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Opportunities in Brittany
Opportunities in Brittany is a contemporary romance novel that follows a wide cast of characters whose lives intersect across Brussels, London, and, most vividly, Brittany. It begins with Félix Lemestre helping a mysterious young woman on a Eurostar platform, and from there the story branches into intertwined arcs: Eleanor escaping her controlling family, Yasmin fleeing an arranged marriage, and the many members of the Lemestre and Cavendish families whose histories, choices, and secrets gradually come together. The novel moves through travel, family intrigue, marriage negotiations, career shifts, and cultural crossings, eventually landing its characters in Brittany, where futures open, relationships deepen, and long-awaited opportunities finally take shape.
The writing is patient, almost procedural at times, as if the author trusts the reader to follow each careful step. It made the characters’ decisions feel grounded rather than dramatic for the sake of drama. When Félix helps Yasmin cross the border, the scene unfolds with a surprising amount of detail, but I found that detail comforting because it showed how much thought the characters give to each other’s safety and dignity. The same tone carries into the later chapters set in Brittany, where homes, rooms, and meals are described with a kind of affectionate precision.
What struck me most was how intentional the author is about choices. Eleanor’s backstory, for example, is not rushed. Her decision to escape her family carries weight because we’ve watched her strategize for years. Yasmin’s storyline works the same way: her flight from her father’s plans is not impulsive but careful, painful, and hopeful at once. Even secondary characters, like Agnès and Mathieu in Corseul, are given enough texture that I understood their influence on everyone around them. I also enjoyed the quieter cultural notes woven into the book, especially the sense of community in Brittany and the way the region feels both inviting and rooted in its own identity. By the time weddings, job offers, and new beginnings unfold near the end, the emotional payoff feels earned.
This is a romance novel, but one built more on steady interpersonal changes than on sweeping melodrama. If you like stories where relationships develop through trust, competence, and small acts of loyalty, this will likely speak to you. It’s also a good fit if you enjoy ensemble narratives, slow-burn connections, or settings that feel lived-in. Readers looking for fast conflict or high-tension twists might find it too gentle, but for anyone who enjoys thoughtful characters finding their place in the world, Opportunities in Brittany is a warm and satisfying read.
Pages: 390 | ASIN : B0DJF9JQ82
The Storyline That Evolved
A Jericho’s Cobble Miscellany features a variety of voices whose stories are stitched together to form the layered history of a small town. What was the inspiration behind this book?
To properly tell multiple tales, it seemed important to use a variety of voices and characters. A town – especially a small town — is people as individuals, it is not a monolithic entity. I researched in many towns during the writing of an earlier book, The Most Beautiful Villages of New England, and in my volunteer work in helping establish the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, which spans two states, and being a trustee of the Connecticut Humanities Council, for which I traveled widely and visited many small towns.
Do you have a storyline in your book that stands out as a favorite? One that was particularly enjoyable to write?
The book has multiple storylines, dozens of them, and their interweaving is at the heart of the book. I particularly liked the storyline that evolved as I wrote, about the friendship of the young woman director of a small historic house/museum, and the much older woman civic association trustee who team up to save it from being closed, and in so doing discover a lot about themselves that they had not known.
I enjoyed the shifts in writing. Why was it important for you to use more than one form of storytelling?
Multiple characters and situations demanded their stories be told and personalities showcased in as many forums, such as newspaper columns, diaries, playlets, brochures, a playground nursery rhyme, poems, oral history transcripts, state markers, and other forms.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m in the midst of writing it. Please see my recent novels, The Memory of the Minotaur and Echoes, Or the Insistence of Memory, both available on Amazon.
Author Links: Website
The Lost Boy
Callum “Cal” Nowak fled the confines of foster care and his small-town upbringing in the Catskill Mountains when he turned eighteen. In New York City, he joined the police force, determined to escape the shadows of his traumatic past and carve out a new life. Fourteen years later, after being placed on administrative leave, Cal reluctantly returns to his hometown, where every street and memory resurrects the pain of his mother’s murder. When the husband of his ex-girlfriend dies in his arms, Cal finds himself thrust into a gripping investigation. Convinced of her innocence, he’s determined to uncover the truth and expose the real killer before she’s wrongfully imprisoned.
