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A Call To Action
Like a Lily Among the Thorns follows a young woman longing for a family connection who meets a woman who becomes more than a friend; she helps transform her life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To me subconsciously, we all assign roles to acquaintances in our lives based on our unfulfilled needs. In this particular narrative, the MC has a real need for connection. Sometimes my muse uses my personal experiences but in others like this story my natural empathy for people in distress carries the load.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The pursuit of happiness, connection, and dignity.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One main theme the reviewer failed to mention was the purpose of this book for me. I believe it is a call to action for the climate crisis that may possibly end life on this planet as we know it. Just like the characters in this story, the awareness of the danger is slow in forming and even at the end of this novel the lack of action to totally change one’s life in anticipation of this problem is just too much work. Eveyone hopes the problem is exaggerated and will just disappear. Like is actually happening right now.
What next book are you working on, and when will it be available?
My next novel explores the notion of what is reality. Can we move through different realities by choice? Scientists have postulated that the multiverse exists. In this work, I take the liberty of having proof that multiverse exists and that we can somehow move around these alternate worlds at will. It also is a nod to my gloomy attitude of the possible demise of humanity due to climate change. Enlightened souls will have the ability to save our species by traveling to another reality where climate issues do not exist yet.
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At a local small library in New York City, one such family was born. And just like so many capricious happenstances in life, this family unit embraced newcomers and grew exponentially. But this clan was also charged with far more than spreading love and joy and a sense of belonging. This clan was formed by divine Providence to help save the planet.
Gabrielle Bernstein, the MC of Like a Lily Among the Thorns, is a woman in her twenties and has started her career as a librarian at a NYC public library. Abandoned by her father as a young girl and now orphaned by her deranged mother, Gabby longs for a family connection. Coincidentally, she finds this connection at the same time she inherits a B&B in Vermont from her estranged and now-deceased father. This enchanted inn is under the watchful eye of goddesses of myth and legend who have been tasked to save mankind from destroying itself and this planet. These goddesses will use their powers to try and stall the onslaught of the effects of droughts, floods, and rising temperatures. But as a safety net, they have collected human saviors all over the planet to erect safe havens at high altitudes away from flood waters and blistering temperatures.
Woven through this tale is Gabrielle’s inherent understanding that she must be grateful, mindful, and present in this journey called life.
Author’s note: In response to the feedback from several reviews, I offer some clarity to the book’s ending. As a call to action, the other message of this book is the reality that humans would prefer to do nothing when all appears normal. Doing nothing and waiting for the worst to happen is a terrible approach and has been the mindset for a long time no matter the solid info that has been available for many years.
Like a Lily Among the Thorns
Karen S. Bell’s Like a Lily Among the Thorns mixes romance, personal growth, and a touch of magic. The story revolves around Gabby Bernstein, a young woman in New York City who clings to optimism despite life’s tough breaks. Things take a sharp turn when she crosses paths with the mysterious Countess Anastasia Ivanova. Their friendship opens new doors for Gabby, pushing her toward a life-changing transformation.
Bell’s writing style is poetic, vivid, and full of detail, making every scene pop. Whether it’s Gabby’s simple morning routine or the lush garden of the Countess, the words pull you in. You can almost see and feel everything through Gabby’s eyes. The way Bell blends everyday life with a dash of the mystical gives the story a unique, almost magical vibe. Gabby’s constant reflections, while key to her character, add depth to the story. They offer insight into her mindset and her journey. These moments allow readers to connect more deeply with her. Her focus on gratitude and mindfulness is central and enriches the narrative. While these reflections do slow the pace a bit, they also create a thoughtful, introspective atmosphere that adds to the story’s charm. The bond between Gabby and the Countess is where the magic really happens. Watching them grow and heal together is both moving and inspiring. As the Countess reveals more of herself, her role as a mentor to Gabby becomes more compelling. There’s a scene where Gabby finally faces her painful past that hits hard. It’s raw and emotional, showing just how good Bell is at capturing real, deep feelings.
