Blog Archives
Seeds of Bliss
Seeds of Bliss, by J. Andrew Rice, offers a multi-faceted exploration of life in a rural East Texas community called Lyric. This narrative delves into a spectrum of themes, including rural existence, mortality, interpersonal relationships, and racial dynamics, all while threading a significant focus on Christianity, belief systems, and faith.
The plot is set in motion with the disappearance of a college student named Amy, an event that serves as a catalyst for unfolding the deeper layers of Lyric and its inhabitants. The author artfully navigates the interplay of religion and everyday life, particularly highlighting how faith is a source of strength during challenging times. This is exemplified in the bond between characters Scott and Robert, and through engaging theological dialogues that encompass a variety of perspectives, including end-times theories and the differing worldviews of Christians and atheists.
Rice’s narrative achieves a commendable balance, juxtaposing serious themes with lighter elements. The setting in Texas is not just a backdrop but a vibrant character in itself, offering insights into the state’s culture, the significance of football, and the nuances of rural life. Concurrently, the story does not shy away from addressing complex issues such as racial tensions, particularly in relation to the character Jesse’s professional journey. This book is a rich and substantial read, perfect for those who savor an immersive, character-driven experience. Its detailed descriptive style adds depth, enhancing the novel’s engaging exploration of diverse theological concepts within an imaginative fictional framework.
Seeds of Bliss is a captivating choice for readers who appreciate drama-filled narratives set within a religious context, as it offers an insightful journey into the complexities of faith and community life in a charming small-town Texas setting.
Page: 353 | ASIN : B0BXMZ7SPK
Truth Is Even More Bizarre
Madam Ricketts follows a second-generation reporter who is writing a book on his father’s research leading him to talk with an elderly Madam in a whorehouse on the Mexican border. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Madam Ricketts is inspired by real life, much closer than you might think. Years ago, I ran out of fuel in Tucson, escaping with my family from a cult. Possessing no skills other than trying to make things better, I quickly found myself on the margins of society, where I met the characters this story is modeled after. There I met bandits with hearts of gold and deep insight into life. Humor without parallel. I enjoyed the company. It seems they enjoyed me, too, because I was included.
The door was open, and I was shown around. I was inspired to write. I began this book in early 1990. I’ve tried to express the spirit of the characters accurately. I avoid reference to any specific person for my personal safety. Although they may have hearts of gold and the humor of standup comedians, they don’t forget or forgive. So everything I write is made up and smudged. Be assured, dear reader, the truth is even more bizarre.
What was your writing process to ensure you captured the essence of the characters?
I watch the movie in my mind, flashing lights, action, adventure, and frustrated love. I buy a ticket, close my eyes, and start writing. There in the midst of my fuzzy thoughts, foggy notions, vanities, and embarrassments are shiny nuggets of gold. The characters are sketchy at first, then come forward to present themselves.
My job is to see them and pass them on. I’m the first person to see the movie. I watch it in my mind. The book is my attempt to be a good scribe.
On capturing the character’s essence, the characters tell me. They show themselves to me. Maudie Ricketts was a very minor character when I started. I thought she was a nobody. How wrong I was.
Some say a book should be written backwards. Start at the end, and work your way back, then everything fits, and you don’t have to go back and correct things. I think that is admirable, but it doesn’t work for me. I like being surprised by what the characters do, just like the readers.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
I didn’t do a lot of research. I created my own world with the help of the Muse. That way, noone can call me wrong, and say: That’s not how it was!
I also wanted to avoid the work it took to be historically accurate. I choose to watch an exciting movie in my mind rather than do homework.
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?
Yes. The second book, The Demise of Madam Ricketts and Other Stories is finished and is in the clean-up stage. It should be ready in early 2024.
It tells the story of the survivors of the first book. Seventeen characters from Madam Ricketts are each given a chapter and followed into the future.
The third book of the series, Food Truck Murder is currently being framed up. It tells the story of the survivors of the second book, following them even further into the future, looking at the consequences of decisions made long ago. So there’s more frustrated love, aging semi-heroes, Indians, drugs, a border town of crusty characters, and new dramas.
