Blog Archives
Life and Love on Mouse Island
Life and Love on Mouse Island is a heartwarming tale about Isabel Flynn, a sixty-something New Yorker who inherits a dilapidated house on a remote island off the coast of Maine. Looking to start over after a long career in the city, Isabel arrives on Mouse Island only to be immediately challenged by everything from the rough sea journey to a crumbling front step and, eventually, a three-legged rescue dog. What unfolds is a story of rediscovery, connection, and the often messy but beautiful process of building a new life from the ground up.
Jannette’s writing is clear and inviting, with a warm tone that wraps around you like a knitted scarf on a cold morning. Isabel isn’t some glamorous heroine; she’s real. She’s insecure, unsure of herself, stubborn, messy. And yet, that’s what makes her so relatable. There were moments that made me laugh—especially her battle with an ancient toaster oven—and others that genuinely moved me. Watching Isabel slowly open up, face her fears, and grow into someone more courageous and whole was a journey that felt both authentic and uplifting. I found myself rooting for her the whole way.
But what really hit me hard was the quiet beauty of the relationships. They sneak up on you. A helpful handyman with unexpected depth. A mysterious artist with green eyes and a past. And of course, Sadie, the injured puppy who becomes the heart of the story. These characters aren’t flashy or overly dramatic, they’re gentle, flawed, and kind. And that’s exactly why it works. It feels like real life. Honest, complicated, and occasionally magical.
If you’re someone who’s ever thought about starting over or needed a nudge to believe you could, Life and Love on Mouse Island will speak to you. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy cozy, character-driven fiction with a touch of humor and heart. I’d especially recommend it to fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine or The Shell Seekers. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to make a new beginning, fall in love, or rescue a dog, or maybe even yourself.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0F6T924SK
Locust Hill: A Romantic Family Saga
Locust Hill is a nostalgic, slow-burning romantic saga set in the rural landscape of West Virginia during the 1960s. Told through the voice of Cassandra “Cassie” Clark, a popular high school girl with big dreams and big-city expectations, the novel traces her unlikely love story with James Russell, a quiet, philosophical young farmer. What begins as a tutoring session in trigonometry unfolds into a deeply layered exploration of family, resilience, sacrifice, and the quiet kind of love that grows deeper with time. It’s a coming-of-age tale just as much as it is a love story—rooted in soil, memory, and legacy.
On the surface, it reads like a wholesome farm story, but Parsons writes with such clarity and charm that I was hooked by the end of chapter one. The first few pages in which Cassie describes her surprise attraction to the serious, slide-rule-toting Jim are full of heart and humor. The whole “fertility goddess” conversation made me laugh and then think way harder than I expected. Jim’s quiet wisdom stuck with me. He’s not just a farmer, he’s a philosopher with dirt under his fingernails.
One of the most touching and vivid sections is when Cassie visits Jim’s family farm. The way she describes the house, the land, the compost piles, the ducks, the guineas, it’s more than just descriptive. It’s loving. You can feel her world shifting as she walks through the barn or sees the warmth of Jim’s mother. Parsons doesn’t romanticize farm life. He honors it. He shows how the land, like love, takes patience, work, and guts. There’s a part where Jim says the garden “informs the fields,” and I had to pause and take that in. It’s a beautiful metaphor for how small efforts, like relationships, can grow into something sustaining.
Some chapters drift like a slow river, and if you’re expecting non-stop action, this might feel a little sluggish. But that’s kind of the point. The pacing mirrors the farm life it describes—seasonal, methodical, purposeful. There’s real tension beneath the calm, especially when the story veers into environmental issues in later chapters. Still, it’s the romance that held me. The way Jim proposes at the creek, under budding trees, made my heart melt. It’s tender without being sappy, and just the right amount of awkward.
I’d recommend Locust Hill to anyone who loves character-driven stories, rich settings, and quiet, meaningful drama. If you enjoy books where not much “happens” but everything matters, you’ll feel at home here. It’s especially perfect for readers who miss the days when love stories were more about soul than spark. This isn’t a whirlwind romance, it’s a slow build that feels earned. Like a good harvest after a long, hard season.
