgiven pasts.
3. Community and Unity: The story highlights the strength and resilience of community bonds. As Loom and Feika work together to revitalize the vineyards, they also strive to unite the community of Domeabra. The book celebrates how collective efforts and shared goals can lead to substantial communal growth and harmony.
4. Love and Partnership: Loom and Feika’s romantic love intertwines with their professional partnership, showing how relationships can evolve from rivalry to deep affection and mutual respect. This theme is explored in the context of personal and professional growth, illustrating how love can drive change and achievement.
5. Connection to the Land: The vineyard itself is almost a character in the story, representing a deep connection to the land that sustains the community. This theme explores how the land shapes the lives of the characters and serves as a legacy that ties generations together. It also reflects on the challenges and rewards of working closely with nature.
6. Resilience and Adaptation: The characters’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges is a recurring theme. The novel showcases how resilience, often nurtured through adversity, is crucial for both personal growth and community survival.
7. The Power of Stories: Throughout the novel, stories play a crucial role in preserving history, teaching lessons, and bringing people together. The theme of storytelling is celebrated as a means of passing on wisdom, maintaining cultural identity, and strengthening bonds within the community.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing a romance novel. As I fine-tune the elements of these stories, considering various factors that will shape their final forms, I will soon decide on the final title and when it will reach my readers. I eagerly look forward to sharing this news with my fans. Stay tuned for updates and teasers that I hope will whet your appetite for the romantic journeys ahead!
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Despite their intermittent clashes, Loom and Feika’s mutual passion for winemaking and respect for tradition kindled a romance that blossomed amidst the challenges they faced. The discovery of family diaries unveiled a history of love and conflict. Nevertheless, that discovery laid the groundwork for understanding, healing, and love.
Bravely confronting the past, Loom and Feika collaborated to unite their vineyards. Their journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and community support, transformed their rivalry into a partnership that revitalized the vineyards and became the heartbeat of Domeabra.
They ultimately got married and were blessed with a baby girl, Loombik. The novel culminates in a grand celebration of the vineyard’s success, symbolizing the power of unity and the enduring bonds of love. They experienced the transformative power of forgiveness and the beauty of a shared vision woven into the rich embroidery of Ghanaian culture.
LOVE HATE LAW
Love Hate Law by Mark M. Bello presents an engaging narrative set in the legal world, where the lives of two contrasting lawyers, Andrea and Michael, intertwine. Andrea, a dedicated lawyer from an average American background, is committed to representing the underdog. On the other hand, Michael, born into privilege and accustomed to the finest education, tends to gravitate towards financially lucrative corporate clients. Their differing approaches to law are challenged when they find themselves entangled in a high-profile case, leading to unexpected shifts in their career trajectories and personal lives.
Bello crafts a legal romance that captivates readers through various casework and career development, set against the backdrop of a burgeoning relationship between Andrea and Michael. The novel is swift in pace and length. It skillfully balances legal intricacies with accessible language, making it informative without overwhelming the reader. Central to the novel is the compelling conflict that draws Andrea and Michael together, effectively setting the stage for their evolving relationship. The story navigates through their professional and romantic tension, culminating in a satisfying conclusion for both characters. The novel effectively employs dual points of view, enriching the narrative with varied perspectives, even though some transitions might appear sudden. The legal intricacies of the plot are skillfully handled, suggesting room for a more nuanced exploration of the characters, especially in the romantic subplot. For example, Andrea, consistently depicted as a dedicated justice-seeker, encounters a surprising turn in her character arc with an impulsive gambling episode, offering an unexpected twist that adds complexity to her role and the storyline.
Love Hate Law is a captivating legal drama that follows the lives of two lawyers and their personal and professional struggles. Set in the midst of a fast-paced and high-pressure case, this legal thriller offers an intriguing blend of suspense, romance, and intrigue. Mark M. Bello’s book is a great choice for those who enjoy legal romance.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0CTRRPKTZ
Hodgepodge of an Author’s Experience
The Changed Man follows a former CEO who leaves the family business to become a thriller author, causing some strain among family and friends. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Book 1 of this series, The Silent Woodsman, fraternal twins Joe and Jake have a rivalry that dates back to high school. Joe was a musician and a babe magnet from an early age. He matured earlier than Jake and was far more confident; that gave him a distinct advantage with the girls. Two incidents in particular caused their estrangement, and that plays heavily into the plot. In this book, I wanted to redeem Jake, who never got a chance to justify his actions in Book 1.
