Blog Archives
For Where There Are Harps
For Where There Are Harps, the third book in Alyce Elmore’s Angels Have Tread trilogy, plunges readers into a post-pandemic dystopian world where societal structures have crumbled and a matriarchal republic reigns. This installment intertwines the personal struggles of its characters with the broader socio-political turbulence of the era, exploring themes of power, survival, and human connection. It is an expansive tale, shifting between the perspective of a young historian seeking truths and the lives of those who experienced the chaos firsthand.
Elmore’s writing is vivid and immersive, though it occasionally leans toward a richness that may feels very detailed in some moments. One scene early in the book particularly struck me—a young girl grappling with the Old One’s stories, her sense of truth shifting like tectonic plates. The descriptions of nature, such as the mocking laughter of the kookaburra, are poetic and grounding. The Old One’s philosophical musings, while thought-provoking, sometimes slow the story’s momentum.
The interplay of characters adds both charm and tension. The four musketeers—Karen, Josh, Benny, and Zane—each represent different responses to the repressive laws of the Republic. Benny’s cynicism, borne from his experiences as a stud, is balanced by Karen’s quiet resilience. The moment Benny realizes the futility of plans, while imprisoned in Inverloch, encapsulates his character’s journey. The subplot involving Patricia Bishop could have been more tightly woven into the main narrative because what we are giving is intriguing. Her investigative arc often felt tangential, though her fiery confrontations were highlights.
Elmore shines brightest when tackling big ideas—what it means to control a narrative, the ethics of rebellion, and the cost of change. The Great Upheaval looms large in the backdrop, a reminder of the fragility of peace. The nuanced portrayal of Evelyn Perkins’ leadership as both tyrannical and tragically misunderstood struck a chord with me.
For Where There Are Harps is a sprawling and ambitious tale. It’s for readers who love deeply political dystopias, rich world-building, and morally complex characters. If you’re patient with its deliberate pace, this book rewards you with thought-provoking insights and poignant moments. It’s a gripping conclusion to a trilogy that asks us to question the truths we take for granted.
Pages: 274 | ISBN : 176385020X
Family and Belonging
Cinnamon Girl follows a fifteen-year-old girl who, after her grandmother’s death, heads off on an adventure, looking for romance, only to discover a world more dangerous than she imagined. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the politics of the late 1960s and the 1970s. I did live through that era but like Eli I was young and didn’t understand a lot of what was going on. The set up has a basis in my life. I did grow up in an environment of arts and music, and for one year of my life I lived in Webster Groves, Missouri, with my older brother and his wife and kids. Like Eli’s dad, my brother was against the war in Vietnam, but there the similarities stop.
Eli’s story is not your typical coming-of-age tale of a young girl; rather, she encounters a world filled with anger and strife as the country goes through a period of drastic changes and revolution. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
When Eli encounters some members of the Black Panthers she gets an inside look at racism and is exposed to her own unconscious bias. But because her step-grandmother was a free spirit and open-minded, Eli is able to understand the unfairness of the situation. I know it’s a cliché these days, but those hippie ideals of “peace, love, and brotherhood” do come to matter to her.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This is a story about family and belonging. Eli is constantly searching for and creating family wherever she goes. But none of them are permanent. It isn’t till the end that she finds the home she’s been looking for.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We have just released a second edition of my memoir, The Hummingbird Kiss: My Life as an Addict in the 1970s. The audiobook version of that will be released in February of 2024. And in January we are re-releasing my later memoir, My Mother’s Requiem.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
When her beloved step-grandmother, a semi-retired opera singer, dies of cancer in 1970, 15-year-old Eli Burnes runs away with a draft-dodger, thinking she’s on the road to adventure and romance. What she finds instead is a world of underground Weathermen, Black Power revolutionaries, snitches and shoot-first police. Eventually Eli is rescued by her father, who turns out both more responsible and more revolutionary than she’d imagined. But when he gets in trouble with the law, she finds herself on the road again, searching for the allies who will help her learn how to save herself.
Cinnamon Girl
Trish MacEnulty’s Cinnamon Girl is a compelling foray into the historical fiction genre set in the 1970s. It’s a novel that masterfully captures the essence of a tumultuous era, making it an intriguing read for those fascinated by this significant period in American history.
MacEnulty’s prose is a particular standout in Cinnamon Girl. It’s rich, evocative, and a perfect vehicle for transporting readers back in time. The balance of poetic and gritty language in the book is impressive, skillfully reflecting the emotional and social conflicts of the era. This stylistic choice enhances the immersive experience, making the setting and characters come alive in a vivid and authentic way.
The protagonist, Eli Burnes, embodies the rebellious spirit that defined much of the youth culture of the 70s. Her journey, set against the backdrop of post-Vietnam War America, is both compelling and heart-wrenching. MacEnulty’s portrayal of Eli’s struggle for identity and belonging amidst societal upheaval is deeply impactful, striking a chord with readers who may find parallels in their own search for self amidst chaos. One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its unflinching approach to controversial topics. MacEnulty doesn’t shy away from the realities of drugs, politics, sex, family dynamics, and betrayal, making Cinnamon Girl a bold and honest portrayal of the era. This candid approach adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it not just a story about a girl growing up but a reflection of a society in flux.
