Blog Archives
SEVEN BLACKBIRDS
Seven Blackbirds tells the story of Kim, a woman trapped in an abusive marriage, struggling to protect herself and her infant son while trying to reconcile her past hopes with the starkness of her reality. The book moves through moments of violence, fear, and shame, but also into fragile glimpses of self-discovery and resilience. It shifts between memory and present action, weaving together family histories, friendships, and the slow, painful recognition of what love is not. At its heart, it is a book about survival and the small but vital sparks of strength that carry someone through darkness.
The writing is plainspoken, and that’s what makes it sting. There are no flourishes to soften the blows. The scenes of abuse hit hard because they’re described without sensationalism, just matter-of-fact, as if the narrator is bracing herself in silence. At times, I wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. I found myself angry, then sad, then oddly relieved when Kim found small moments of clarity. What struck me most was how the book captured the inner confusion, the push and pull of wanting to believe things will get better, even when the evidence piles up that they won’t. It’s uncomfortable, but it feels real.
Sometimes the pacing slowed in places. I’d get pulled deep into a scene, then taken through passages that felt more like personal notes. But life under control and abuse isn’t tidy. It’s messy, repetitive, and often without resolution. What I admired most was how the book carried its emotional weight without preaching. It didn’t tell me how to feel; it just put me in the room and let me sit there until I had to come up with my own reaction.
By the time I finished, I felt both heavy and grateful. This isn’t an easy book, but it’s an important one. I’d recommend it to readers who want a story that isn’t afraid of discomfort, people who are drawn to voices that speak plainly about pain yet carry a thread of stubborn hope. It would resonate with those interested in women’s stories, in survival, and in the quiet bravery of telling the truth when silence might feel safer.
Pages: 268 | ASIN : B0037UY4U2
Christmas Actually: A festive novel about family and forgiveness
Christmas Actually, by Lisa Darcy, is a heartwarming yet humorously chaotic exploration of midlife, motherhood, career revival, and family dynamics set against the backdrop of the holiday season. Katie, the protagonist, is a once-aspiring photographer grappling with the pressures of parenting, a faltering marriage, and the rediscovery of her professional identity. The story unfolds with relatable messiness and sharp wit, drawing readers into Katie’s world of imperfect Christmases and the quest for fulfillment.
Lisa Darcy’s writing is charmingly down-to-earth, though, at times, it feels a bit overly descriptive. Early in the book, Katie’s chaotic dinner party with her husband’s Mormon colleagues is laugh-out-loud funny yet painfully awkward. The tension between Katie’s desire to reclaim her photography career and her insecurities about keeping up with new technology is palpable. Darcy has a knack for making the reader feel like they’re part of Katie’s bustling household, with all its mishaps and tender moments.
What I enjoyed most were the layered relationships, especially between Katie and her teenage daughter, Lexi. Their interactions brim with a mix of love and exasperation, reflecting the generational clash over social media and self-expression. The holiday theme is cleverly interwoven without being overbearing. Katie’s hesitation to embrace Christmas traditions mirrors her internal struggles, and her eventual engagement with the festive season aligns beautifully with her personal growth. Darcy’s portrayal of the season’s chaos, complete with mismatched decorations and burned pavlovas, is refreshingly real.
Christmas Actually is perfect for readers who appreciate stories about juggling life’s messiness with humor and grace. It’s especially suited for working moms, fans of domestic dramas with comedic undertones, and anyone needing a reminder that life doesn’t need to be picture-perfect to be fulfilling. Lisa Darcy’s relatable characters and sharp observations will leave you smiling—and perhaps reaching for your camera to capture your own “perfectly imperfect” moments.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0DCDCFY1B
Gray Divorce
The Scarlet D follows a recently divorced woman who travels across the country to start a new life in South Carolina. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Long Enough to Love You (a Literary Titan Gold Book Award winner) was my last book. It delves into a marriage ending on a raw and emotional level and introduces love later in life. I heard a common theme from readers: there are not enough stories about “older” women protagonists writing their own narratives in life and love. The Scarlet D continues that theme but on a lighter note. She’s a woman wanting a fresh start in life even though conventional wisdom and societal stereotypes would say she’s too old and should be grateful for her life. Moving across the country was symbolic of owning her destiny. She’s also different in that she’s the anti-woman scorned. So often, women are portrayed as victims. She isn’t and refuses to wear the label. It’s a lighter telling of love, sex, desire, and finding a place to call yours.