Pages: 220 | ASIN : B0DVCFPM4M
Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2
Crimson, the second installment in the Badass Biker Bitches series, is a raw, emotionally driven tale about heartbreak, betrayal, sisterhood, and redemption, set against the gritty backdrop of biker clubs and military-trained women. At its core, it’s about Crimson, a former elite military operative who returns home only to come face to face with her painful past, namely Talon, the man who broke her heart nearly two decades earlier. What unfolds is a tangled mess of past wounds, unresolved tension, and family feuds that refuse to stay buried.
I’ve gotta say, Mellors knows how to grip you by the collar from page one. That opening scene where Crimson overhears her boyfriend and best friend betraying her? It hit like a sucker punch to the gut. The betrayal is so sharply written, Talon’s sweet nothings to Jane, the innocent forehead kiss, and Crimson’s heartbreak bleeding through the pages, I felt every ounce of her rage and humiliation. The decision she makes right after, walking away from it all? Powerful. That emotional blowout at the cave set the tone for a story that doesn’t hold back.
What really caught me off guard, though, was the unexpected pivot into military espionage. Crimson isn’t just a scorned lover; she’s a total badass. Mellors weaves in Crimson’s backstory as part of the WARD (Women Army Recon Droppers), a covert, all-female special ops unit and it’s actually one of my favorite parts of the book. There’s a camaraderie among the women, Godiva, Siren, Saber, that feels earned and real. Their banter, loyalty, and ride-or-die energy give the book its backbone. Like the scene at the bar where Crimson calls out the bartender for ogling Godiva? It’s got bite, sass, and sisterhood. It’s these moments that elevate the story beyond just romance or revenge, it’s about healing with your chosen family.
Now, let’s talk about the chaos with Talon. There were moments I wanted to throttle him, especially when he forgot to show up to their long-awaited talk. The emotional buildup to that moment, only for him to sleep through it? Maddening. But Mellors doesn’t write him off as some one-dimensional screw-up. His regret felt real. His flashbacks to their teenage love, his confusion about the betrayal, and the late-night messages show he’s just as torn up. Still, I sided with Crimson when she stormed off. And that twist at the end with their dads and a shooting pulling them both back into the family feud? Whew. Didn’t see that coming.
Crimson is messy, passionate, and full of heart. Mellors writes like she’s unloading every emotion onto the page, and I was here for it. If you like tough women, tangled love stories, and characters who feel like they’ve lived a thousand lives, this one’s for you. Especially if you’re into the whole biker/military/ride-or-die crew vibe with a sprinkle of drama and a whole lot of heart. Just be ready to yell at a few characters. And maybe fall a little in love with them, too.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0DPT7ZJP2
Love and Trust
Walking by Your House follows a man struggling to express himself to a woman he has feelings for who keeps trying new ideas hoping to catch her interest and win her heart. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Much of this part of the story was developed from my own and my friends’ adolescent experiences. I also interviewed some teenagers in my community and found that fifty years later, similar problems occur with similar results. Those experiences provided the basic framework for the story.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
It was important for both main characters to have strong religious beliefs. I wanted both to have an air of innocence and commitment to purity. Emma has a much stronger commitment to family, including extended family. Alan has perseverance, dedication to hard work, and being a good provider.
What were the themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most important theme in this book was trust. At times, it was tempting for Alan and Emma to lose trust in one another. They experienced similar issues with their friends. Unconditional love was another theme. Can you continue to love and trust someone when the world is crashing around you? Finally, a husband and wife’s need to support and help one another in difficult circumstances is essential in marriage.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Walking by Your House is the second story in the Finding Love in the Heartland series, each a standalone tale. The next book is Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns, which will be published in May 2025. It will examine domestic violence, forgiveness, and second chances.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Follow Alan’s misadventures as he struggles to find a way to say the things a girl wants to hear.
Alan embarks on a topsy-turvy, humorous journey filled with mistakes, pitfalls, disappointments, and laughter.
One moment, he stammers and flees from her presence. Next, he thinks shooting basketball with a girl is the key. You will feel his pain as he fails again and again.
Finally, Alan comes up with a strategy he hopes will allow him to succeed over his rivals.
You will enjoy this humorous, charming romance as Alan faces life’s struggles, experiencing laughter, surprises, drama, love, and faith.
Walking By Your House tells the story of an inept and socially awkward boy growing into manhood and the girl who ultimately accompanies him on that journey. But is he mature enough, and is their love strong enough, to sustain them when their world is torn apart?
