Blog Archives
A Story That Needed to be Told
Yankeeland follows a young woman from a stifling Irish village who escapes to the New World with her husband, seeking a life where they can realize their dreams. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have always been a champion of strong, powerful women and knew that this story needed to be told. Reading Brigid’s letters forever changed my thinking on secrets. The heartache from the secrets which society forced upon the female protagonists in Yankeeland haunted me deeply. Discovering and unraveling how their lives played out filled me with a profound sense of sadness, which stayed with me. The what-ifs and the desperate attempts at explaining away the various actions and outcomes all came back to the trauma caused by secrets. The basic human experience of compassion was lost to Brigid and Kate.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
It was important for me to understand the challenges that were faced in Yankeeland, and my writing comes from a place of lived experience. I connected at a deep level with each character and their journey. I am a storyteller at heart and a lot of storytellers carry pain in their words, my objective is to turn suffering into something that we can learn from. The greatest compliment I received was that Yankeeland was not a ‘breezy’ read—I have tried not to detract from the reality of these experiences. In recreating Brigid’s story, I was able to recreate their path as emigrants understanding the society of the various locations. I was also able to reach into stories I had heard in my own childhood, particularly of Well’s House and the Doyne family that had lived there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In a piece I wrote for my website ‘Secrets’ I looked at how lives that are lived in pain do not allow for awareness. Existing—the sole occupation of the sufferer. These pieces explore some of the themes in Yankeeland and my greatest wish is for the reader to reflect and give consideration from their own viewpoint and experienes. ‘Tis only and aul wink’ was written following a funeral I had attended in the West of Ireland. As I sat and listened to the priest give his sermon on how life passes so quickly, ‘aul wink of the eye,’ I felt a deep sense of emotion. I was frustrated thinking how Brigid and Kate had not been afforded this luxury. I also wanted to show how historically Women were often betrayed by society at the behest of a powerful patriarchal system. This did not bode well for any woman, never mind one who was strong and powerful such as Brigid was.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
I am working on a story about navigating modern day ‘Humbugs’. A girl’s journey through vulnerability, navigating the various modalities that are competing in today’s world, where spirituality meets commercialisation. It will follow a similar theme, looking at moral dilemmas. I would love for this to be with readers in 2026. The publishing journey requires adequate time to ensure quality of the output.
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Brigid and her cousin Molly, who is more like a sister, dream of a new life in the seemingly unlimited land of opportunity they call Yankeeland-America. Brigid gets her chance when she emigrates with her husband Ben and her brother James, while Molly stays in Ireland.
But when Brigid’s quest to have a child leads her to seek unconventional help, her mental stability is questioned. She is soon caught up in a patriarchal medical establishment she has little power to fight.
The new life in America Brigid dreamed about takes a drastic turn. Decades later Brigid’s grandniece discovers a sack full of letters between the two cousins. She unravels the story and vows to tell the tale of what really happened to Brigid in Yankeeland.
Yankeeland
Lacy Fewer’s Yankeeland is a sweeping tale of hope, resilience, and transformation that weaves through decades and continents. Centered on Brigid Kelly’s journey from a stifling Irish village to the promise-filled shores of America, the novel explores family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal ambition. Brigid’s dreams clash with her father’s traditions and her stepmother’s rigid control, culminating in her determined escape to the New World with her husband, Ben. What unfolds is a compelling narrative of immigrants grappling with love, identity, and survival in a land where opportunities are as abundant as the challenges.
Fewer’s writing captures the texture of Irish life in the early 20th century with remarkable detail. The quiet desperation of Brigid’s early years and her longing for freedom and beauty are palpable. I loved how Fewer used vivid imagery, like Brigid poring over forbidden magazines or sneaking into the store to gaze at glamorous pictures. These small acts of rebellion made Brigid feel alive and relatable. Yet, at times, the prose overindulged in descriptions that slowed the pace. While the lush details are immersive, there were moments I wanted the story to move faster, particularly in the sections set in Ireland. The narrative shines brightest when it dives into the immigrant experience. Brigid’s arrival in New York, her awe at the Manhattan skyline, and her disdain for the haughty first-class passengers who snub her felt raw and immediate. One scene, where Brigid defiantly stands up to an arrogant British couple aboard the ship, is potent. It underscored her tenacity and pride, traits that define her character throughout the book. However, the portrayal of Ben’s struggles with inferiority in America was equally compelling and balanced with Brigid’s ambitious optimism. Fewer skillfully juxtaposes their experiences, making their relationship dynamic and layered.
