Blog Archives
A Time for Love
Greg Van Arsdale’s novella A Time for Love offers an intriguing blend of romance, self-discovery, and time travel. The story follows Joe Dixon, a successful but dissatisfied stockbroker, as he stumbles into an extraordinary journey of love and adventure. After meeting Amber Covington, a woman living in 1940s London, Joe faces challenges that test his bravery, values, and the strength of his newfound love.
The writing in A Time for Love is straightforward and approachable, though at times, the dialogue feels a bit contrived. Joe’s conversations with his friend Ian early in the book feel like setups rather than organic exchanges. Once the time-travel twist is revealed, the dialogue becomes more engaging, especially as Joe and Amber navigate their feelings against the backdrop of war-torn London. What I enjoyed most was the vivid imagery of 1940s London. The fog-covered Chelsea Bridge scene where Joe meets Amber is enchanting and transports readers to another era. It felt magical yet grounded, as if you could hear the clip-clop of horses and feel the damp cobblestones underfoot. The historical context, like references to the Battle of Britain and rationing, adds authenticity. The romance between Joe and Amber is sweet and earnest but somewhat rushed. Joe’s declaration of love comes quickly, making it hard to fully buy into their connection. That said, their chemistry shines in moments of vulnerability, like when Joe reassures Amber after the break-in. The action sequences, especially Joe’s martial arts showdown with burglars, are thrilling, though they contrast sharply with the otherwise romantic tone of the story.
A Time For Love remains an engaging and adventurous novella. It shines in its ability to weave historical tension with themes of love and existential longing. For readers seeking a quick, exciting story with a touch of romance and time-travel intrigue, Van Arsdale’s work provides an enjoyable escape.
Pages: 146 | ASIN : B0CWCR9S6N
Loss Is So Loud
Loss Is So Loud, by Jane Merling, delivers a compelling blend of suspense, love, and loss. The story centers on Sarah Koening, a brilliant and striking businesswoman who seems to have it all—a thriving life shared with her equally accomplished and admired husband, Christian. Together, they run the family enterprises Koening Shipping Ltd and the Koening Inn, commanding respect and admiration from their community. But Sarah’s world shatters in an instant. One morning, she kisses Christian goodbye, blissfully unaware it will be the last time she ever sees him. Her beloved husband becomes the victim of a tragic hit-and-run, setting off a chain of events that will change everything she thought she knew.
The novel plunges into Sarah’s grief and confusion as she struggles to find her footing in a life now defined by loss. Her pain feels raw and tangible, and she is haunted by an overwhelming sense that her late grandmother, Ava, is trying to communicate an urgent message about Christian’s death. Friends and family tread carefully around Sarah, offering time and space to grieve. Yet she can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. When she uncovers a chilling truth, that Christian’s death might not have been an accident but a murder, her sorrow gives way to determination. Who could have wanted to harm her kind, sweet husband? As suspicions mount and secrets unravel, Sarah embarks on a perilous quest for the truth, no matter the cost.
Jane Merling masterfully captures the many faces of grief. In my experience, the aftermath of a loss can be deafening as people flood in with condolences and support. Yet it can also be unbearably silent when those well-wishers return to their everyday routines, leaving you behind in an empty void. Merling weaves this duality beautifully into the narrative, creating a story that is deeply resonant and authentic. Yet this isn’t a novel solely about sorrow. It is a heartfelt exploration of love, family, and the enduring bonds that give us strength. At the same time, it brims with intrigue, transforming into a gripping murder mystery that spans locales as varied as the serene German countryside, the vibrant streets of Paris, and the confined, tense atmosphere of cruise ship staterooms.
Sarah shines as a protagonist—lovely, complex, and vividly real. The author takes time to build a colorful and endearing supporting cast, each character brimming with loyalty and grace. Their connections with Sarah radiate hope, even in the darkest moments. The interplay of grief and suspense is masterfully handled, keeping readers engaged and emotionally invested. The narrative does an exquisite job of balancing moments of heartache with the pulse-pounding tension of uncovering the truth. It’s a wonderful mix, weaving themes of family devotion with a thrilling whodunit plot that keeps you guessing until the end.
Loss Is So Loud isn’t just a story; it’s an experience. With poignant reflections on love and a fast-paced, unpredictable mystery, this novel stands out as a must-read for those who crave a tale that is both heartfelt and full of twists. It will leave you breathless, hopeful, and wholly satisfied.
Pages: 396 | ISBN : 1068942304
The Secret: A Steamy Second Chance Romance (The Techboys Series Book 3)
Eve M. Riley’s The Secret takes readers on a global journey as Lisa and Dan’s story unfolds, unearthing profound secrets along the way. Lisa, a woman with a complicated history with men, has always been guarded and hesitant to embrace new possibilities. That changes when she meets Dan Anderson, a mesmerizing and mysterious volunteer in Africa. Drawn to him despite her difficulty with long-term commitments, she finds herself entangled in a deepening relationship. As they grow closer, Lisa realizes that Dan holds secrets that could dramatically alter their dynamics. While she seeks answers about him, she keeps her own secrets hidden.