My sister and I were close in age. She was “the athlete” and I was “the brain.” Actually, she was plenty brainy, and although I didn’t have her coordination, I was athletic, too. But for a while, we both felt trapped in our roles. So I definitely understand feeling irrationally competitive with a sibling. In Jake’s case, Joe did deserve some blame.
Inspiration… it’s all a hodgepodge of an author’s experience. I dated a track star at a Catholic high school when I was 16, so my memories of him play into it. I was a German literature major and am the daughter of a professor of Russian History, and writing romance novels is somewhat on par with writing thrillers–a profession some “serious” people look down on. Especially in academic circles. Let’s just say that I don’t rely on friends and relatives as my main fan base, although my sister and I are very close, and she is wonderfully supportive of my writing.
I dated a CEO once, who turned out to be dating someone in San Francisco at the same time.
Your characters’ energy and personality really bring this story to life. Did you incorporate anything from your own life into the characters in your novel?
Thank you! I share Jake’s appreciation for the absurd. I also know a man who hiked in the Himalayas with his best friend–the trip was a lifelong dream–only to have him drop dead in their hotel room. It made me think about how men cope with grief and how great it would be if his friend’s spirit could have comforted him somehow.
When I was 17, my family stayed in a hotel outside of Florence that was run by minor nobility. We met the son and his friend, and my sister and I had an extremely innocent “romance” with them. I put it in quotes because it involved nothing more than flirting, but it was very exciting to my innocent and naive teenage self.
I don’t write about evil characters. My antagonists are mostly immature and selfish–but charming. Before I met my husband, I had a weakness for “bad boys.” They didn’t treat me particularly well, but I don’t really blame them. They were clear about who they were; I just wasn’t listening. I have known several men like George Reed Masters. They’re a blast if you can keep from falling hard for them.
I enjoyed Jake and Chiara’s romantic relationship. How did it develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I made it up as I went along, but I did have a clear idea in my head of who they are. Like Chiara, I am fascinated by how idioms reflect a country’s culture. My strongest languages are French and German, but I also studied Italian for a year in college. Chiara and Jake are both insecure, but also intelligent and intuitive. That plays into how their relationship develops. Both are powerfully attracted but neither quite believes anyone can truly love them back. Whenever I encounter a house (or castle) that’s been made into a museum, I want to tour it! Especially if it contains the original furniture. I love thinking about how people used to live in the days before technology. Chiara and Jake are also enchanted by the past, another thing they have in common.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
In Book 5, The Fallen Man, we learn Edward’s story. For the past ten years, Edward has been a priest in Philadelphia, but when he arrives in Port Townsend, he’s finished with the Church. When I was a kid, the big bestseller was The Thorn Birds. I wanted to write a story about a sexy priest who isn’t plagued by guilt or sexually repressed and doesn’t meet a bad end. Edward had his reasons–good ones–for becoming a priest. Read the book to find out why he becomes disenchanted. And of course, he meets a beautiful woman in Port Townsend to cushion his “fall.” I won’t give away who she is, though she’s appeared in prior books and has a brief scene in The Changed Man. Book 5 will be released June 1st. Right now, I’m giving it one final edit. I’ve been mulling over spinoff books featuring minor characters or the O’Connell children as adults since this series takes place in the ’90s.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Now Jake is content to rattle around in a rented Victorian mansion. He appears easygoing, though distracted. His recently dead friend haunts his thoughts, making him fear for his sanity.
Jake has a new career, one frowned upon in his social circle. He writes thrillers. The muse he finds in Port Townsend is just as inappropriate: the married, beguiling Chiara.
The Changed Man
Cat Treadgold’s novel, The Changed Man presents a compelling story revolving around Jake O’Connell. A figure of disruption, Jake attends his brother’s wedding in Port Townsend, signaling a departure from his previous life as a CEO in North Bend. The narrative delves into Jake’s transformation and his complex relationship with his family, particularly his twin, country singer Joe Bob Blade. Resentment lingers as Jake grapples with his past role in the family business, setting the foundation for an engaging tale.
In Port Townsend, Jake inhabits a Victorian mansion, where his life appears content yet marked by distraction. The loss of a close friend looms over him, hinting at a troubled mental state. Treadgold introduces a new chapter in Jake’s life as he embarks on a career as a thriller author, a path met with skepticism by his peers. His muse, the captivating but married Chiara, adds layers to the story.