Cinnamon Girl transcends the typical boundaries of coming-of-age fiction, offering a thought-provoking, immersive experience. It’s a novel that resonates long after the final page, making it a must-read for those who appreciate historical narratives that don’t just recount events but delve into the emotional undercurrents of an era. MacEnulty has created a memorable work that is as educational as it is entertaining, making it a highly recommended book for readers who enjoy a deep, meaningful exploration of history through the lens of personal growth and societal change.
Pages: 311 | ASIN : B0CHC8N4BS
Pray to the Dead
Pray To The Dead, the second book in Alyce Elmore’s Angels Have Tread Trilogy, follows the lives of several individuals and the new world they encounter 20 years after the desolation exterminated all males over the age of 20. Catherine is pleased to be the rising star of the New Order Party and looks forward to a new society with no use for males. Sofia, a council moderator in the Warragul colony, believes the government, or someone in the government, is responsible for the murders of the boys she is investigating. Finally, Patricia, a political journalist, discovers that the government is concealing some research from the public and is perplexed about what it all means. Is there a diabolical scheme being carried out by the government against males?
The gripping book features an impressive and well-developed world. The glossary of terms at the beginning of the book contains several words that reflect the changes in the new world. For example, the latter years of a young man’s life are referred to as cusp, and male sex workers are referred to as studs. Furthermore, viewing the physical features via the perspective characters’ thoughts makes envisioning the scenes a delight. The book contains profound insights, such as when Patricia characterizes an interior design as nice enough but lacking in personality. Another excellent quality of the novel is how unpredictable it is; the twists and turns have you eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
Pray To The Dead is a thought-provoking and riveting novel that will have sci-fi and fantasy readers unable to put the book down. I applaud author Alyce Elmore for writing such a brilliant story that inspired me to envisage a world where males play minimal societal roles through a riveting chain of events. Readers who appreciate dystopian and political novels with multiple intricate turns will enjoy this book.
Pages: 354 | ASIN : B0BSGQYQ4J
The Golden Hearts Club
The Golden Hearts Club by Cinda Swalley tells the story of two sisters going on the adventure of a lifetime. Katie and Megan, freshly out of college, plan for months to go on a road trip across the American South and Southwest, from Ohio to Florida, then to California. Despite their careful plans, things on the road aren’t easy. Through the kindness of strangers and the sisters’ strong bond, they survive illness and harsh weather on their journey to California, where fate entangles them in a powerful family’s turmoil. In this unfamiliar land amid intoxicating luxury, Katie and Megan must sort friend from foe, love from lies, honesty from corruption in order to survive and find their happy ending.
Author Cinda Swalley has done a great job describing some beautiful parts of the country. These vivid descriptions draw the reader into the road trip with the sisters. Detailed descriptions of towns like Galveston, including some of its history and California’s natural beauty, made me want to visit! The road trip also served as an excellent backdrop for character development and growth. Both sisters learned a lot from their journey, especially Katie. At first reluctant to leave home, she grows into a stronger, more adventurous person. It was also interesting to learn about horse care and breeding in the second part of the book. The author paid close attention to the details she included throughout the book.
Once they were in California, the primarily romantic plot had a backdrop of corporate corruption and heavy family drama, reminiscent of afternoon soap operas. The novel feels like two stories that are intertwined. The book’s first part had a much different feel than the second as the sisters’ adventures in California began. The girls’ music taste, dialogue, and expressions read like a story in the 70s, giving them a well-defined personality. However, the technology mentioned is modern, showing readers that this is a contemporary story.
The Golden Hearts Club is a beautifully written novel that spans several genres. This impassioned novel will appeal to readers looking for an absorbing family saga that is easily intertwined with travel adventure, a bit of corporate intrigue, and a dash of romance.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B08VQDK7YV
Peace in the Abyss
![Peace in the Abyss: The thrills and twists will make you wonder what true love means by [Tayo Emmanuel]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41mjw4+6DpS.jpg)
Peace In The Abyss by Tayo Emmanuel, is the emotionally charged story of Preye Banigo, an independent and successful business owner. Preye decides, under friend and family pressure, to finally marry at age forty. Timi Coker proposes and Preye realizes she wants to marry him and start a family right away. Preye soon learns Timi wants her to behave like his mother, succumb to all his demands and accept his authority without question on all matters. Preye tries to do as her new husband requires, but before long realizes her choice has led her to justify actions from Timi others would never tolerate.
Author Tayo Emmanuel has created impassioned and authentic characters that I was able to easily relate to. Preye’s emotions are conveyed in beautiful but simple language that touched me in a compassionate way even though Timi Coker’s actions annoyed me to no end. This contrast between characters kept me flipping pages and rooting for Preye.