This much-awaited third installment in the Techboys series stands as a pinnacle in the romance genre. Riley narrates the story with a compelling and light-hearted tone, engaging the audience much like she did in the first two books. Unlike its predecessors, this novel has the characters traveling around the world, allowing the author to explore various facets of realism and craft a narrative that is both heartfelt and sensational. Despite being categorized as contemporary romance, The Secret offers so much more. The book features an incredible cast, from the protagonists, Lisa and Dan, to the side characters, each adding depth and a sense of realism to the story. Suspense and mystery are intricately woven into the plot, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Elements of sexual content and dark romance are present but are clearly outlined in the trigger warnings.
The Secret is a compelling and heartfelt addition to Eve M. Riley’s Techboys series. With engaging characters and a plot rich in suspense and mystery, the novel keeps readers hooked until the very end. Riley masterfully blends elements of romance, realism, and adventure as Lisa and Dan journey around the world, uncovering secrets that deepen their relationship. The well-crafted narrative and the depth of the supporting cast add layers of authenticity to the story. Fans of contemporary romance and new readers alike will find themselves eagerly anticipating what Eve M. Riley has in store next.
Pages: 298 | ASIN : B0CLN8RCZX
Whispers of the Heart
Whispers of the Heart by Barbara Woster is a romantic thriller that intertwines love and danger in a compelling narrative. The story follows Dalian and Kat, two individuals who have both endured the heart-wrenching loss of their spouses due to different tragedies. Their worlds shattered, and neither expected to find love again. However, when Kat takes a much-needed vacation at Dalian’s dude ranch, they unexpectedly discover a deep connection with each other. Yet, their budding romance is quickly overshadowed by danger as they face two life-threatening attempts. The question that looms is whether Dalian can protect Kat and preserve their newfound love.
The relationship between Dalian and Kat is beautifully portrayed, showcasing how love can blossom even after profound loss. Kat’s grief is particularly well-explored, offering readers a deep understanding of how her past shapes her present. Dalian’s experience of loss is portrayed with a subtle touch, which may resonate uniquely with different readers based on their perspectives. While the novel focuses on the emotional journey of its characters, there is an opportunity to enrich the narrative with more vivid descriptions. The romance between Dalian and Kat is central to the story, and while their connection is clear, adding more physical descriptions could further enhance the reader’s immersion in their love story. The setting, an essential element of any story, offers moments of beauty, such as the charming depiction of the picnic scene. Expanding this level of detail throughout the novel, particularly during key moments like the barn dance, could provide readers with a more vivid and tangible experience, especially for those less familiar with ranch life. The narrative remains engaging and easy to read, making it a delightful experience for a wide range of readers. Barbara Woster’s ability to weave a captivating story ensures that Whispers of the Heart is both accessible and enjoyable.
While Whispers of the Heart succeeds in delivering a thrilling mystery and a touching romance, the novel would have been stronger with more detailed descriptions of both the characters and their environment. Despite these shortcomings, it remains an enjoyable and easy read, especially for those who appreciate a blend of romance and suspense.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B00DEWS4S6
Human Are Not Predictable
Hall of Deception follows a young woman who finds her life in danger after she accepts a job as a tutor at a mansion and becomes intrigued with the handsome and mysterious owner. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my favorite stories is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The story inspired me to write a novel about a young woman whose favorite book was also Jane Eyre. She carried it around with her. A bit obsessive, she wants to leave her humdrum life for a more glamorous environment.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes! I had the most fun writing this book. In fact, this book opened the door to my first series.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Humans are not predictable. When we find ourselves in a completely new situation, we surprise even ourselves by what we will think and feel and presents a writer with great plot twists.
Can readers look forward to seeing more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Absolutely. My upcoming new release October 17, 2024, Sea of Doubt: Can You Ever Escape Your Secrets, is the sequel to Hall of Deception Book 1, and is Book 2 of The Roth Saga. And, I’m working now on Book 3 with more from the Roth family. Plus there is a prequel also in the works.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In 1953, Dee Danes, an orphan raised by her spiteful cousin, is inexperienced in love and desperately wants to fit in. She takes a job tutoring a little girl at a mansion, secretly fantasizing about romance with the owner, just like her beloved heroine Jane Eyre.
The strikingly handsome and wealthy owner of Rothmorton Hall, Hugh Roth, appears to enjoy embarrassing her and Dee worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Mystery surrounds the other staff and Hugh, particularly the ex-wife everyone is forbidden to discuss.
Shocking truths about Hugh are exposed and Dee struggles to accept the lies and deceptions questioning the man he truly is. When frightening attempts on Hugh’s life and other strange incidents occur, Dee fears for the lives of those she’s come to care for-and perhaps even her own.
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!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
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
LITERARY TITAN 