Is there anything else you want to share with your readers?
Yes. I’ve been a songwriter my whole adult life, and it’s reflected in my style. I deliberately tried to instill a feeling of rhythm in Madam Ricketts: So many words to a sentence, so many feelings in a paragraph, a balanced bite with each breath, move it along, breezy and easy to read, not cramped and crowded. Sometimes I make up words. I use words that rhyme all the time. No soliloquy. No filler. Sexual allusion but no trash. Bloody but not messy.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
He interviews Maudie Ricketts, the elderly madam of a whorehouse on the Mexican border. She tells of her adventures in New England on the riverboat Lady Minerva and her travels to Arizona in Brother Tucker’s Redemption Caravan that led to her becoming the ‘white’ wife of a rich and cruel man who already had a family. She reveals the dark side of families that loved, deceived, and murdered each other for generations between 1875 and 1953.
As he listens to the stories, Wesley begins to wonder. Is Madam Ricketts who she claims to be? A witness or victim, or something more?
Madam Ricketts: A Story of Murder, Deceit and Dark Humor
In Madam Ricketts by C.D. Hancock, readers are plunged into the layered narrative of John Wesley Jr., an aspiring writer and reporter. Instead of relying solely on his father’s archives, Wesley seeks out Maudie Ricketts, a seasoned brothel owner stationed near the Mexican border. With her unparalleled knowledge of the locale and its inhabitants, Maudie serves as the gateway to a series of interconnected tales, encapsulating her youth, the mysterious death of Wesley’s father, her marriage to the enigmatic Jesse family, and much more.
One cannot help but be captivated by the pervasive theme of vengeance that courses through the book. The age-old mantra of “an eye for an eye” propels characters into spirals of retribution, eliciting further conflicts and fatalities. Hancock delves deep into the murky waters of relationships, showcasing the tumultuous dynamics between characters like Abraham and Sarafina or the bond-turned-bitter between Jesse and McPhearson. The exploration shows readers how amicable ties can disintegrate, culminating in dire consequences.
Yet, at the heart of this intricate web is Maudie – a resilient woman steered by others, only to reclaim her life with astuteness and guile. Employing tools of manipulation, bribery, and sheer intellect, Maudie’s journey oscillates between victimhood and agency, leaving readers pondering the morality and justification of her actions.
Hancock’s brilliance shines through in the nuanced character development. The evolution of characters, especially during pivotal moments like the encounter between Maudie and Sarafina at the canyon, is palpable and commendable. Despite the intense themes, the dialogue is peppered with light-hearted and witty exchanges, offering moments of levity.
Madam Ricketts promises a riveting, multi-faceted plot that consistently holds the reader’s attention. While the mature themes of murder, prostitution, and violence make it more suitable for adult readers, those searching for gripping suspense will find this novel gratifying.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0CBD69HR1
The Veil Between Worlds
In The Veil Between Worlds, written by the talented K. M. McFarland, readers are invited to embark on an enthralling journey into the paranormal set against the hauntingly beautiful city of New Orleans. At the tender age of three, the protagonist Rose Brighton is found to have inherited her mother’s uncanny ability to communicate with spirits. As a twenty-year-old woman, Rose finds herself at a Halloween party in the infamous Chevalier House, a place deeply entwined with the Voodoo Underworld. It is here she encounters the enigmatic Darrin Cross, a rock star whose fame and fortune stem from a foreboding pact with a potent Voodoo Loa, requiring the sacrifice of a soul every half-decade. The lingering question is: Will Rose become his next victim, or will their connection unravel and defy the expected fate?
New Orleans, with its deep-rooted history of voodoo, folklore, and mystery, provides an ideal backdrop for this compelling supernatural narrative. McFarland showcases remarkable finesse in her storytelling, effortlessly bringing to life a determined female protagonist. Her depiction of the otherworldly and ghostly encounters is meticulously detailed, capable of sending a chill down the spine of the most seasoned paranormal readers. The narrative is excellently paced, expertly blending moments of high tension and serene calm, leading to an addictive reading experience that compels one to continually turn the pages.
