Blog Archives
Redemption
14 Hours of Saturn follows a 24-year-old woman who has just moved into her new apartment and spends a rainy Saturday revisiting her memories of growing up, her regrets, and her hopes for the future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
When I wrote Afternoon Rebecca, it was on a dare that I couldn’t write a whole book about a couple out to dinner with each other. Once I succeeded at that, I was challenged once again, this time to write a book about a lady who is stuck at home all day in her apartment. While I took liberties with both challenges, they were both successful in meeting the said challenges.
Saturn’s memories are wonderful slices of life that readers can often see themselves in. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Of course. The Venus character, at least through high school, was highly influenced by my own sister. The parts about schools closing down and having to move because of trains being built were also part of my real-life experiences. I also still work with craft sticks, which is something I started when I was about six years old. Oh, and I also have broken an egg yolk while cooking them, just like Saturn did. (You were the second reviewer to mention that happening, and when I wrote that part, I figured it to be just a simple detail that would get tucked away with Teddy Behr’s superhero t-shirts and that Thanksgiving meal side dishes.)
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Redemption. You could make mistakes, know they are mistakes while doing them, and you could also redeem yourself and be forgiven in God’s eyes.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story?
If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover? Yes, 5 Weeks of Saturn is already completed and is being edited right now. It picks up a week after 14 Hours of Saturn ended. We follow Saturn as she navigates her new job, learns more about her new town, and has entered into a budding relationship with furniture restoration man Janus Rings. This takes you through July 4th. More may follow, as much could be written about this character.
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Spend the day with Saturn as she reminisces about growing up in Northwest Indiana with loving, supportive, and sometimes too lenient parents, along with an overbearing big sister named Venus. Her youth was filled with craft sticks, magazine ads, a creative mind, and enough bad decisions to last her a lifetime. She reflects on this while discovering new and wonderful things about the city she now calls home. Will it be the dream she kept having, or another dead-end road for her?
This was written by the same author who wrote the Afternoon Rebecca series. It is not a part of that series, but it is in the same universe.
14 Hours of Saturn
14 Hours of Saturn is a slice-of-life story told through the eyes of Saturn O Syres, a 24-year-old woman spending what seems like an ordinary Saturday that slowly becomes anything but. The book unfolds in real time, each chapter named after the hour, moving from morning to evening as Saturn’s day reveals her past, her regrets, her humor, and her heart. She speaks straight to the reader like an old friend over coffee, weaving stories about family, faith, and self-discovery while the rain taps outside her apartment window. It’s a quiet, thoughtful narrative about being alone but not lonely, about making peace with who you’ve been and who you still want to become.
Kizman’s writing is plainspoken and unpretentious, which makes Saturn feel real. She rambles sometimes, circles back, drifts into childhood memories, then lands hard on a feeling that hits home. I liked that her voice wasn’t polished or filtered. It’s messy, but that’s how real people sound when they’re figuring themselves out. The pacing surprised me. Nothing explodes or catches fire, yet I couldn’t stop turning the pages. The small moments like a dream, a broken yolk, or a memory of a sister, pile up into something relatable. The humor sneaks in when you least expect it, softening the heavier reflections about family and faith.
Kizman writes like someone who isn’t afraid of detail. A scene about breakfast can stretch into pages, but then I’d catch myself smiling at a line or nodding at a truth tucked inside all that talk. There’s a rhythm to it, like spending a rainy day indoors when you’ve got nowhere else to be. The emotional honesty makes up for the slower pace. It’s warm, a bit awkward, and completely sincere. You can tell the author loves his characters, flaws and all.
By the end, I felt like I’d spent those fourteen hours with Saturn myself. The story leaves you calm but thoughtful, the way a good talk with a friend can. I’d recommend 14 Hours of Saturn to readers who appreciate character-driven stories more than action-packed ones. If you like books that make you feel seen in small, ordinary ways, and honest writing that sounds like conversation, this one’s for you. It’s gentle, a little quirky, and full of heart.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0FRB8589W
The Story Comes First
Switched at Death follows a local baker and cat daycare owner who becomes involved in the investigation surrounding the town’s beloved mayor, who collapsed and died at the town’s tree lighting ceremony. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since Switched at Death is the second book in the Venus Bixby Mystery series, I needed to tap a character from the first book (A Whale of a Murder) as the next victim. Who better to kill off than the beloved long-time mayor of charming Chatham Crossing? His death during the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting creates instant chaos and a falling-out between his wife and Venus Bixby, who are best friends and business partners. Can their relationship and joy in the town be restored by Christmas?
Were there any characters that you especially enjoyed writing for?