Like a Lily Among the Thorns is a solid pick for readers who enjoy stories that focus on characters, with a sprinkle of magic. The book’s poetic language and thoughtful narrative dig deep into life’s ups and downs and the path to personal growth. This book is the perfect mix of the ordinary with a little bit of magic.
Pages: 231 | ASIN : B09V5KGMJF
The Roads We Take
Driving for Justice follows a successful lawyer who becomes a Laafia car driver. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration really came from observing the hectic pace and priorities of modern professional life. I was intrigued by the idea of someone with a high-stress, prestigious career making the unexpected choice to embrace a simpler, and more interpersonal job on the side. The act of driving, which is physically linear but can be emotionally and philosophically meandering, seemed like the perfect metaphor to explore John’s unexpected journey of self-discovery. It’s about the roads we take, the stops we make along the way, and the passengers—each carrying their unique stories—that join us during the ride.
John takes great pleasure in driving and meeting new people in his part-time job, learning their stories, and, in the process, learning more about himself. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Human vulnerability and resilience strike me as profoundly compelling themes for fiction. In Driving for Justice, John’s encounters with various passengers highlight these aspects beautifully. Each person he meets represents different facets of life—hope, despair, ambition, and regret. I find the concept of strangers opening up in the confined space of a car fascinating. It’s a safe space where conversations can veer into personal territories more freely, revealing the raw and real layers of personality that we often hide from the outside world. This setting allows exploration of how our interactions shape us and the poignant truth that everyone has a story worth telling.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several themes are central to Driving for Justice. First, the themes of redemption and self-discovery are crucial as we follow John’s journey from a life he no longer finds fulfilling to one where he rediscovers his passion and purpose. Second, the idea of empathy and connection emerges as a powerful theme. John’s day-to-day experiences emphasize that understanding and kindness can have far-reaching effects on people’s lives, including our own. Finally, the theme of justice—what it means and how it can be achieved outside traditional frameworks—is explored through John’s establishment of a pro-bono legal clinic, highlighting his evolution from a career-driven lawyer to a community-focused advocate. Each of these themes challenges the reader to think about the impact of their choices and the potential we all have to effect change in our environments.
In Driving for Justice, several key themes shaped the narrative and enriched the story’s depth and complexity. These themes not only drive the plot but also invite readers to engage with broader social and personal issues:
- Redemption and Transformation: Central to the novel is the protagonist, John’s journey of redemption and personal transformation. John seeks a simpler life and redemption for past choices that may have prioritized success over personal fulfillment. His role as a Laafia car driver symbolizes his quest for a more meaningful existence, suggesting that true fulfillment often comes from unexpected sources.
- Empathy and Human Connection: The novel strongly emphasizes empathy and the transformative power of human connection. Through his interactions with passengers, John discovers the diverse embroidery of human experiences and challenges. These encounters serve as a reminder of the common humanity shared by all, regardless of their backgrounds or current circumstances, and they foster a deeper understanding of empathy as essential to personal and societal well-being.
- Justice and Accessibility: Another significant theme is the concept of justice, especially social justice. As a high-profile lawyer, John reflects on the inadequacies of the formal justice system in terms of reaching and protecting all individuals equitably. His decision to start a pro-bono legal clinic underscores the theme of justice and accessibility to everyone, particularly the underprivileged, and highlights individuals’ role in addressing systemic inequalities.
- The Human Stories Within the Urban Experience: The city itself is a backdrop against which various human stories unfold. The novel explores how urban environments shape the lives and experiences of its inhabitants, emphasizing the idea that every individual has a story and that these stories are worth hearing. This theme invites readers to look beyond the surface of busy urban life to understand the struggles, dreams, and resilience of those living within it.
- Self-Discovery and Identity: John’s transformation also prompts him to question and redefine his identity. The theme of self-discovery is woven throughout the narrative as John evaluates his past, considers his present, and makes choices about his future. This theme resonates with readers exploring what it means to live authentically.
