Blog Archives
Crossfire
Crossfire follows Moirin Garrett, a high-powered executive juggling corporate pressure, family expectations, and the uneasy beginnings of an environmental partnership that forces her into the political, personal, and ethical “crossfire” she’s spent a career avoiding. From the first chapters, the story grounds us in her world of boardrooms, complicated family brunches, and the shimmering social circles where everyone wants something from her. As the plot widens, the book becomes a layered look at ambition, reinvention, and the messy overlaps between public responsibility and private longing.
Reading this in first person, I found myself rooting for Moirin even when she frustrated me. She’s sharp, driven, polished on the outside, and quietly unraveling beneath the surface. The writing makes room for that contradiction. The scenes move with a steady rhythm, sometimes clipped and tense, sometimes opening up into softer, more reflective moments that show how lonely success can feel. I liked how Herman lets small details do the emotional lifting: the staleness of office coffee, the weight of a family legacy, the flicker of discomfort when Moirin realizes she’s being sized up not just as an executive but as a woman in a room full of men with agendas.
What stood out most was the author’s choice to frame the story’s tension around both career stakes and personal awakening. The environmental study storyline sets up a believable moral tangle, especially as shady players circle around Moirin’s work. At the same time, the book gives her space to question what she actually wants beyond the next professional milestone. Moments with her friends feel warm and real, and her slow steps toward vulnerability make the corporate drama feel more human, not just high-stakes business maneuvering. The writing stays simple, grounded, and clear, letting the emotional beats land without theatrics.
The book feels like a story about a woman stepping out of a life she mastered and into one she’s still learning how to want. It’s women’s fiction with corporate intrigue woven in, built for readers who enjoy character-driven arcs, workplace complexity, and the slow burn of personal transformation. If you like stories about strong women navigating reinvention in midlife, or if you enjoy fiction set at the intersection of power, family, and identity, Crossfire will hit the mark.
Pages: 365 | ASIN : B0FTDX5MML
Jessa is Back
Jessa is Back by Stacia Moffett is a powerful and deeply personal historical novel set in the segregated South of the 1950s. It follows Jessa, a young girl returning to Tennessee after time in Oregon, where she formed a close friendship with a Black girl named Janie. Her homecoming is not just a return to familiar places but a jarring confrontation with the harsh realities of Jim Crow laws. As she witnesses the injustice and absurdity of segregation, Jessa struggles to make a difference, particularly by advocating for music education in Black schools. The novel paints a vivid picture of a young girl caught between her past and a growing awareness of systemic racism, all while dealing with personal grief and the challenge of belonging.
Moffett’s writing is rich with sensory details, making Tennessee feel both welcoming and suffocating at the same time. The train ride home, where Jessa marvels at the landscape she missed so dearly, is beautifully written. But that warmth is quickly contrasted with her realization that the town she loves is steeped in racial injustice. The moment when Jessa sees the segregated restrooms at the train station hits hard, especially when her younger cousin, Michael, is scolded for almost using the “wrong” one. It’s a small but telling moment that captures how deeply racism is ingrained in everyday life. Moffett’s ability to weave these details into the story makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking.
What I really loved about Jessa as a character is her unwavering determination, even when adults around her try to silence her. The dinner conversation with the Carlsons is especially frustrating. Jessa is passionately arguing for desegregation, only to be told that people are “content” with the way things are. Her frustration is palpable, and I felt it too. The book does an excellent job of showing how deeply entrenched racism is, not just in the legal system but in people’s unwillingness to question tradition. Yet, Jessa refuses to accept that answer. Her drive to push for music education in Black schools is a quiet but meaningful act of rebellion, proving that even small changes matter.
Another standout part of the book is Jessa’s relationship with her friend Janie and how it influences her perspective. Before moving to Oregon, Jessa accepted segregation as just the way things were. But after forming a true friendship with Janie, she can no longer ignore the injustice of it all. This is most painfully clear when she realizes that if Janie had come to visit, she wouldn’t have been able to use the same restrooms, sit in the same part of the bus, or even go to the same school. It’s a heartbreaking realization, and Moffett captures it with raw emotion. Jessa’s internal struggle between fitting in and standing up for what’s right is one of the most compelling aspects of the book. At times, the pacing slows down with extended discussions about race and social structures. While these moments are important, they occasionally make the story feel more like a lesson than a lived experience.