Actually … Venus Bixby made her literary debut as a minor character in What’s Not Lost, the last book in my romantic comedy trilogy. I loved her so much, I decided to give her own cozy mystery series. Even though her niece, Lexi Moore, had a major role in that romcom, I didn’t bring her into the cozy series until Switched at Death, which takes place a good ten years earlier than What’s Not Lost. So, I faced a dilemma. How do I roll back the ages of two characters and move them into a totally different storyline? Venus was kind of easy, as she’s a mature sleuth, kind of set in her ways. But in Switched at Death, Lexi is a teenager. As the youngest character in the mystery, Lexi brought not only a fresh perspective to the story, but also contemporary cultural references and dialogue only fit for a teen. I loved the challenge, but having a pre-teen granddaughter certainly helped!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Story comes first. If there’s no story, there can be no plot twists. The story needs characters that drive the plot, and a cozy mystery especially needs a world readers will want to settle into and come back to in future books. For me, I might have a major plot twist in mind when I start writing, but I try to keep an open mind for whatever path the characters take me. I tend to ask them “What if …” Their answers almost always surprise me and add more colorful twists than had I plotted them out initially. In fact, half way through writing the manuscript of Switched at Death, I switched the villain. In doing so, I needed to do some minor edits on the earlier pages, but the twist made for a much more delightful crime.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
The next installment of the Venus Bixby Mystery series is definitely a work-in-progress. If all goes well, it’ll follow in the footsteps of the first two books and publish in the month of April next year.
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Thanksgiving weekend always marks the start of Christmas festivities in Chatham Crossing. But, this year, when the annual tree lighting ends in flames, this charming and usually joyful town finds little to celebrate.
After the town’s long-time, beloved mayor, collapses and dies at the scene of the tree lighting, nearly a week passes before details as to what actually caused his heart attack begin to emerge.
Preoccupied with the recent opening of her kitty daycare service, Venus Bixby thinks twice before getting involved in the investigation. But once her popular cookie bakery is linked to the mayor’s death, she has no choice.
As clues begin to surface, Venus grapples with the possibility that someone she cares about may be responsible for the mayor’s death.
Will Venus’s clever sleuthing be enough to save Christmas for this charming seaside town?
Includes cookie recipes and a playlist!
In the second installment of this cozy mystery with a romantic twist, Valerie Taylor brings back scrappy sleuth Venus Bixby and her mischief-maker twin sister. Switched at Death is as strikingly entertaining as A Whale of a Murder, with a holiday theme to enjoy all year long. Order Switched at Death today!
Switched at Death: A Venus Bixby Mystery
This book is like if Murder, She Wrote had a baby with Gilmore Girls and then let a cat run the town council. It’s a cozy mystery set in this quirky New England town called Chatham Crossing, where everyone knows everyone… or thinks they do. The story kicks off with the sudden death of the mayor—right at the town’s holiday tree lighting, no less—and from there, Venus Bixby gets tangled up in a web of secrets, politics, and small-town pettiness. Oh, and there’s definitely murder afoot.
I’m a sucker for cats and chaos, so when Venus opens her kitty daycare and adoption center (adorably named Cats & Their Cradle), I was in. The whole scene of her prepping for the grand opening while juggling relationships, rivalries, and her very active imagination had me both rooting for her and laughing. And her cats, Sonny and Cher, are icons.
The writing is super fun—Valerie Taylor has this cheeky, breezy style that makes even the gossip feel juicy instead of mean. Venus’s “friendship” with Carole (the mayor’s wife and her cookie shop partner) is messy. Like, Real Housewives messy. Carole throwing that dinner party where she low-key hijacks the night just to boost her own political ambitions was cringe. I wanted to fling a cookie at her. Poor Venus thinks the dinner’s to celebrate her new business, and instead she ends up sidelined while Carole plays power games and drops some seriously shady digs about the Sabinas.
But what really grabbed me were the emotional undercurrents. Venus misses her late husband, she’s trying to figure out what love looks like with Budd (her delightfully flirty and surprisingly deep boyfriend), and she’s constantly trying to prove herself in a town that still clings to its old boys’ club.