- The Power of Small Acts: The novel celebrates the notion that small acts of kindness and understanding can have profound impacts. Each of John’s drives encapsulates this theme, as even brief interactions can illuminate truths, alter perspectives, or provide comfort. It illustrates how ordinary moments can lead to extraordinary revelations and changes.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently working on a novel. As I fine-tune the elements of these stories, considering various factors that will shape their final forms, I will soon decide on the final title and when it will reach my readers. I eagerly look forward to sharing this news with my fans. Stay tuned for updates and teasers that I hope will whet your appetite for the romantic journeys ahead!
Each passenger John encounters in his car brings a new perspective, revealing the city’s heartbeat and the complexities of human experiences. These encounters range from an ambitious college student wrestling with his future, a high-profile executive hiding vulnerabilities behind a façade of success, to a figure from John’s past who threatens to disrupt his newfound peace.
As John drives through the city, he faces his own internal struggles, reflecting on his past decisions and contemplating his future. His journey is one of self-discovery, empathy, and understanding, challenging his views on justice and humanity.
Ultimately, John’s experiences as a driver led him to a significant decision – establishing a pro-bono legal clinic to assist those who cannot afford it. This initiative brings together diverse individuals, including former colleagues and new allies, who share his vision of accessible justice.
Driving For Justice is about finding redemption and purpose in unexpected places. It celebrates the nuances of human connections, the impact of storytelling, and the power of empathy in navigating the complex world of legal and moral dilemmas. It’s a testament to the idea that sometimes, the most significant journeys are those that bring us back to our core values.
Driving For Justice
In Driving for Justice, Justin K. Kojok weaves a tale of redemption and introspection set against the vibrant backdrop of city life. John Sanbian is a successful lawyer with high-stakes cases who takes on a part-time job as a Laafia car driver, encountering passengers whose diverse stories mirror the city’s complex human landscape. This shift in career sets John on a path of self-discovery, pushing him to confront his past, reevaluate his views on justice and humanity, and ultimately find deeper meaning in his life.
The novel adeptly explores themes of empathy and moral dilemma through John’s interactions, which challenge both his and the reader’s perceptions of justice. His journey from a lawyer to someone who actively seeks to aid the vulnerable—culminating in the establishment of a pro-bono legal clinic with his wife, Lila—highlights the potential for personal transformation and societal impact.
John’s character resonates due to his vulnerability and the universal quest for purpose, making him a relatable figure for readers grappling with similar existential questions. The narrative is enriched by the contrasts it draws between the idealism of John’s aspirations and the gritty reality of urban existence, underscoring the narrative’s message that individuals can indeed make a difference. The character portrayals in the book present opportunities for further depth and distinctiveness. Although John and Lila sometimes merge in their characteristics, this similarity prompts an anticipation of further development in their individuality. Moreover, while effective, the dialogue has the potential to more vividly reflect each character’s unique voices and backgrounds, enriching the narrative’s diversity and relatability.
Driving for Justice is a compelling exploration of personal and legal dilemmas, offering a thoughtful look at the intersections of life, law, and morality.
Pages: 439 | ASIN : B0CQ419FDH
The Legacy
Prepare to be captivated by James Gilbert’s enthralling tale, The Legacy, which centers around the intriguing life of our protagonist, Adam Chauncey. As a lawyer at the Smithson and Dwyer firm, Adam finds himself caught in the monotony of everyday life, yearning for something more profound. Little does he know that his wish for change will spiral into a riveting and unexpected journey that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
In this gripping narrative, Adam’s character development takes center stage. He starts off as a man plagued by indecision, but as the story unfolds, he transforms into a determined and resolute figure. Flawed yet immensely likable, Adam’s evolution is a testament to Gilbert’s skillful storytelling. Sally Warren, Adam’s love interest, is a force to be reckoned with—smart, strong, and fiercely independent. You’ll quickly find yourself rooting for her. The supporting characters are thoughtfully crafted and seamlessly fit into the narrative, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.