I felt the weight of Brigid’s choices—her sacrifices, her hopes for a better life. The novel’s themes of familial duty versus personal aspiration struck a chord. Fewer’s portrayal of immigrant life is both harsh and hopeful, never sugarcoating the realities but always highlighting the perseverance and ingenuity of her characters. The bittersweet yet triumphant ending left me reflecting on the cost of dreams and the resilience required to achieve them.
I’d recommend Yankeeland to readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong, complex female protagonists. Fans of Colm Tóibín’s Brooklyn or Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train will find much to admire in this heartfelt tale. While it’s not a breezy read, its rich storytelling and poignant themes make it a journey worth taking.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DQWTPGRX
The Immigrant’s Wife
J.B. Harris’s The Immigrant’s Wife masterfully weaves a poignant tale set in the early 1900s, following the life of Anna, a 19-year-old American girl who falls in love with Charles Patrinos, a Greek immigrant. Their love defies societal expectations, inciting disapproval from Anna’s family and friends. In an era marked by rampant xenophobia, their relationship exemplifies the classic struggle of star-crossed lovers. Anna’s decision to choose love over her upbringing thrusts her into a world of harsh consequences, forcing her to constantly reaffirm her love for Charles while drawing on her inner values for strength.
The novel is not just a story of romance; it delves deep into themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and resilience. Harris has crafted an emotionally charged narrative that resonates on multiple levels. The novel explores the profound impact of loss and the way it can erode both mental and physical well-being. Anna’s character transformation is particularly compelling. From a sheltered young girl, she blossoms into a strong, determined woman who must navigate a world devoid of familial support. Her journey of self-discovery and survival makes her an inspiring protagonist, and her resilience leaves a lasting impression. What sets The Immigrant’s Wife apart is how it examines the dual nature of love—its capacity to both uplift and devastate. Harris does not shy away from showing the emotional toll of difficult choices. Furthermore, the novel shines a light on the immigrant experience, capturing the harsh realities immigrants faced during a challenging period in American history.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the novel is its personal connection to Harris’s own family history, infusing the story with authenticity and emotional depth. This personal touch elevates The Immigrant’s Wife from a mere historical novel to a deeply affecting exploration of love and identity. It is a heart-wrenching read that lingers long after the final page, leaving readers with much to reflect upon.
Pages: 393 | ASIN : B0C63KGNXF
A Global Problem Ignored
Love in the Shadows follows a woman determined to escape the cycle of abuse who sets out to exact justice on the men who perpetrate it. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
During research for my Emmy-winning CBS documentary, The Abused Woman, it became apparent that marital, physical, verbal and psychological abuse had no class, race, religion or age boundaries. The powerful have preyed on the weak and helpless throughout history. This global problem was either ignored or dismissed just so long as you’re not among those being brutalized. My research for the documentary revealed a world of hidden habitats in which mostly unpaid volunteer women and men provided safe havens for victims on the run from their abusers.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
The pacing was provided by the characters, all of whom were fictional representations of those I had interviewed for my book, “The Battered Rich,” published by Ashley Books and unfortunately out of print. If I couldn’t hold the interest of my readers by telling the victims’ stories truthfully along with the incisive comments from psychiatrists, therapists and police, I was the wrong author for this book.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I learned there was a cottage industry of cosmetologists who padded their income by teaching rich abused women how to disguise their bruises from friends and the public. A bigger surprise was to hear for the first time from a psychiatrist the term, “messiah complex,” which applied to surgeons who were non-verbal, god-like figures in the operating room but couldn’t handle highly educated wives who were socially and verbally their superiors. Physical violence often became their only recourse.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
It is another noir, historically based crime thriller. Although Newark remains the launching pad for the novel, I am creating a fictional city in the upper Midwest that like Newark, profited greatly during WW2 but in the late-1940s was socially and economically adrift with the closure of the massive war-time industries, and as a result became easy prey for the mob-controlled labor unions whose original instructions were provided by the legendary Jimmy Hoffa. With any luck and remaining in good health, I hope to have the final completed in 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website 1 | Website 2
One woman used her fists to fight back, driving her abusive husband from their home. Four physically abused women enlist a mafia gangster in a crazy scheme to payback powerful men who escaped punishment despite years of brutal behavior. Newark’s Police Homicide Chief is astonished to discover there is no difference in the battery and mayhem affecting the rich and poor.