Walking by Your House: A Wholesome Christian Romance
Walking by Your House by A.W. Anthony is a gentle, heartwarming story about love, faith, and the unexpected paths life takes. The book follows the journey of two characters, both navigating their own struggles and beliefs, who find themselves drawn together by fate (or perhaps something greater). The story unfolds with slow-burn romance, personal reflection, and moments of quiet beauty, making it a comforting read for anyone who enjoys stories grounded in faith and genuine emotion.
What I loved most about this book was its simplicity. The writing doesn’t try to be flashy or overcomplicated. Instead, it focuses on real, everyday emotions. The dialogue feels natural, like something you’d overhear at a coffee shop or after Sunday service. One scene that stood out to me was when the protagonist takes a long walk, lost in thought, questioning their purpose. That moment felt so real, like something we’ve all experienced at some point. The book doesn’t rush these moments. It lets them breathe, which makes them hit even harder.
That being said, there were times when the pacing felt a little slow. The characters spend a lot of time thinking, praying, and reflecting. That’s not a bad thing, but if you’re looking for a romance that’s full of dramatic twists and turns, this isn’t that kind of book. The romance itself is quiet and unfolds in a way that feels true to life, with small conversations, fleeting glances, and little moments that add up over time. Some of the most touching scenes are the simplest ones, like when the love interest leaves a note with a Bible verse that perfectly speaks to the protagonist’s worries.
The faith element is woven in naturally. It doesn’t feel preachy, which I appreciated. Instead, it’s just a part of the characters’ lives, influencing their choices, their relationships, and the way they see the world. If you enjoy books that explore faith without feeling like a sermon, you’ll probably connect with this one. There’s a sincerity to it that makes the story feel personal, like reading a friend’s journal.
Walking by Your House is a cozy, introspective read that will appeal to fans of clean romance, Christian fiction, and heartfelt storytelling. If you love books that focus on character growth, faith, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, this one is worth picking up. It’s not for readers who crave fast-paced drama, but if you’re looking for a book that feels like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day, this is it.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B0DTGC5WGJ
Night Hawks
Michael Loyd Gray’s Night Hawks is a gritty, heartfelt novella that weaves together the lives of small-town drifters, dreamers, and the disillusioned. Told through interlinked short stories, the book captures the quiet struggles of characters who are yearning for something more—a fresh start, an escape, or just a little understanding. From the weary cook Hank Spencer to the hopeful but battered Lois, and the haunted veteran Tyler, each chapter peels back another layer of the town’s people, their regrets, and the fragile hope that still lingers in them.
What struck me most about Gray’s writing is its stark simplicity. He doesn’t waste words. Every line feels intentional, every conversation rings with unspoken truths. Take the scene in The Last Train to Chicago, where Lois and Hundley sit in a small-town diner, the weight of their decisions hanging between them like cigarette smoke. You can almost hear the loneliness in the clink of coffee cups and the hum of a jukebox playing old country songs. The writing doesn’t spell things out, it lets the silence do the talking. And that’s the kind of storytelling that hits me hard.
The book’s emotional depth really comes through in Objects in Mirror, where Tyler, a soldier trying to leave Afghanistan behind, takes a construction job demolishing an abandoned building only to realize he’s also tearing down pieces of his own past. Gray does an incredible job of showing the slow, painful process of healing without dramatizing it. The imagery here is unforgettable: the dust rising from broken bricks, the sweat, the ache in Tyler’s arms are all mirroring his internal battle.
Lois’s story arc was the most gripping for me. She leaves town with high hopes, chasing a better life in Chicago, only to be let down in the worst way. Her return in Wrong Turn is almost too painful to watch. When she knocks on Hank’s door, ashamed and exhausted, you feel the weight of every bad decision she’s ever made. But it’s Hank’s quiet understanding that makes this scene so powerful. He doesn’t lecture her. He doesn’t judge. He just lets her in. And sometimes, that’s all someone needs. While the book’s strength lies in its subdued, character-driven storytelling, there are instances, like in The Off Ramp to Nowhere, where I think the internal monologues could be tightened to maintain narrative momentum.
