Blog Archives
Love and Protest
Love and Protest intertwines the lives of two young women, Harper and Libby, separated by time but united by their struggles for independence and identity. Harper, a modern teen from Hickory Springs, finds solace and inspiration in the 1960s diary of Libby, a girl who embarked on a daring journey to San Francisco during the height of the counterculture movement. As Harper delves into Libby’s past, she gains the courage to confront her own challenges and the oppressive circumstances of her life.
Author Nancy Klann-Moren’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and authentic character voices. The opening scene, where Harper stumbles upon the Second Chance Thrift Shop, is particularly evocative. The humidity of a Georgia day, the dusty nightstand with the diary, and the quaint charm of the shopkeeper all create a richly textured world. The narrative seamlessly shifts between Harper’s present-day struggles and Libby’s historical journey, maintaining a compelling pace that keeps the reader engaged.
One of the most poignant aspects of the book is its exploration of generational struggles and the quest for personal freedom. Harper’s discovery of Libby’s diary acts as a catalyst for her own transformation. The entries dated January 1 and January 4, 1967, reveal Libby’s determination to break free from her repressive environment. This historical perspective, I think, adds depth to Harper’s contemporary story, highlighting the universal desire for self-determination and the courage it takes to pursue one’s dreams.
The themes of addiction and recovery are handled with sensitivity and realism. Harper’s mother’s battle with opioids following a debilitating injury is portrayed with stark honesty. The emotional turmoil and the impact on Harper’s life are palpable. This subplot is not just a backdrop but a significant part of Harper’s growth. The narrative doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, making Harper’s journey toward finding hope and strength all the more impactful.
While the story excels in its character development and vivid descriptions, one area that I think could be improved is the pacing in the book’s middle sections. I feel that the transitions between Harper’s and Libby’s narratives can sometimes feel abrupt, and the detailed exploration of certain subplots, like Harper’s interactions with secondary characters, occasionally slows the momentum.
Love and Protest is a compelling read for those who appreciate character-driven stories with rich historical contexts. Nancy Klann-Moren’s ability to weave together the past and present through the lives of two resilient young women is engaging and thought-provoking. This book is particularly well-suited for readers interested in historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and narratives that tackle social issues with a heartfelt touch.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0D2VMQGJT
The Secret Journey
The Secret Journey, co-authored by Brian Barnes and Judith Briles, delves into the tumultuous life of Lisa, the sole daughter of a port commander in Marseilles, France. This young adult historical fiction paints a vivid picture of Lisa’s complex familial dynamics, highlighting her estrangement from her mother and brother in contrast to the adoration of her father, Alexander. Alexander, recognizing Lisa’s acute understanding of human intentions, is a pillar of support in her life. However, the narrative takes a dark turn with his untimely death, attributed to poisoning by Lisa’s mother. In the wake of this tragedy, Lisa’s life undergoes a drastic transformation. She flees her opulent life, taking on the disguise of a teenage boy named Nichol, and sets out for Paris, pursued by unseen threats. This journey is a flight for survival and a quest for a greater purpose, shadowed by the need to address past injustices.
The narrative captivates from the start, with a rhythm that dynamically shifts to reflect the varying phases of Lisa’s journey. This variance in pacing adds a unique flavor to the story, especially in the rapid development of Lisa’s romance with Robert. This brisk unfolding introduces an element of surprise and spontaneity, which can be particularly appealing to readers who enjoy unexpected turns in a storyline. The dialogue and narrative structure are skillfully crafted, laying a solid foundation for the story. There’s an exciting opportunity here to deepen this already engaging narrative. By exploring the characters’ emotions and motivations in more detail, the authors have the potential to enrich the reader’s experience, making it even more immersive. This enhancement in character development promises to strengthen the reader’s connection with the characters, adding an extra layer of intimacy and engagement to an already captivating tale.
The Secret Journey is a commendable choice for those interested in a story featuring a strong female lead overcoming familial strife in a medieval setting. The novel’s exploration of resilience and self-discovery, set against a historical backdrop, makes it a noteworthy addition to the young adult historical fiction genre.