Peace In The Abyss is packed with fantastically melodramatic character conflicts and relationships that are explored and picked apart in very engaging ways throughout the story. The exotic setting of Nigeria serves as a beautiful setting to this story and I loved how it showed life in Africa. Preye’s successful career as a business owner, and respectable relationship with friends and family in Africa adds to her endearing yet strong nature to be the woman she wants to be. The repeated antics of Timi depicted Preye as a long-suffering character. The tension and emotions escalating between Preye and Timi is as timely and prevalent in relationships in all countries. I truly felt the impact of Preye losing her individuality because of the fantastic storytelling. The characters are relatable and the story is filled with interesting scenarios that kept me intrigued.
Peace In The Abyss is a stirring women’s fiction story that explores a captivating character and provides readers with a heartrending yet sentimental tale.
Pages: 254 | ASIN: B098F6QYTM
Numbers Game
![Numbers Game by [Desiree Holt, Liz Crowe]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tV+yk-+hL.jpg)
Numbers Game by Desiree Holt and Liz Crowe is a heartwarming, uplifting, and steamy romance novel centered around the blossoming relationship between sports journalist Olivia Grant and former star quarterback Duncan “Hatch” Hatcher. The two meet as Hatch takes a coaching job at the university that gave him his start in football, and Olivia rejuvenates her reputation as a journalist by filming a documentary about his return. Their romance holds excitement and promise despite the threat of past trauma, the media, and conniving ex-spouses. As they reemerge into the public eye, Olivia and Hatch come together and find support in one another.
Through Numbers Game, Holt and Crowe create a story with a lasting message—restarting your life and finding joy is possible for anyone, no matter what you’ve gone through in the past. I found Olivia’s experience as a career woman incredibly inspiring and relatable. Despite consistent threats from the powerful men around her in her field, she’s able to persevere and make a name for herself without relying on anyone else’s work or input.
I was pleasantly surprised by the conversations around mental health introduced into the story. With a sport like football, there’s often a stereotype that players and coaches need to be incredibly macho and strong, but Hatch’s character is vulnerable about his struggles in life and encourages mental support for the boys on his team. Topics like addiction and trauma aren’t shied away from, and within their relationship Olivia openly supports Hatch when he opens up to her about his past. I loved reading about their genuine connection and care for one another.
I felt that the attraction between Olivia and Hatch occurred quickly in the story, but their relationship ended up following a healthy and well-paced course. I was wary that the romance might feel like an “instant-love” situation, but Olivia and Hatch had realistic conflicts that made sense for the progression of their relationship and prevented it from feeling too idealized.
Numbers Game is an encouraging story of true love and second chances, and I enjoyed every moment reading it. It’s rare that a romance book is so open to discussing darker topics like addiction and abuse in marriages, but Holt and Crowe managed to create a story that introduces a loving couple embracing their flaws and making the best out of every tough situation. If you want to leave a romance story feeling uplifted, this is the one for you!
Pages: 210 | ASIN: B08Z2SHFRK
Welcome to Piney Falls
![Welcome to Piney Falls (Piney Falls Mysteries Book 1) by [Joann Keder]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51WP8WLxK9L.jpg)
Joanne Keder’s novel, Welcome to Piney Falls, is an exhilarating mystery novel that delves into the history of a small town overlooked by most people. That is until Lanie comes along. Follow the stories of two powerful women, connected across time. Fiona Flanagan, a Scottish immigrant, marries and moves to America in the 1900’s. Lanie Anders, a businesswoman turned author, abandons her successful carer in marketing to rediscover herself. Upon her arrival in Piney Falls, she soon realizes is far from normal. She soon finds herself tangled in a curious cult and suspicious suicides.
In this piece, Joanne Keder, clearly demonstrates her knack for witty dialogue and a solid setting. The location is so tangible you’ll hear the sound of the rushing water and smell the Hemlock as you hike up Piney Falls with Lanie. I was also entertained by all the strange and memorable characters. From a nudist named November to a baker who names his pastries after constellations (sounds like they are out of this world, right?) In fact, the author captures their essence in such a lifelike way, you will wish they were real.
While the setting and characters are clearly defined, I did feel that the writing was a bit unclear and long winded in rare moments. The chapters were also surprisingly short, so some scenes felt rushed. It would have been a joy to spend more time sitting in the scenery of this small town. The story is also very plot-focused, as is often the case in a mystery novel. All that said, Keder does have talent when it comes to creating cliff hangers. I breezed through the book in no time at all to find out what happened next.
For the first novel in the series, it does a good job of sticking to the classic mystery novel genre. It starts and ends in a satisfying way and keeps you guessing. The themes of female empowerment and personal growth were also heartwarming and relatable as a reader.
If you want an easy to read mystery novel with quirky characters then Welcome to Piney Falls is the novel for you.
Pages: 224 | ASIN: B083FF56FZ
LITERARY TITAN 