Switched at Death totally worked for me. It’s a little sassy, a little sentimental, and full of sneaky surprises. If you love small-town drama, strong female leads, and cats, this one’s for you. Highly recommend for cat moms, cozy mystery fans, and anyone who enjoys watching people stir the pot.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0DYVVGFL7
Stories With Respect and Admiration
Saint Augustine Sisterhood follows a time traveler on a dual mission to preserve the spirit of St. Augustine as she continues the search for her husband whom she lost two centuries ago at Stonehenge. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
After being introduced to the Pirate and Gypsy community in Saint Augustine I started following their activities. These are groups of people that enjoy the historical and artistic social events that they are members of. They are not the traditional gypsies that often connote negative images. I wanted to tell their stories with respect and admiration for the love and happiness that they generate. It took me nearly two years to achieve my goals.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Whenever I start writing a new novel I always begin with a title, a cover, and a conclusion. In this case, the tone was set by the Gypsy Dancers that I followed allowing me to also add the idea of time travelers which is a perfect fit in the ancient city of Saint Augustine with all of its ghost stories and mysterious tales.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
In all seven novels that I have written, there is always a personal connection to people I have known, places that I visit, and experiences that I have had. In Sisterhood there are also layers of fantasy, historical fiction, and spirituality. I also paid tribute to my beloved fifteen-year-old Weimaraner, Enya, who unfortunately passed away during the writing of this novel. Lancelot, who was also another Weimaraner that I owned, was my way of honoring Enya’s lifetime of friendship.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
Currently, I am working on a stage play that is adapting Sisterhood into a musical interpretation, including the traveling Gypsies who find themselves in the St. Augustine Enchanted Grove. Also, I am writing a sequel to Sisterhood titled Saint Augustine Sisterhood in the Garden of Good and Evil. This will take the time-traveling gypsies to New Orleans, and Savannah where they will be confronted by a group of evil counterparts. I am hoping to have that novel released early next year.
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When Mandana arrives to settle the estate of her estranged Aunt Caroline, she has no intention in remaining in Florida. That is until the Sisterhood of Gypsy dancers captivates her imagination, an Irish artist enchants her with his mysterious charm, and a Weimaraner named Lancelot becomes her knight in shining armor.
Mandana soon discovers that this ancient city known for harboring ghostly spirits is also a haven for time travelers that seek refuge at the Extended Life Institute. What she doesn’t understand is her role in this mysterious story that is layered with supernatural intrigue.
Saint Augustine Sisterhood
Saint Augustine Sisterhood, written by Eleanor Tremayne, is a masterful blend of history, fiction, and the supernatural. The novel follows Emerald, a time traveler who becomes separated from her husband Liam at Stonehenge during their trip to America’s oldest city, Saint Augustine. As Emerald searches for Liam, she also seeks out five strong-willed women destined to preserve the spirit of Saint Augustine’s gypsy sisterhood.
The story takes an intriguing turn with the introduction of Mandana Morrison, an unexpected character who complicates the narrative. Despite her initial plans to leave the city, Mandana finds herself drawn to the idea of the sisterhood and captivated by the charm of an Irish artist. Her curiosity leads her to uncover the secrets of the time travelers, though she remains unaware of her own crucial role in this supernatural saga.
Tremayne’s Saint Augustine Sisterhood is a paragon of the supernatural genre. She deftly intertwines historical and fictional elements, crafting a captivating tale that highlights the significance of gypsy and pirate groups while delving into their historical roots. Her descriptive prose draws readers into a vividly imagined world, showcasing her exceptional storytelling skills. The novel features a dynamic and engaging cast of characters, with both Emerald and Mandana playing pivotal roles. Their character development is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and dimension to the narrative. The plot is rich with unexpected twists and turns, maintaining suspense and keeping readers hooked from beginning to end. The infusion of supernatural elements and subtle humor further enhances the novel’s appeal.
Saint Augustine Sisterhood is a perfect blend of suspense, fiction, and history. With its rich characters and enthralling storyline, this epic read is sure to astonish and inspire readers. Tremayne has crafted a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making this book a must-read for fans of the genre.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0CW1N27PQ
The Wisdom of the Willow
In The Wisdom of the Willow, Nancy Chadwick weaves a poignant narrative centered around the lives of Margaret and Joe and their four daughters. The novel begins with a symbolic gesture as Joe plants a willow tree in their yard to celebrate their burgeoning family and new home, setting a tone of rootedness and growth that resonates throughout the story.
The plot unfolds through the perspectives of the four sisters, each distinct in their aspirations and struggles. Charlotte, the youngest, grapples with her future in business administration, while Debra, formerly a magazine worker with a penchant for travel, faces a personal and professional crossroads. Linney finds contentment managing a beloved shop in Chicago, contrasting with Rose, an aspiring actress whose ambition drives her narrative.
Central to their journeys is their mother, Margaret, whose terminal illness is a closely guarded secret known only to Charlotte. Margaret’s role as advisor and confidante, with many pivotal scenes unfolding under the willow tree, adds depth to the family dynamics. The tree itself becomes a silent witness to the sisters’ trials and triumphs, embodying the novel’s themes of familial bonds and personal growth. Chadwick excels in creating well-rounded characters, from Linney’s nurturing nature to Debra’s authoritative demeanor, often attributed to her role as the eldest sibling. The narrative’s shift between each sister’s point of view allows a comprehensive exploration of their individual and collective challenges. The novel resonates particularly with those who have experienced the complexities of sustaining long-term friendships and the simplicity of life in a close-knit community.
The Wisdom of the Willow is a thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and belonging, recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that delves deeply into the nuances of sisterhood and personal development.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0C9HJWKTZ
LITERARY TITAN 