How do we confront the weight of our past while forging a path forward? The Lost Boy: A Small Town Murder Mystery Gay Cop Romance by S. F. Williams explores this question poignantly. This enthralling series opener pulls readers in from the first page, weaving a narrative that balances the unraveling of Cal’s childhood trauma with the suspense of a high-stakes murder mystery. It’s a compelling, emotional, and unforgettable read.
What truly stands out is the nuanced portrayal of Cal. Through his perspective, readers are invited to reflect on their own struggles and resilience. Williams writes with a compassion that makes Cal not a perfect hero, but an authentic, flawed, and deeply human character. His journey is raw, relatable, and profoundly moving.
I do feel the storyline occasionally feels a little weighted with unnecessary details. Within the narrative, there seems to be a blending of genres which I believe can sometimes detract from the central storyline. Even so, these moments do not overshadow the book’s many strengths.
The Lost Boy‘s approach to representation is significant. The story offers a refreshing perspective, a gay protagonist whose challenges stem more from his personal history than his sexuality. This kind of storytelling is vital and refreshing, delivering both inclusivity and depth without resorting to clichés.
In the end, The Lost Boy, by S. F. Williams, is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant tale that combines mystery, introspection, and heart. It’s a story that stays with you and one that leaves readers eager for the next installment in the series. A truly remarkable debut.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0DK41MW5J
Ae Fond Kiss
Ae Fond Kiss, by Joan Donaldson, weaves a poignant tale set against the backdrop of a small town in Tennessee, where two young teachers, Lizzie and William, search for meaning and healing through their work at the local school. Both grappling with the recent loss of loved ones, they form a bond that offers comfort yet challenges them to confront the weight of their pasts. As they grow closer, the emergence of William’s deeply held secret sets the stage for an emotional journey of vulnerability, trust, and self-discovery. Navigating the complexities of their evolving relationship, they also learn to embrace the vibrant, interconnected community around them.
Part of the Cumberland Mountains series, Ae Fond Kiss: Love Blossoms in Tennessee showcases Donaldson’s signature lyrical writing style. Her storytelling shines with a poetic grace, blending evocative prose with thought-provoking reflections that deepen the emotional impact of the narrative. The novel delicately explores themes of love, sorrow, grief, and community, crafting a rich tapestry of human experience and resilience. Donaldson masterfully shapes multidimensional characters, giving William and Lizzie compelling backstories that invite readers to invest fully in their journey. The plot unfolds with realism and emotional depth, offering readers an uplifting yet honest perspective on coping with grief. Donaldson’s portrayal of loss never feels contrived; instead, it inspires hope and illustrates the healing power of connection.
Drawing inspiration from Robert Burns’ famous poem “Ae Fond Kiss,” Donaldson imbues the story with literary richness, seamlessly incorporating Burns’ quotations at the beginning of each chapter. This thoughtful touch not only pays homage to the original work but also enhances the book’s thematic resonance. Donaldson’s narrative craftsmanship is exceptional. The pacing strikes a perfect balance, allowing the story to breathe while keeping readers engaged. Her ability to infuse scenes with vivid emotion and authenticity is remarkable, ensuring that every plot twist and tender moment hits its mark. The result is a beautifully rendered story that captivates from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression.
In Ae Fond Kiss, Donaldson has created a captivating, emotionally charged novel. With its lyrical prose, complex characters, and meaningful exploration of grief and love, this book is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. A well-curated masterpiece, it promises to move and inspire readers, making it a must-read for those who cherish heartfelt tales rich in depth and feeling.
Pages: 270 | ASIN : B0DK3QQPCD
Inspired By My Mom
Wildwood Healer follows a big-hearted elderly woman who takes a boy and his dog under her wing, and together, they work to bring change to their struggling community. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My dear, departed mother always told us stories of how difficult a time it was and I wanted to evoke the same in this story and maybe honor her bright spirit and optimism in the face of despair. She and my dad married in 1932 when they lived in a government run migrant camp in Kansas City. They stood before a preacher in overalls and a borrowed dress and shoes, believing the only way to survive was to throw in their lot together. Also the spirit of the story Fried Green Tomatoes sort of hung in the background I think. I’ve always loved reading and hearing stories of survival during the Depression so I really wanted to write a story about it.