The novel skillfully explores the nuances of family dynamics, the complexities of life in Port Townsend, and the intriguing connections Jake forms, especially with Chiara. Treadgold’s narrative is rich with surprises, family secrets, and a mix of romance and passion. Her writing style is known for its depth, emotional insight, and ability to articulate complex feelings. She creates a setting that feels both idyllic and escapist, drawing the reader into a vividly imagined world.
In The Changed Man, the relationship between Jake and Chiara evolves with a slow-burning intensity, adding depth and a sense of anticipation for the reader. Treadgold examines the interplay of actions, words, desires, and familial bonds with notable precision. As part of a series that includes three other novels, Treadgold continues to deliver engaging narratives with well-developed characters and intricate plotlines. Her approach to the romance genre is both sweet and complex, satisfying readers with its richness and depth.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0CT2K916T
Dream Me Home: A Story of Betrayal, Infidelity and Love
Laurie Elizabeth Murphy’s novel Dream Me Home: A Story of Betrayal, Infidelity, and Love embarks on its narrative journey as a gripping murder mystery. The story opens with Peggy, the protagonist, grappling with her own demise and reflecting on the disintegration of her once-idyllic life and marriage. Set against the backdrop of Florida’s glitz, the plot thickens as Peggy’s husband, a prominent plastic surgeon, finds himself at the center of a high-profile investigation into her mysterious death.
The initial chapters promise an absorbing tale, with elements of betrayal and intrigue skillfully woven into the narrative. As the story unfolds, it embraces a dynamic narrative style. The author employs shifting perspectives and timelines, introducing a layer of complexity to the storyline. This approach offers a multifaceted view of the characters, notably seen in the portrayal of Rob, Peggy’s husband. His character is intriguingly depicted with varying traits, ranging from a spouse preoccupied with his public image to a dedicated partner. This nuanced portrayal adds depth, inviting readers to engage deeply as they uncover the characters’ true nature. Peggy, designed as a character to evoke empathy, reveals herself as multifaceted and intriguing. Her interactions with a diverse cast of characters, each uniquely portrayed, add layers to the narrative and enrich our understanding of her experiences. The introduction of new plot elements, such as the unforeseen effects of Peggy’s sleeping pills, heightens the story’s complexity, allowing readers to engage more deeply with the evolving storyline.
Dream Me Home boldly traverses multiple genres, blending murder mystery with supernatural romance and revenge elements. This creative amalgamation adds a unique flavor to the narrative. The character development, intriguing in its subtlety, invites readers to explore the characters’ motivations more deeply. While the resolution of Peggy’s death brings a measure of closure, the story leaves some questions and plot threads open, encouraging readers to ponder and imagine beyond the pages, adding to the novel’s lingering intrigue.
Murphy’s novel starts with a captivating premise, drawing the reader into its world. Throughout the book, the complexity and evolution of its characters and an adventurous blend of genres keep the reader’s curiosity piqued. Dream Me Home offers a journey that, while challenging in its narrative, provides a thought-provoking and multifaceted experience, inviting readers to explore its depths and nuances.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0CBQJVZX1
The New Neighbors
Step into a world of intrigue and mystery in The New Neighbors, where Sophie’s life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of enigmatic newcomers in the dead of night.
Meet Sophie, a woman with a growing sense of unease about her new neighbors. Amid her own curiosity, she forms a unique bond with Matt, a teenager grappling with the tragic loss of his parents and adjusting to a new life under the care of his aunt and uncle. But it’s not long before Sophie’s unease deepens, and the atmosphere thickens with unsettling incidents that defy explanation. A pervasive sense of danger looms, leaving Sophie baffled by the eerie silence of those around her. Her anxiety mounts as she races against time, struggling to unravel the enigma behind these peculiar occurrences and desperately seeking a way to bring them to an end.
In The New Neighbors, secrets and suspicions intermingle, and readers are thrust into a world where every page brims with tension and uncertainty. Readers join Sophie as she navigates the labyrinth of the unknown, keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very last word. Tamara Cooper’s enchanting writing style effortlessly blends light-heartedness with an irresistible aura of mystery, making it virtually impossible to resist the urge to put the novel down, with a perfect combination of drama and tension keeping readers deliciously on edge.
Sophie, the protagonist, is a delightful character, brimming with intelligence, wit, and a deeply caring nature. She’s the kind of character readers can’t help but root for, and as her world becomes increasingly enigmatic, they eagerly join her quest for answers. The introduction of Sophie’s best friend, Terri, injects an extra layer of charm into the story. Their dynamic duo is a sheer delight to read about, adding humor and depth to the narrative.