Pages: 478 | ASIN : B0BMM14LYK
Remarkable and Inspiring
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk follows a woman on a journey to the New World in 1620 who encounters challenges that she could not have foreseen and must fight for her own survival. What inspired the setup of your story?
For over forty years, I have done genealogy as a hobby to learn more about my family, where we came from, and what we went through. As a part of that process, I realized how seldom women were at the forefront of histories stories even though they were often the ones holding the whole thing together. I felt like I needed to give these women, my ancestors, and yours, a voice.
Sarah is portrayed as an ordinary woman who has to rise above the standard stereotype to survive the harsh conditions she finds herself in. What do you find interesting about the human condition that you think makes for great fiction?
I think we often forget that it is the ordinary person among us who often does extraordinary things. Sarah doesn’t see herself as a victim of the many challenges she faces, instead, she seizes each of those challenges to grow and learn and in the process, she discovers who she really is, and what she is really capable of. That is inspiring to me and I hope to others who read my books.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I did not. This was my first novel, and while I knew the story would start on the Mayflower, I knew little else. I didn’t even know how the story would end until it did! As I “became” Sarah and began to weave into her story things that had happened to my ancestors, and to those of her time, the story just grew organically. Sarah is an amalgamation of what so many women of that time endured, the pain, the struggles, the joy, and the hope for the future.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
On the Wings is the first of the trilogy The Centenary Chronicles-Tales of American Women. The second book which follows Sarah’s great-great-granddaughter Eliza during the American Revolution was published in November of 2023. Till I Come Home is another story of an ordinary woman faced with circumstances most of us could not even imagine and how she manages to face those challenges while finding a way to hold her marriage and her family together.
The last book in the Chronicles is out next week, Her Last Full Measure is a very personal book for me, heavily based on my own family’s experience during the Civil War and follows Eliza’s great-granddaughter Millicent and her family. Men get and deserve great accolades for the sacrifices they make in war and that theme runs through all the books. But, it’s the women, what they must do to survive while the men are gone that is truly remarkable and inspiring. It doesn’t always have a happy ending, it isn’t always easy, and sometimes it is raw and painful. But each of these books takes the reader into the heart of a woman they can admire, empathize with, and be inspired by, leaving the reader feeling hopeful with a newfound appreciation for what their ancestors did so they could be here today.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Winner of the highly coveted 5-star Highly Recommended award from The Historical Fiction Company.
Nominated for the Eric Hoffer Award for Excellence.
Plymouth 1620-Sarah has left the security of all she knows to travel with her husband to the New World, but things don’t go as planned. The Mayflower is lost unable to find the colony already there they must manage on their own. Not enough food, no shelter, then people start dying. Can Sarah find her inner strength and prevail or is she destined to join the others, another grave on Coles Hill.
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk is deeply satisfying. Whether it veers towards happiness or sadness, it stays true to the story’s spirit and provides a fitting conclusion to Sarah’s journey.
This book stands out for its focus on ordinary women of the past, whose accomplishments were anything but ordinary. This perspective is refreshing and adds a unique dimension to the genre of historical fiction. The authors skill at incorporating historical elements into an engrossing story without becoming boring is impressive. Because of the evocative and detailed writing, Sarah’s experiences come to life on the page. A cleverly written plot arc with a distinct beginning, middle, and end. Every stage of Sarah’s trip receives sufficient attention, guaranteeing a smooth and seamless progression of the story. A must read for everyone who loves strong woman characters who overcome the odds.
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk
Gail Combs Oglesby’s On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk is a historical fiction novel that delves into the journey of Sarah Bailey and her husband, Jonathan, as they embark on a life-changing voyage to the New World. Filled with aspirations, their journey takes an unforeseen and hazardous turn. The narrative dramatically shifts when Jonathan’s demise is caused by a severe winter illness, leaving Sarah widowed and in charge of her brother-in-law.