Jessa is Back is an emotional and thought-provoking read, perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction with strong, young protagonists. It’s especially suited for readers who appreciate coming-of-age stories that tackle serious social issues.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0DFFNMTV7
Beneath the Smiling Moon
Beneath the Smiling Moon by Devon Jeffers Valdes is an engaging narrative that interweaves the complexities of adulthood, mental health, and personal growth. The novel follows Izzie, a 29-year-old art history major and barista grappling with depression and bipolar disorder, and her childhood best friend, Annie, who seems outwardly successful in her tech career. As Izzie endeavors to improve her mental health and mend strained family relationships, she faces a poignant setback as a result of an accident.
Valdes, in her debut novel, skillfully explores a spectrum of weighty themes such as mental health, domestic abuse, and body image. She does so with a deft touch, blending raw emotional depth with nuanced storytelling that captures the reader from the first page. Each character is crafted with care, allowing readers to resonate deeply with their journeys and struggles. The portrayal of Izzie’s mental health challenges stands out, particularly in its authentic depiction of manic episodes and the fluctuating intensities of her condition. This honest representation extends to the ensemble of characters, each of whom is given space to evolve beyond their central roles. Valdes also approaches the depiction of intimacy with sensitivity, focusing on emotional connections rather than graphic details, which enriches the narrative.
Beneath the Smiling Moon is a commendable work that offers a fresh perspective on the intricacies of human connections and the little moments that shape our lives. It is a novel that promises to resonate with those who are interested in profound, character-driven stories about overcoming life’s hurdles. Devon Jeffers Valdes is certainly an author to watch, and I look forward to her future contributions to literature.
Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0CNZL8GCL
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume II.
Trials and Tribulations: Volume II by author Brian Keith Higgins is a rich tapestry of flash fiction, each crafted to explore the intricate nuances of human experience. Set predominantly in rural America, these tales traverse the spectrum of emotions, from love and loss to fear and fortitude.
The writing style is both evocative and accessible, drawing readers into each narrative with ease. The author excels at creating vivid, relatable characters, plunging them into situations that test their mettle. For instance, “I Miss You” poignantly captures the bittersweet dynamics of a family grappling with Alzheimer’s. Similarly, “Attacks on Livestock” provides a compelling glimpse into the hardships of 19th-century farming life. Each story, though brief, is packed with emotional depth, making the collection a testament to the power of flash fiction.
The book is a medley of survival, resilience, and the unforeseen paths of life. Stories like “Thy Neighbor” and “Mountain Lion” highlight not only nature’s unpredictability but also the strength of community and family bonds. In contrast, “Hitchhiker” and “One Foggy Night” delve into darker territories, exploring sinister and supernatural elements. This thematic diversity adds layers to the collection, ensuring that each reader finds stories that resonate with them.
The collection shines in its ability to weave complex themes into concise narratives. Whether it’s tackling the trauma of a shark attack in “Swimming in The Channel” or the emotional turmoil in “The Path Taken,” the stories manage to be both thought-provoking and deeply human. This balance is the collection’s greatest strength, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates the breadth and depth of human experiences.
Trials and Tribulations: Volume II is recommended for readers who enjoy flash fiction with rich character development and a blend of realistic and fantastical elements. It’s perfect for those who appreciate flash fiction’s beauty and ability to convey powerful stories in a condensed form.
Pages: 43 | ASIN : B0CW1GC7F3
Oleander Oasis
Most of the book takes place in Galveston, a city located in the Gulf of Mexico region of the state of Texas. A fresh-start story involving four main characters. Mel is a twelve-year-old girl who is shrewd and vivacious. Beth, the main character and narrator of the story, is a strong, determined, and resilient woman. Paul, the owner of the furniture office, is initially arrogant, but throughout the book, he presents us with his reasons for creating a cold wall that protects his affectionate and protective heart. And Jake, a man with blue eyes and a broad smile, flirtatious and amused.
Anna J. Walner wrote the book Oleander Oasis inspired by her own trajectory. A fluid read with captivating characters that address important and necessary topics. It is important to emphasize that there are passages of situations that contain domestic violence and suicide.
The book full of surprises is a mixture of suspense and drama, but it can also draw sincere smiles from the reader. It addresses significant issues surrounding domestic violence, such as the system’s failure to protect victims, the trauma it can inflict on the people involved, and the difficulty in dealing with post-traumatic stress. Besides, of course, the physical consequences.