The Legacy offers an intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing with its numerous twists and turns. The characters’ lives are a rollercoaster of ups and downs, ensuring that you’re constantly on your toes, eagerly anticipating the next revelation. The story’s tone is dark and suspenseful, drawing you deeper into its intricate web of intrigue. The pacing of the narrative is expertly executed, maintaining a swift tempo that ensures you’re never left with a dull moment. The setting is so well integrated into the story that it becomes an indispensable element, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the tale.
This story is a captivating blend of drama, tension, and a touch of romance that culminates in an exhilarating reading experience. While the action that does occur is executed brilliantly, I think a bit more exploration in this area would have added an extra layer of excitement and suspense to the narrative. Nonetheless, The Legacy is a compelling read that will leave you hungry for more of James Gilbert’s storytelling prowess.
Pages: 188 | ASIN : B0CKV2VGRR
A Bit Against The Grain
The Burglar is the fast-paced and captivating story of Springer, a man who awakens to find himself face-to-face with an intruder stumbling around his apartment. Where did the idea for your thrilling short story come from?
It must have come from a movie I saw back in 1986 that I can’t remember the name of. Although I do remember the year I saw it, strangely enough, I don’t remember the film’s name. So, somewhere out there, there is an old flick that is somewhat similar to The Burglar.
There is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” So, although the flick was not on my mind when I sat down to type, I think it must have been lurking somewhere in my subconscious when I put my fingers to my keyboard.
I don’t remember exactly, but I think that in the film, there were two intruders who broke into a man’s home while he and his wife were there. I also don’t remember whether there was any weed smoking involved, like in The Burglar, but I do recall the homeowner happily getting drunk with one of the intruders while, get this, the other one seduced, as opposed to assaulted, his wife in their bedroom.
I didn’t get the feeling that the “victim” would care if he found out. I remember him being so indifferent and drunk, that to the intruder he contentedly drank with he said, “You will tell my wife that I put up a good fight, won’t you?” Or something along those lines.
His wife was just as indifferent because not only wasn’t she assaulted, she welcomed the second burglar’s attention. Go figure, or try to figure out what kind of mindset that husband and wife had. For me, it was a mind-boggling film that definitely left an imprint on my mind.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Everything about the human condition makes for great fiction, so it’s nice to read books that go a bit against the grain. You know, those that don’t read like a cliché.
Like I said earlier, there is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” so to find that one book or movie that stands out from the others because the creator tweaked what has become hackneyed, is always precious.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers as you developed the characters of Springer and the burglar?
It wasn’t important to me at all. My aim was to write a story that was out of the ordinary, not to espouse any particular position or another.
Can readers expect to see more from you soon?
Yes, of course. I am always writing. I have an independent online bookstore business that I have to keep going. Bookstore is the operative word. I write and publish more than just short stories. For that matter, those who know more about me know that I started out writing and continue to write and publish epic dark fantasy novels also.
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The Burglar is that with a twist. The culprit’s inexperience, jitters, and nerves are at the forefront of what pushes this daring tale forward, where his name and almost nothing about his identity is ever disclosed. An examination of his mindset is what brings this fast-paced action feature to its twisted end.
The Burglar is the opening tale from a series of other short-form writings the author plans to individually release. They will then be published as a compilation.
The Burglar
Penn Fawn’s The Burglar is an absolutely captivating short story. The narrative skillfully unfolds around Springer, who finds himself awakened by an intruder stumbling over a computer cord in his apartment. The intense yet delicately crafted conversation between the two characters is truly mesmerizing and adds an alluring touch to the prose.