Is there anything from your own life included in your characters and their experiences?
Of course, there is! I was going through a divorce when I started writing it and was a divorcee when I finished it. The feelings and emotions are real for me. I discovered love again along the way, too. I was able to take snippets of my old life and parts of my new life, sometimes giving voice or perspective to situations. But really, these are entirely fabricated characters with morsels of my own life baked in. It is fun to have people ask what parts are real or not!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The myth that we roll over and die in our fifties is so wrong! Gray divorce is front and center. Women are taking ownership of their lives. They are open to doing scary things like starting over on their own after marriages that lasted decades. We are allowed to challenge societal stereotypes and norms. Friendships are different as we age. Finding new friends is a challenging task. Scarlet is often uncomfortable in her own skin and finds herself in some awkward predicaments but finds a way to rise above it all. She is writing her own narrative, and that is huge! Everyone will not agree with how she does it, but we all have a path, and recognizing we have choices in the road we travel is a pivotal theme. I love being this age, knowing what I want and what I need, and no longer having to pretend to fit some mold. It’s liberating to come-of-middle-age!
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I have several books in the concept phase. I have considered making The Scarlet D a series. Some fun, quirky characters deserve their own stories. I know I should stay true to one genre, but I have too many stories to tell. I will likely write historical fiction based on my uncle’s family memoir next. My mom is German and their family story is remarkable. She is in her eighties now, and I’d like for her to be able to read it. The story is of a boy who turned ten on the day World War II ended. I look forward to having the creative license to write that story.
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Who said starting over in your fifties wasn’t complicated?
Fueled by the unrealistic expectations of Nicholas Sparks’ novels, Scarlet sets her sights on South Carolina as the backdrop for her new beginning. After a thirty-year marriage, divorce offers her a chance to start over, far from the reminders of a past life.
Scarlet begins life on Sullivan’s Island, seeking like-minded women as she joins a divorced women’s book club. She finds herself in a world of unexpected complexities. When she reveals her past, judgment is harsh.
On Sullivan’s Island, Scarlet’s dormant desires are awakened as she meets Ben, an attractive younger man. However, a chance encounter with the self-assured, age-appropriate Beau opens her heart to the possibility of love. But will the unexpected arrival of the man who nearly broke her make her reconsider her choices?
As Scarlet settles into her new life, she dissects her past, embraces second chances, and finds herself open to the complications of starting over in her fifties.
From award-winning author Kirsten Pursell, follow Scarlet as she navigates self-discovery, love, and friendship later in life in this coming-of-middle-age romance.
Christmas Actually
Christmas Actually, by Lisa Darcy, offers a heartfelt story centered around Kate Cavendish, a married mother of two, who struggles to reconcile her current reality with the dreams she once had. Kate, who had envisioned a future as a photographer, finds herself far from that dream after marriage and motherhood. When she’s offered a part-time job as a photographer’s assistant during the holiday season, she steps into a whirlwind of new challenges. Balancing this job with her family responsibilities proves difficult, especially as the cracks in her marriage become more apparent. Kate and her husband have drifted apart, and the strain in their relationship threatens to worsen as she navigates tricky situations at work that could jeopardize her marriage and family life.
Kate’s journey is incredibly relatable, and her character development is both inspiring and genuine. Watching her rediscover her passion and stay true to herself is truly satisfying. The author takes readers on an emotional ride, showcasing the highs and lows of Kate’s life with an authenticity that resonates. The challenges she faces at work, along with the tension in her marriage, are portrayed with a sense of realism that makes her triumphs feel all the more rewarding. Despite the obstacles, Kate’s dedication to her family and her determination to chase her dreams make her a compelling and admirable protagonist.
One of the standout elements of the book is the vibrant cast of characters that surround Kate. Darcy does a wonderful job of bringing to life the people who support and shape her world, from her loving but complex family to her loyal and endearing friends. The story also features touching subplots, like Kate’s parents rekindling their love after many years apart, a heartwarming reminder of the beauty of second chances. These moments of connection and love bring a delightful warmth to the narrative.