A rich and beautiful woman, physically and mentally abused, goes on a three-continent search after her wealthy German aristocrat husband fatally beat a household member she had loved since childhood. Also tracking the husband are two anonymous international killers hired by the mafia because for years he had been embezzling millions of gangster money earned by investing in Nazi companies. Throughout the book it becomes obvious that evil works in the shadows.
Family Dynamics of a Sisterhood
The Wisdom of the Willow follows the lives of four sisters and their parents, who explore the direction of their lives and how their experiences all flow together. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The most outstanding response I received from my first book, Under the Birch Tree, a Memoir of Discovering Connections and Finding Home was that my story was relatable. I took these reader responses and used theme as a premise for writing The Wisdom of the Willow. Developing the characters using alternating first-person POVs who faced relatable life challenges was a way for the reader to take a deep dive into the characters and into the story. Family dynamics of a sisterhood may not always be positive, but there is a bond there that can be traced back to when it was made under the willow. The tree is a guiding force throughout their journeys in finding their places.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes! My goal was to create characters, sisters, who were different from one another, who had different goals and paths to find where they want to be. The sisters are individuals, yet their family is their center. Though Margaret initially poses as a strong, influential matriarch, later, her illness shows a vulnerability which she handles with grace and acceptance.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As also a memoir and personal essay writer of the natural world and how we connect with it, I wanted to show themes in a simple way: using a tree as a character. The natural world poses as a character that unites the story. It was important for me to show the different paths in life we take, how to navigate them, and continue on, how linked we all are nature and to our family.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book, Mercy Town, is about an accidental shooting, an unforgiven killer, and ten years later, a divided town finds mercy. It is expected to be out in the fall of 2025, also by She Writes Press.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Years after leaving the nest, now in their early forties, the Dowling women find themselves faced with changes that will define their lives. Debra, the oldest, is shattered when she is asked for a divorce. Rose, who has long hidden her true self, finally begins to evaluate her pattern of being in uncommitted relationships. Linney fears losing Magnolia, the magical shop where she works. Charlotte, the youngest, is the only one who knows their mother is terminally ill and has been charged by her with keeping it a secret. And Margaret, now faced with the greatest of challenges and struggling with whether she has done enough to help her daughters find their way in life, calls them all to the family home to reunite under the willow one last time.
A metaphorically rich and reflective tale of sisterhood and strength, The Wisdom of the Willow is a story of hope and healing, of the choices that shape our lives, and the challenges we all face as we seek to find our places in the world.
The Wisdom of the Willow
In The Wisdom of the Willow, Nancy Chadwick weaves a poignant narrative centered around the lives of Margaret and Joe and their four daughters. The novel begins with a symbolic gesture as Joe plants a willow tree in their yard to celebrate their burgeoning family and new home, setting a tone of rootedness and growth that resonates throughout the story.
The plot unfolds through the perspectives of the four sisters, each distinct in their aspirations and struggles. Charlotte, the youngest, grapples with her future in business administration, while Debra, formerly a magazine worker with a penchant for travel, faces a personal and professional crossroads. Linney finds contentment managing a beloved shop in Chicago, contrasting with Rose, an aspiring actress whose ambition drives her narrative.
Central to their journeys is their mother, Margaret, whose terminal illness is a closely guarded secret known only to Charlotte. Margaret’s role as advisor and confidante, with many pivotal scenes unfolding under the willow tree, adds depth to the family dynamics. The tree itself becomes a silent witness to the sisters’ trials and triumphs, embodying the novel’s themes of familial bonds and personal growth. Chadwick excels in creating well-rounded characters, from Linney’s nurturing nature to Debra’s authoritative demeanor, often attributed to her role as the eldest sibling. The narrative’s shift between each sister’s point of view allows a comprehensive exploration of their individual and collective challenges. The novel resonates particularly with those who have experienced the complexities of sustaining long-term friendships and the simplicity of life in a close-knit community.
The Wisdom of the Willow is a thoughtful exploration of family, identity, and belonging, recommended for readers who enjoy contemporary fiction that delves deeply into the nuances of sisterhood and personal development.
Pages: 304 | ASIN : B0C9HJWKTZ
Zulaikha
Niloufar-Lily Soltani’s Zulaikha is an exquisitely-penned novel that offers a glimpse into the life of an Iranian woman, set against the backdrop of the Iranian revolution and the Iran-Iraq War. The narrative elegantly charts Zulaikha’s life from her childhood through to marriage, childbirth, and the complexities of new love, painting a vivid portrait of a woman navigating the tumultuous waters of societal and personal change.