But it’s Sophie and Burke’s budding romance that truly steals the show. Their chemistry is palpable, and the author expertly crafts a slow-burning, adorable romantic tension that will have readers emotionally invested in their relationship’s every twist and turn. Tamara Cooper’s gift for vivid imagery transports readers into Sophie’s world with astounding clarity. Readers will feel like an intimate friend of Sophie’s, right beside her, as she unravels the enigma surrounding her mysterious new neighbors. The story’s construction keeps them perpetually intrigued as the mystery and tension gracefully escalate, leaving them hanging on the precipice of revelation until the very last page.
The New Neighbors is a thrilling rollercoaster of suspense that not only delivers on its promises but exceeds them, ensuring that the reading experience is nothing short of exhilarating. Tamara Cooper’s book is a mesmerizing novel that combines the charms of its characters, the allure of a blossoming romance, and the suspense of an enigmatic mystery.
Pages: 359 | ASIN : B0CHKQDG28
Facing Your Fears
The Wish follows a woman in an abusive marriage who has not spoken in two years and who travels back in time to try and change her future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My mother was abused when I was a child. I was helpless to do anything about it, and it is something I have been working through. Also, I’ve often struggled to speak, though not to the same extent as Elizabeth. I have become one of the more experienced teachers on my staff and I often feel an obligation to speak up on important issues, even when it is difficult and may cause conflict.
When I was twelve, I changed schools and couldn’t speak to my classmates for two months. It wasn’t deliberate, I just couldn’t talk. As a teacher and mother, I have also witnessed selective mutism. Recently, I taught a boy who did not speak to adults, though he was in my class for two years. Sometimes he whispered to a trusted friend who would pass along his words or he would write to me on Post-it notes. Instead of writing half a page to a page for his journal each week, he would write volumes. There was so much he wanted to share and couldn’t, and that stuck with me.
Elizabeth gets a second chance to change her path in life; she just has to find the strength to do it. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Most people have a few regrets in their lives, things they wish they’d done differently. One of the things Elizabeth discovered is that she is still herself, no matter where or when she is. When she traveled back in time, she took her problems with her. To reclaim her voice (literally) and find happiness, she needed to overcome her fears. No magic could fix her, she had to confront her problems rather than avoid them. She needed to find an important enough reason to speak, and saving someone she loved was the right incentive.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wrote about identity, second chances, facing your fears, speaking up, working through problems instead of avoiding them, love, and accepting differences. Elizabeth didn’t feel connected to anyone at the beginning of the story and was adrift. Through the story, she learns to forgive, to speak up, and to connect with others, especially Christopher, with whom she falls in love.
It was also important to me that Elizabeth represent the legions of women and girls who mask their neurodivergence and struggle to connect. In this way, it was an own voices story. I didn’t realize I was on the spectrum until I was in my late forties and learning this about myself has allowed me to apply a different lens to my life. I coped with this for most of my life without knowing that was why I felt different. It was lonely and exhausting.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have just finished writing the draft of Rebels and Saints: Catching Freedom, the third and final book in my Train Hoppers series. The first two books in the series (Switching Tracks: Out of the Trash and The Long Haul: Pursuit of Hope) will be published in February and June 2024. The third book should be available in the spring or summer of 2025. I have also started a second time travel novel as a follow-up to The Wish.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Haunted by her choices, including marrying an abusive con man, thirty-five-year-old Elizabeth has been unable to speak for two years. She is further devastated when she learns an old boyfriend has died. Nothing in her life is right.
That night, Elizabeth wishes for a mulligan. When she wakes, to her surprise, it is no longer 2022, but 2017. Though thrilled to have a chance to fix mistakes, the past is not perfect. She has a stalker and is still voiceless. Just like before, her boyfriend slips into a mysterious coma, so she enlists his brother Christopher’s aid to determine the cause. In their investigation, he becomes her staunchest ally and her unexpected soulmate.
Elizabeth’s stalker threatens her happiness, as do those who wish secrets to remain buried. If she can’t reclaim her voice, her former boyfriend will fade away in a coma and her stalker may claim her life.
Don’t miss The Wish, which mixes the mundane with a hint of magic-a romantic and thrilling ride for anyone who imagines they could transform regret into their best decision.
LITERARY TITAN 