Fawn’s ambitious writing style brings a fresh perspective to the genre, and the themes explored in the story are thought-provoking and engaging. It’s truly impressive how the author manages to weave so many themes, motifs, and lessons into just 25 pages, leaving readers contemplating people’s intentions, boundaries, and acceptance of events and individuals in their own lives days after finishing the story. While some critics might find fault with the formal vernacular and sentence structure, I believe these elements add a unique flair to the narrative, emphasizing Fawn’s creativity and individuality as an author. Moreover, the characters’ reactions and responses to the break-in, though unconventional, offer a fresh and intriguing perspective. Springer’s nonchalant and dismissive demeanor in such a situation challenges the norm and sparks curiosity in the minds of readers, making them rethink how they would react in similar circumstances.
The Burglar is an excellent book that deserves to find its way to the top of the award lists. For those who appreciate ambitious and thought-provoking storytelling, this short story is an absolute gem. I commend Penn Fawn’s ingenuity in crafting such an incendiary tale that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the book’s amazing conclusion.
If I Want The World To Change
Mothers Vol. 1 follows a widowed mother of two boys who is working in a job she hates while caring for one child with cancer and the other who feels neglected. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I based some of the story and characters on my mother, other mothers I’ve met, and my earlier childhood. This story was needed because I believe there is a negative stigma about single mothers and people who live in and/or come from housing projects. While impoverished areas might have higher crime and negative aspects than some areas, good people live in and come from these areas too. My main goal with every book I write is to improve race relations. If I want the world to change, I have to help it change, and I’m trying to do that with my writing.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
There were a lot of morals to the story, but a few are: Don’t judge a book by its cover. Always think before you act. Your actions have consequences.
What was the chosen theme of the novel or did it develop organically as you were writing?
The theme was to honor single mothers. Juanita is a widowed single mother working a job she hates to provide for her two sons. Tracy is a single mother working nights at the hospital as a nurse’s aide to provide for her twins, Akeem and Ebony. Unfortunately, the father of her two children abandoned his responsibilities and enjoyed street life more than being a father, leaving Tracy to pick up the slack alone. Debbie is the only Caucasian mother in the novel, but she represents that single mothers come in every race, shape, and kind. She has Multiple Sclerosis and still struggling to raise her only son to be a man alone after her husband left her because he didn’t want to be a father. (This also shows that situations like this happen to every race and is just the typical stereotype for minorities) It is one thing to be a mother taking care of a sickly child, but to be a sickly mother that has to muster up the energy every day to raise your children takes strength and fortitude.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is Mothers Vol. 2 which will be somewhat of a sequel to my novel “A Father’s Sacrifice: Daddy’s Girl. I’m a huge perfectionist when it comes to my writing, so I hope to have it finished in a year or two.
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In 1995, tragedy struck when Maurice Wilson returned home from the grocery store and was killed by a stray bullet, leaving his wife, Juanita, a widowed single mother of two. Having no life insurance and barely any savings, Juanita is forced to sell what few valuable items she has to give her husband a decent burial. With her husband no longer around as the primary breadwinner and without his salary, Juanita struggled to financially keep her and her children’s heads above water, but she managed to survive.
Tragically, two years following the death of her husband, her youngest child is diagnosed with cancer, leaving Juanita deeply in debt due to copayments for treatments, surgeries, prescriptions, and transportation to and from her job and doctors’ visits. Overworked and underpaid, Juanita works a job she hates at the prestigious law firm of Wayne, Rothstein, and Lincoln to provide for her children. When her oldest child, Jalen, begins to feel neglected because his mother cannot afford to buy him the things he wants, constantly works overtime, and is always taking care of his younger brother, he is lured by the streets and a local drug dealer named Drastic. Will Jerami, Juanita’s youngest son, survive cancer? Can Juanita endure being drowned in debt and working a stressful job? Will her eldest son, Jalen, continue to be drawn to and consumed by the streets? Mothers, Vol. 1, is the riveting prologue to the award-winning novel, Defining Moments: Black and White, about a mother’s bravery and fortitude to do whatever is necessary for her children.
LITERARY TITAN 