The novel shines a light on a region of the world that remains largely unexplored in literature, offering insights into the intricacies of Iranian culture and history. Soltani’s portrayal of Zulaikha’s strained relationship with her mother, Madineh, is crafted with sensitivity and depth, allowing readers to feel the emotional weight of their dynamic. The prose is beautifully wrought, with each sentence weaving a tapestry of Zulaikha’s dreams, heartaches, and journey toward understanding and forgiveness. Soltani’s skill in shifting between past and present narrative threads is commendable, creating a rich, layered story that keeps the reader deeply engaged. Zulaikha’s character resonates universally, transcending cultural boundaries and inviting readers from all walks of life to root for her triumphs and empathize with her struggles. The novel poignantly poses the question of whether Zulaikha will find her place in the Islamic Republic or be compelled to seek new horizons in the West, as many of her relatives have. While the novel occasionally unfolds at a more leisurely pace, this allows for a deeper appreciation of its many compelling strengths. One such strength is the incorporation of Persian poetry, which adds a layer of cultural richness and beauty to the narrative. Soltani’s depiction of Khuzestan is vivid and tangible, imbuing the novel with a strong sense of place.
Zulaikha is a book that will resonate with a diverse readership, with women, in particular, finding a special connection to its themes. Soltani adeptly addresses universal challenges faced by women, grounding her narrative in a specific time and place yet making it universally relatable. This novel is a must-read for aficionados of historical drama, romance, and literary fiction, offering a richly textured experience that is both enlightening and deeply moving.
Pages: 332 | ISBN: 978-1771339568
Love Song to Cape Cod
Water Music: A Cape Cod Story follows a twelve-year-old girl whose family is falling apart in all directions who finds solace in her music and her love of Cape Cod. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I confess that Water Music was inspired by personal experience: my deep love for the many summers I spent on Cape Cod with my family, as well as my love for the cello and the music that has nourished me my entire life.
Like Lily, I had a marvelous elderly cello teacher each summer. And like Lily, my family had its share of discord. I wanted to explore how a girl, growing up in the 50s, might try to make sense of friction in an extended family, and how the women in her life were navigating (or resisting) the roles open to them.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
In a way, Water Music is my love song to the Cape Cod of the 50s, before Kennedy’s presidency and the National Seashore brought it to the attention of mainstream vacationers. But the 50s were also incredibly strict about expectations for women’s roles, and I wanted to explore how a young girl might try to make sense of all that.
It was important to me to include the sinking of the Andrea Doria in 1956. She was youthful—she had completed only one hundred crossings. In contrast, the Ile de France, who came to the Doria’s side, had launched a quarter of a century earlier. I saw in that relationship a potent—and poignant—mirror of the longed-for mother-daughter relationships in Water Music, both between Lily and her mother, and between Lily’s mother and grandmother.
I imagined the motif of the tether—the bridge that tethered Cape Cod to the mainland as well as the searchlight that “tethers” the Ile de France to the Andrea Doria—to be expressions of fragile family bonds. Especially between mother and daughter.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The 50s were brutal on smart, talented, educated women. I saw in Lily a confusion about how to understand her own prospects versus those of her mother. And how, in music, they both found the potential to redeem both their faults and disappointments.
When working on Water Music, the idea of competition—both as a destructive force and an impetus for growth—wouldn’t let go of me. For me, the rivalry between Lily’s father and his brother contrasts with the competition Lily frames for herself while learning the cello.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m working on a novel about a stolen cello. It’s a love story with a mystery. In it, I try to look at which loves serve to define us and which ones we must let go of. Competition—and what it can drive us to do—also plays a role in this book. There is also a mother-daughter subplot. I guess that’s an itch I keep needing to scratch!
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Thus twelve-year-old Lily Grainger, while safe from ‘communists and the Pope,’ finds her family suddenly adrift. That was the summer the Andrea Doria sank, pilot whales stranded, and Lily’s father built a house he couldn’t afford. Target practice on a nearby decommissioned Liberty Ship echoed not only the rancor in her parents’ marriage, a rancor stoked by Lily’s competitive uncle, but also Lily’s troubles with her sister, her cousins, and especially with her mother. In her increasingly desperate efforts to salvage her parents’ marriage, Lily discovers betrayals beyond her understanding as well as the small ways in which people try to rescue each other. She draws on her music lessons and her love of Cape Cod—from Sagamore and Monomoy to Nauset Spit and the Wellfleet Dunes, seeking safe passage from the limited world of her salt marsh to the larger, open ocean.
LITERARY TITAN 