The holiday atmosphere is magical and immersive. Darcy paints a vivid picture of festive backdrops, from cozy family gatherings to the excitement of new possibilities. The story effortlessly combines the themes of holiday cheer with deeper reflections on personal growth and love. By the end of the novel, it’s impossible not to feel inspired by Kate’s journey and the strength she finds within herself. While there are multiple storylines interwoven throughout the book, they each add to the richness of the narrative. Even though some plots felt more developed than others, each character brings their own charm, adding layers to Kate’s world. The story’s focus on personal and familial relationships, paired with the joy of rediscovering one’s passion, creates a tale that is both heartwarming and uplifting.
Christmas Actually is a delightful and engaging read, perfect for those who love stories about self-discovery, love, and the magic of the holiday season. It’s a book that celebrates the power of family and the importance of staying true to oneself, leaving readers with a warm, hopeful feeling. For fans of heartfelt holiday fiction, Lisa Darcy’s novel is sure to be a cherished addition to their reading list.
Pages: 346 | ASIN : B0DCDCFY1B
The Real Meaning of Change
My Year of Casual Acquaintances follows a recently divorced woman who lets go of everything from her past to start fresh and rediscover herself. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many years ago, after I quit my day job to work from home, a daily trip to the gym became part of my routine—not just to exercise, but also to socialize. I’ve met up with countless acquaintances at the gym—most of them casual, but some that have developed into close, enduring friendships. I’ve always been fascinated by the dynamics of gym relationships and thought that would make an intriguing premise for a novel. When I decided to write about a recently divorced woman looking to reinvent herself and avoid commitment, a gym seemed like the ideal setting.
I found Mar to be a remarkably well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her and her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Thank you! I love stories about intelligent, quirky, opinionated women. I think Mar is all those things, yet I also wanted her to be caring and sympathetic. I decided she should be 50, which I find to be an interesting age. Mar exemplifies a modern woman in midlife—complex, layered, and fraught with contradictions. She’s independent but full of self-doubt, professionally confident but socially insecure, and decisive in her tastes but indecisive about her path in life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The main themes I wanted to address are the importance of human connection, the value of honest communication, and the real meaning of change and how to achieve it. At the beginning of the story, Mar is grappling with all three of these issues as she sheds her old life and tries to find a different and better one. She takes up with a new acquaintance every month in her episodic journey, and each person teaches her something about herself and how to correct course.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is The Unexpected Guests. It’s the sequel to My Year of Casual Acquaintances, and it will be published by Black Rose Writing on December 26, 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Bookbub | Amazon
With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant, a kindly older gentleman… and Charlie, a handsome best-selling novelist who wants more from Mar than she’s able to give. She learns something new from each encounter. But can she change enough to open herself up to happiness and true connection?
Surrounded by an ensemble of quirky, endearing characters, Mar follows a tortuous and unpredictable path as she navigates the first year of her reinvented life. My Year of Casual Acquaintances is packed with laugh-out-loud moments mingled with scenes of loneliness and self-doubt that will put a lump in your throat.
My Year of Casual Acquaintances
Ruth F. Stevens’ My Year of Casual Acquaintances is a captivating and heartwarming narrative that delves into the trials and victories of beginning anew. The protagonist, Mar Meyer, embarks on a transformative journey following a painful divorce. In a bold move to reclaim her life, Mar abandons everything she once knew—her home, friends, and even her identity—to seek out new experiences and adventures.
Mar’s story unfolds through a series of casual yet meaningful encounters, each contributing significantly to her personal growth. From a fellow gym-goer grappling with her own dilemmas to a charming hip-hop instructor, a humorous consultant, a benevolent older man, and Charlie, a charismatic novelist with a profound connection, each character imparts valuable lessons to Mar. These interactions, rich with humor, empathy, and insight, enable Mar to confront her insecurities and embrace the potential for genuine happiness and connection.
Stevens excels in crafting a diverse array of quirky and endearing characters who leave a lasting impression on readers. Mar emerges as a relatable and compelling protagonist—flawed yet resolute and refreshingly authentic. Her struggles and achievements echo the experiences of many women navigating midlife transitions, making her journey deeply resonant and engaging. The novel’s structure, characterized by a blend of laugh-out-loud moments and introspection, maintains a strong grip on the reader’s attention. Memorable scenes, such as comical goat yoga sessions, provide lighthearted relief, while Mar’s introspective moments lend the narrative depth and emotional weight. The brisk pace and witty prose ensure that the story remains absorbing and difficult to set aside.