The Veil Between Worlds explores an intriguing mix of themes such as voodoo, reincarnation, love, and the supernatural while probing deeper philosophical issues of destiny, choices, and the implications of our actions. While the primary storyline is thoroughly engaging, I think some secondary plotlines could have been better developed to further enrich the narrative.
The Veil Between Worlds offers an immersive experience that is bound to resonate with aficionados of paranormal fiction. This riveting blend of the paranormal and urban fantasy genres stands as a must-read, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page has been turned.
Pages: 175 | ASIN : B0C3KVZQ8G
Return to Hardscrabble Road
Return To Hardscrabble Road by George Weinstein is a southern-based coming-of-age novel. This is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hardscrabble Road, picking up where the first book left off. George Weinstein interweaves themes of hope, redemption, loss, revenge, heartache, and family into a beautifully southern gothic story. When you open the pages of Return To Hardscrabble Road, prepare yourself for a wild ride, an intense journey, and memorable wisdom found along the way. By intricately combining these themes, Return To Hardscrabble Road is an unforgettable reminder of what it feels like to grow up and make your own way in the world while navigating everything you leave behind in the innocence of your youth.
This story captivated me from start to finish. While putting together the pieces from the first book, Hardscrabble Road, I immediately fell in love with the characters and their conflict-resolution faced as I poured over the pages. This book left me reeling with engaging characters, memorable dialogue, and a fascinating narrative. With exciting plot twists and compelling details, Weinstein’s writing left me able to put myself in the story.
Due to the themes and setting of this novel, the story may not be for everyone. George Weinstein covers many complex topics but has a quality in his writing that allows for a relatable and engaging story that audiences everywhere can appreciate. However, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quality narrative about family, loss, and redemption. Due to the content, this book is mesmerizing and intriguing. If you are looking for something that is heartfelt and has a great story, grabs a copy of Return To Hardscrabble Road.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0BJ7DLCGM
Limbo Jubilee
Soleil’s novel Limbo Jubilee is a psychological drama written from the perspective of the West Virginian born Neala, who has to overcome the trauma and loss inflicted upon her at an early age and later becomes a psychologist in Arizona while still trying to find herself and her place in the world. While I won’t spoil it entirely, I do have to point out that she isn’t entirely successful, and the book becomes a narrative that slowly unwinds in the same way she does. Slowly, until finally it spirals to a fitting conclusion at the end of the book.
I was quickly taken in by Neala’s story, even as it is interwoven with her growing madness as her psyche breaks down. I was able to easily empathize with her character. You want her to pull through, and heal herself, like she promises she should at the beginning. Neala means Champion—the heroine should be a champion—but midway, as she begins to unravel you know it’s going to end in tears as she loses touch with reality, becomes convinced that she isn’t real, and eventually loses herself bit by bit until there is nothing left except something she has called the “Choisi”. This is wistful and somewhat somber but utterly compelling.
The book and narrative reminds me a lot of Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam because I felt like it carried much the same tone. Fans of Atwood’s work in that series will enjoy Limbo Jubilee as I did. In between the rational and recognizable are snippets of what really is happening.
The start of all of this is heavily foreshadowed in the first chapter, beginning with her trying to help her dying Aunt Betsy, and it is in this chapter that the seeds of her eventual anorexia and the lifelong battle with it are planted, as are the seeds of what will come later in the book. I had to read the beginning a few times to catch all the colorful nuances and each time I did, I found another snippet and hint of the prods and disconnects that eventually are Neala’s undoing by the end of the book. While it isn’t a book for the faint of heart, it is definitely one with plenty of potential that needs to be on the bookshelf of anyone that appreciates a complex and thought-provoking read. Not one word isn’t there that doesn’t serve a purpose — Limbo Jubilee has been masterfully written.
Pages: 193 | ASIN: B07ZTTK6BB
LITERARY TITAN 