The book enchanted me because the author presented a new look at love, acceptance, and companionship. Without a doubt, it’s the kind of narrative that involves you, makes you root for the characters, and makes you miss the characters when you finish the book. I believe that the idea of inspiring people has been fulfilled, and it certainly makes us believe that it is possible to achieve what we ask for by praying every night.
ASIN : B0BFNQ4F5K
Waterbury Winter
Waterbury Winter by Linda Stewart Henley is the story that introduces us to Barnaby Brown. Barnaby is a man living a stagnant life and happens to be an alcoholic. His wife Anna died of cancer years ago, and he finds life without her lonely and dreary. He lives with his parrot, Popsicle, and she’s his only source of joy besides the bottle. He wants to change, but it’s hard. Julia Morgan, another protagonist, finds that turning forty and being single is not what she had in mind when she was younger. One day, Barnaby is invited to a party at a neighbor’s house, and there he meets an old friend, Julia Morgan. What ensues is a story of hope, strength, love, and believing in yourself.
Barnaby is a flawed character, but you’ll find yourself rooting for him throughout the story. He’s likable and sweet. Barnaby finds himself in an interesting love triangle that you’ll find yourself intrigued by. Julia is another character that you’ll come to like. She’s beautiful, intelligent, and is excellent at her job. The two characters have you wondering if it’s possible to start over and make your life better. And if it’s possible to get a second chance at love.
Henley has created a story full of angst and hope that readers will enjoy and perhaps even identify with. There’s even a dash of mystery to keep readers entertained and wondering if they will find the answers they seek.
Waterbury Winter is a heartwarming story that will captivate you until the very end with its romance, mystery, and characters that readers will want to watch grow and develop. Readers will enjoy a tale that has you believing in finding the strength to better yourself and realize that your life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B09CCSJM6H
Front Porches to Front Lines
![Front Porches to Front Lines: One Small Townâs Mobilization of Men, Women, Manufacturing and Money during World War One by [Perlsweig, Simon]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51VZYXahyZL.jpg)
Simon I. Perlsweig’s historical account of the lives of the author’s great grandparents and the communication between them shows a great deal of what life in Springfield, VT was like in the 1910’s. It is very possible that without this work, much of what Perlsweig writes about in Front Porches to Front Lines: One Small Town’s Mobilization of Men, Women, Manufacturing, and Money During World War One, would never have been pieced together. It is a real pleasure to be able to experience this slice of history. Simon Perlsweig does this astoundingly and it is clearly evident that he put his heart and soul into his work.
Perlsweig’s book takes readers to Springfield, and more importantly, into the lives of a couple whose lives were greatly affected by WWI. There was, of course, the impact on the couple in question, Lawrence and Gladys, but readers are shown how everything else in the small Vermont town was changed forever, as well, and to make matters worse, war wouldn’t be the only problem faced by this couple.
Historically speaking, this work is a gem. There is a wealth of information on virtually every aspect of life in the United States in the early 20th Century, and even when the familial part of the work is not considered, Front Porches to Front Lines holds its own as a historical text due to the attention given to the social, economic, and political issues, among many more.
The research is thorough, and the writing style employed by the author is academic, while at the same time being accessible to a diverse audience. With such a breadth of information contained within the pages of this book, it’s definitely a plus using language that is not too complicated.
Another aspect of the book that many readers should enjoy is the fact that there is a large amount of authentic memorabilia from the period, including recruiting posters, family photos, government documents, and much more.
Simon I. Perlsweig’s Front Porches to Front Lines, published by Husky Trail Press LLC, is certainly a work that should not be ignored. It is not everyday that we are invited into the human experience of those who lived through one of America’s most trying times, and it’s even rarer that we get such a personal touch as the one here.
Pages: 221 | ASIN: B07MY6GLD5
The Cross Tells Me
Adelphi may be a small town, but it houses a treasure that cannot be measured. When Bill McFar comes to town in search of a payload, he finds what he wants beneath the Adelphi hillside: a source of petroleum. But McFar’s oil lies beneath something important to the people of Adelphi. On that grassy hillside rests a big wooden cross that represents the hope of the people, and inspires them as they go about their daily lives. No one in Adelphi wants the cross to move to facilitate McFar’s greed. But he’s powerful. And adamant. Will McFar get his way and uproot this beacon, offending the traditions and faith of the townspeople? Or will the story of the cross cause things to turn out another way altogether…?
LITERARY TITAN 