I found Sicily Rossi to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her and her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Miss Sicily is inspired by my mom. I’ve never known a stronger woman. It seemed no task was too great for her. She was the best cook around but she could also roof a house, work on our car, sew our dresses- sometimes even without a pattern, keep a house, and especially stretch a dollar. Plus, she had a heart as big as Texas and helped those around us, often taking a neighbor woman to work so she wouldn’t have to walk. There was no end to the love for her fellow man. She always said, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And she found it. There were five of us kids and we never did without. So Miss Sicily was easy to create. She knew hard times and believed it was her duty to help those she could. The abused girl in the story, Martha Ann, came to love her like a mother. Sicily didn’t sit still and wait on others to do the work. Using deep convictions and grit, she dove in and created an answer for the town’s starving populace.
What was one scene in the novel that you felt captured the morals and message you were trying to deliver to readers?
The scene with the drunk Leroy comes to mind. Sicily put herself in danger, facing a loaded gun, simply because she knew in her heart it was the right thing to do. She had to protect Martha Ann from her abusive husband however she could. She’d determined she couldn’t let Leroy continue to beat his wife and made a stand. She was a true hero, someone larger than life. She believed you had to stand up when it counted and stand up to wrong. Sicily lived by the rule that if you saw something wrong, you had a moral duty to say and/or do something. We’d be a lot better off today if we still adhered to that philosophy.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
I just finished a Christmas novella called “Love Comes to Christmas.” It’s based on the old carol, “Love Comes Down at Christmas” and is the story of a young woman who has faced deep tragedy and pain but is blessed with the gift of music. It’ll be available on Amazon December 4th. I also plan to release another historical fiction this coming year. An idea is percolating.
Author links: Website | Book Review
Sicily Rossi is a healer in the truest sense but wonders how one heals dark hatred. She knows the healing power of plants and taps into nature’s remedies. Changing deep-set ways requires more than simple concoctions. Nature can’t remove the rage from a vicious wife-beater, but somehow, Sicily must save the young girl from a horrible fate and/or a life of torment.
An orphan teen and dog that Sicily finds living in the woods fills her loneliness and, as she teaches him the natural healing power of plants, they fight to help the girl along with the town’s starving residents. Together, they come up with a plan to feed them all and perhaps be a catalyst for change.
Yet, will their efforts be enough to save them all from a man bent on destruction?
Wildwood Healer
Wildwood Healer by Linda Broday is a deeply touching work of historical fiction set against the rugged backdrop of East Texas during the Great Depression. At the center of the story is Sicily, an elderly woman whose heart is as expansive as the woods she lives in. Her quiet, solitary life is upended when Gypsy, a stray dog, wanders onto her porch, followed soon after by Tate, a wounded boy seeking to escape a life of hardship. With compassion and care, Sicily takes both under her wing, and together, they embark on a mission to help a woman escape her abusive husband while striving to restore peace to their fractured town.
From the very first page, Wildwood Healer exudes a haunting beauty. The lush, enveloping woods surrounding Sicily’s cabin feel almost like a character in their own right, offering a sense of solace and history that lingers throughout the story. Broday masterfully captures the atmosphere of the Depression era, infusing the setting with a melancholic tone that makes you feel as though you’re walking alongside the characters, wrapped in the same quiet sadness and resilience. Sicily, in particular, stands out—her warmth, strength, and deep connection to both nature and the people around her make her a deeply relatable and compelling protagonist. You feel her loneliness but also the quiet power that sustains her. While the setting is rich and immersive, the dialogue occasionally falters. There are moments when the conversations between characters feel stilted, lacking the natural flow and depth you might expect. These moments sometimes broke the otherwise strong connection with the story, which was disappointing given how vividly the rest of the narrative is painted. That said, as the plot progresses, the dialogue improves, regaining some of the emotional weight that matches the stunning descriptions of the landscape and the characters’ inner lives. One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of themes like healing, kindness, and the found family bonds that emerge in the most unlikely places. Sicily’s instinctive compassion and the small, meaningful ways she helps those around her serve as a warm counterbalance to the harsh realities of the time. The novel beautifully illustrates how even in the most difficult periods, human connection and empathy can transform lives. The bond between Sicily, Tate, and Gypsy is the heart of the story, showing how moments of kindness can shine through even the darkest of times.