Gray doesn’t offer easy answers, and that’s what makes Night Hawks so compelling. It’s a book about real people making real mistakes, but it also offers moments of grace and redemption. The prose is unpretentious but deeply evocative, making it a perfect read for those who appreciate character-driven stories with a raw, honest edge. If you liked Kent Haruf’s Plainsong or Raymond Carver’s short stories, this one will stick with you.
Pages: 111 | ASIN : B0DKVGTZ21
Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2
Darlene Mellors’ Crimson is a wild, adrenaline-packed ride full of revenge, romance, and unapologetic badassery. It follows Crimson, a fierce woman with a painful past, as she navigates her way through family feuds, deep betrayals, and the gritty world of motorcycle clubs. At its heart, the book is about reclaiming power and finding love in the chaos. With a past lover, Talon, thrown back into her life, the story unravels in a storm of passion and violence, revealing long-buried secrets that could destroy them both.
Crimson is the kind of heroine I love to root for. She’s strong, brutal, calculating, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. There’s this one scene where she gives a guy the first ten punches before she lays him out cold. It’s refreshing to see a female lead in a romance novel who isn’t just tough on the outside but truly unbreakable. Mellors writes her with such raw energy that I felt every punch, every glare, every ounce of her determination. And her relationship with Talon is complicated, messy, and full of tension in the best way possible.
There’s no sugarcoating and no tiptoeing around dark topics. The book is brutal at times—there’s blood, betrayal, and people literally being buried alive. Some parts made me wince, but that’s what makes it feel so real. The dialogue is sharp and full of sass, and every character has a distinct voice, which I really appreciated. That said, sometimes the writing leans a little heavy on the inner monologues, especially when Crimson and Talon are stuck in their will-they-won’t-they cycle.
One of my favorite things about Crimson is how the story plays with history. The Hatfield and McCoy-style family feud adds so much depth to the plot, making everything feel more personal and high-stakes. It’s not just about love, it’s about legacy, blood debts, and a history that refuses to stay buried. There’s this scene where Crimson is standing over the body of a man who tried to kill her dad, and you can practically feel the weight of generations pressing down on her. The mix of romance, action, and deep-seated family drama kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime.
If you love strong women, brutal action, and a love story that’s tangled up in danger and history, Crimson: BadAss Biker Bitches Book 2 is definitely for you. It’s got that Sons of Anarchy energy but with a heroine who takes center stage and owns every scene. Just be ready for some dark, violent moments and a lot of heated, tension-filled romance.
Pages: 149 | ASIN : B0DPT7ZJP2
The Ransom Enigma
Step into the vibrant world of Magnolia Bluff, Texas, and prepare for a gripping thriller in The Ransom Enigma, the latest offering by Breakfield and Burkey as part of The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. With a fresh twist and high stakes, this novel promises to keep readers on edge. Jo, a former top model from Brazil, seeks a quiet life after the chaos of her career. Instead, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of extortion and danger. Alongside her tech-savvy husband, JJ, she becomes entangled in a shadowy game of blackmail. Breakfield and Burkey masterfully develop Jo’s character, showcasing her emotional turmoil alongside her unyielding determination to protect her family and preserve their idyllic life—no matter the cost.
The supporting cast adds richness and complexity to the narrative. JJ’s sharp business acumen and protective instincts are skillfully portrayed, offering a striking balance to his grounded, empathetic nature. Joyce, a believable and dynamic local realtor, breathes life into the setting, while Brandon, a former New York detective, brings investigative prowess to unravel the mystery. These characters are vivid, relatable, and integral to the plot’s momentum. The story unfolds with unexpected twists that defy predictability. The authors expertly weave elements of cross-border crime, small-town intrigue, and advanced technology into a narrative that captivates from start to finish. Magnolia Bluff, with its vivid descriptions and lively spirit, feels tangible and immersive, a town brimming with secrets waiting to be unearthed. Breakfield and Burkey’s approachable writing style draws readers in, combining sharp dialogue, dynamic action, and evocative detail into a seamless reading experience. The tension mounts with every scene, compelling the reader to keep turning pages until the smartly crafted resolution.
The Ransom Enigma is a thrilling tale brimming with complex characters and high-octane action. Whether you’re visiting Magnolia Bluff for the first time or returning for another adventure, this novel adds depth and intrigue to the series. For readers seeking the perfect mix of suspense, vibrant characters, and unexpected turns, this story delivers in every way.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0CZLGZRHR
LITERARY TITAN 