One of the book’s most notable strengths is its exploration of second chances. Mar’s transformation from a woman shattered by betrayal to one who discovers strength and joy in her newfound independence is both inspiring and uplifting. The love story interwoven within the plot is beautifully articulated, adding another dimension to Mar’s evolution.
My Year of Casual Acquaintances is more than just a tale of starting over; it’s a celebration of human connections, self-discovery, and the courage to embrace change. Ruth F. Stevens adeptly captures the essence of rebuilding one’s life with sincerity and elegance. This novel is a delightful choice for anyone who has encountered significant life changes or enjoys a well-crafted story of personal growth and relationship dynamics. It is a journey of healing, forgiveness, and the realization that it’s never too late to begin anew.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0D43GW5XZ
Is Love Enough?
All The What-Ifs follows a woman from an abusive marriage who is recently divorced and looks back into her life in an effort to find happiness for her future. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always wondered about the “what-ifs” of life. What if I had done this or that differently? It intrigues me to think that one single decision can alter an entire lifetime. Or can it? Is what meant to be going to find its way to you regardless? The inspiration for this story centers around that concept.
Mae questions how she ended up where she did and what she can do to pull her life back together after her divorce. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
While I have never gone through a divorce, I have encountered instances in which I had to pull my own life together. I found myself wallowing or maybe feeling some self-pity. Although I couldn’t necessarily change the unfortunate circumstances I was in, I realized that I could change my attitude about it. I definitely gave Mae a similar kind of mindset in the later part of the book.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme that is probably quite obvious is simply love. Is love enough? Is there really only “one true love” that a heart desires? And what do you do when the person you love instead loves another? Another theme that was important to me to be able to relay through this story was also self-trust. Mae is very indecisive at times. She questions everything and wants desperately to do the right thing. Through her abusive marriage, her self-trust really breaks down. She shelters a lot of the blame and holds herself accountable for a lot of the problems she faced. However, her journey to healing pushed her outside of her comfort zone and forced her to make some quick decisions — many that she didn’t have time to weigh out the what-if’s to. This gives her the ability to trust herself again.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Summers I Had With Her will be available July 2024.
Author Interview: GoodReads | Instagram | Amazon
Deciding to leave her abusive husband leads her to revisit her past while simultaneously trying to create a new future. However, her past will ultimately dictate the kind of future she has.
Will she accept things as they are and keep herself wondering about all the what-ifs? Or will she finally find all the answers she’s been looking for by simply speaking up?
The New Tenant
Despite entering the world of affluence through marriage, Angela, now a recent widow, finds herself in a dilapidated boarding house, subsisting on a meager stipend after being inexplicably omitted from her husband’s will. Feeling forsaken and disillusioned, she resigns herself to a subdued life until fate introduces her to a man named Jack Ford. Although initially disconcerted by Jack’s buoyant demeanor, she gradually yields to his genuine goodwill, marking the inception of an unlikely yet heartening friendship. Excitement for newfound possibilities brims in Angela’s heart, yet a mystery surrounds Jack; he has come to town with a concealed intent, oblivious to the significant implications it will have for numerous lives.
In Allison G. Smith’s compelling debut novel, The New Tenant, readers are ushered into Angela’s world—a working-class woman who climbs the social ladder only to find herself mourning not just the loss of her husband but the financial stability she once had. Smith artfully sketches Angela as a woman of ability and resilience who has nonetheless lost her zest for life, traversing her days in solitary contemplation in quest of meaning.
While Angela’s character is sympathetically portrayed, the novel could potentially be enriched by an augmented first act. Angela’s introduction to Jack, the pivotal character who redirects the course of her life, occurs within the first two pages. A more extensive exploration of her life prior to this encounter could render her persona more multifaceted and engaging.
However, where the story may fall slightly short in its initial setup, it compensates with a rich emotional core. The burgeoning romance is handled with a tender touch, and the affections among the secondary characters add a wholesome dimension to the narrative.
Though The New Tenant is relatively concise, some may argue that this brevity might be detrimental. A more detailed unfolding of the plot would allow readers to savor the enchanting romance blossoming between Angela and Jack, capturing the essence of a cozy, small-town love story that the author appears to aspire to create.
The New Tenant is an endearing tale of resilience, renewal, and romance. Its charm is found in its warm characters and sweet relationships. It is a promising start for Allison G. Smith, illustrating a story that is both short and sweet and leaves room for exploration and enhancement.
Pages: 157 | ASIN : B0C3WFB3V5
LITERARY TITAN 