If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong, vivid imagery and stories that find beauty in tragedy, Wildwood Healer offers plenty to appreciate. The novel’s themes of resilience and the quiet power of human connection make it a memorable and moving read. Its melancholic yet hopeful narrative left a lasting impression, reminding us of the strength it takes to heal, even when the world seems unkind.
Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DCG282J5
Godspeed, Cedar Key
Godspeed, Cedar Key by Michael Presley Bobbitt crafts a compelling narrative in a post-apocalyptic setting on Cedar Key, an island off Florida’s coast. As the remnants of civilization dwindle, the island’s inhabitants grapple with challenges such as invasions, disease, and the breakdown of communication. Yet, a strong sense of community and resilience becomes their beacon of hope in this desolate environment. The story delves deep into the lives of these residents, whose connections span generations and mirror the island’s enduring spirit amidst the Gulf’s beauty and dangers.
Bobbitt skillfully merges contemporary fiction with apocalyptic elements, creating a novel that initially piques interest with its title and sustains it with a captivating narrative. The book navigates the complexities of community life against an apocalyptic backdrop, revealing the depth and resilience of human connections. The straightforward prose is deceptively rich, drawing readers into a world where adversity is met with unwavering strength and unity. At its heart, Godspeed, Cedar Key is about enduring friendships and the power of love woven into the fabric of Cedar Key’s storied past. This theme adds a timeless quality to the plot, echoing the island’s ability to withstand the ravages of disaster. The author’s skill in storytelling is evident in each chapter, maintaining the reader’s interest as events unfold. Contrasting with its dystopian setting, the novel emanates a hopeful undertone, emphasizing resilience and human connection.
Godspeed, Cedar Key is a compelling read for those interested in a blend of contemporary and apocalyptic fiction, offering an engaging story that resonates beyond its final pages.
Pages: 333 | ASIN : B0CSQVBVDG
High on a Mountain
Bella Anderson, a recently retired university professor now facing the somber reality of widowhood, begins a new phase of life in the picturesque and tranquil setting of the Smoky Mountains. Inheriting her family’s charming cabin, she anticipates a peaceful existence, a gentle retirement amid the splendor of nature. This idyllic vision is shattered, however, when unexpected events thrust her into a world of crime, action, and danger, turning her once-peaceful haven into a foreboding landscape that challenges her in unexpected ways.
In High on a Mountain, author Jacque Jacobs crafts a thrilling novel that transcends traditional cabin mysteries by introducing innovative and compelling narrative techniques. The book’s opening sequence presents a colorful cast of characters, each entering the story in a way that engages the reader. This skillful orchestration creates a rich social backdrop that becomes an integral part of the plot’s intricate fabric.
Though the diversity of characters might at first seem jarring, Jacobs’s decision to spotlight figures such as a professor, a grocery store owner, and a sheriff is inspired. Each of these characters plays a vital role in the unfolding drama, and Jacobs’s deft handling ensures that all major players have a distinct voice, allowing readers an all-encompassing view of the narrative. This approach maintains the suspense without prematurely revealing the story’s secrets.
The thoughtful pace at which the mystery unravels allows readers ample time for reflection and connection with the plot’s complexities. Jacobs’s prose is finely tuned, avoiding the pitfall of stretching the story thin and risking tedium. Instead, the deliberate structure builds to a satisfying climax, providing a richly deserved payoff that leaves readers eager for more.
High on a Mountain is a wonderfully balanced novel, bringing together elements of mystery, adventure, and serenity within its pages. It is a must-read for fans of isolated mysteries and crime fiction.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B09CG219H5
LITERARY TITAN 