In this trying period, Sarah stands out as a formidable and resilient character. Oglesby’s narrative highlights the strength and perseverance of women during this era, underscoring their significant, yet often overlooked, contributions to history. The author adeptly intertwines historical themes within the story, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary women who faced extraordinary challenges. The book is marked by its compelling blend of engaging storytelling and meticulous historical detail. Oglesby’s vivid and descriptive writing style immerses readers in the struggles and triumphs of colonial life, fostering an emotional connection with characters, particularly the tenacious Sarah Bailey. The author excels in depicting Sarah’s emotional depth and steadfast determination, showcasing her evolution from an optimistic newcomer to a courageous survivor. The novel’s pacing is dynamic, and its swift plot developments add to the vibrancy of a richly woven narrative full of historical insight. It concludes with a poignant and hopeful note that resonates deeply with its audience, leaving a lasting impression.
On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk is an enriching read for those interested in historical narratives, especially those that highlight women’s experiences. It offers a detailed and empathetic portrayal of immigrant life and the struggles faced by women in the past. The novel’s vivid storytelling, memorable characters, and insightful exploration of colonial history come together to create a touching and compelling journey, exemplified by Sarah’s poignant and resilient story.
Pages: 361 | ASIN : B0C79JX7FY
The Meaning of Coincidence and Fate
In Anna’s Shadow, a surgeon finds herself caught in the middle of a man’s search for a woman from his past after leaving Doctors Without Borders to care for her aunt. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Anna’s Shadow stems from a true love story and an article in The Oprah Magazine.
In the early years of World War II, a young German officer was billeted with a German family. A portrait of their daughter hung in the family’s living room. The officer was so smitten by the young woman―she was not in the house at the time of his stay―he vowed that if he survived the war, he would return and ask for her hand in marriage. When I met the officer many years later here in Ottawa, he was already in his senior years and has since died. For many years, I stored this anecdote in the back of my mind, intending to one day work it into a novel. However, I was at a loss about how to build it into a full-length novel until I saw an article about the Juliet Club in Verona, Italy, in The Oprah Magazine. It was Oprah’s article about a group of volunteers at the Club who answer letters from broken-hearted men and women which fired my imagination and which was instrumental in helping me create my story.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed creating every character, including the unpleasant ones. There were no challenges. However, I would like to add that readers of my post-WWII childhood memoir, I Stood Among The Ruins And Cried, will know that I had an unhappy relationship with my father. In Anna’s Shadow my female protagonist, Sofia, has an enviable, close relationship with her dad. With that relationship, I created the kind of bond between father and daughter that I never enjoyed and which I would have liked to have experienced. I found healing in developing the loving father-daughter kinship as the story unfolded. As an aside, just like Sofia’s father, my father was a detective in the police force as well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Several themes run through the story. Sofia, a traumatized orthopedic surgeon on leave from Doctors Without Borders, often ponders the meaning of coincidence and fate; the long-lasting power of memories; the tense relationship with her mother, and the question of whether a person can fall in love again after the shocking loss of a loved one. However, the most important theme is an illustration and a reminder of the cruelty and destruction caused by a war, in this case, WWII. The devastation leaves soldiers, and civilians marred by deep wounds, visible and invisible, that take decades to heal. It’s for this very reason that I label Anna’s Shadow my anti-war novel.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m, at the moment, working on the second volume of a new series, a combination of women’s commercial fiction and cozy murder mystery, working title: The Orla Griffin Buddy Series. Novels of friendship, food, and love. And murder. I’m holding back with the release of book one in the series until next year as I do not wish to compete with the recent release of Anna’s Shadow. However, if readers wish to delve into another love and mystery novel of mine, I recommend V for Vanished, a novel full of passion, heartbreak, and suspense.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
“Memories have huge staying power,” Sofia writes in answer to Luke Miller’s letter. “Without them, life would lack colour and vibrancy.”
When Luke Miller, a man in his late seventies, unexpectedly arrives in Verona accompanied by his son to take matters in his own hands, Sofia, who is recovering from a traumatic experience during her past assignment in the Congo Republic, finds herself suddenly drawn into an adventure that affects not only her own life but also the lives of the people who begin to cross her path.
Inspired by true events, Anna’s Shadow is a dramatic, yet uplifting story: a search for a missing woman that will take the reader from present day Verona to Verona in 1945 under German occupation, to post-war Switzerland, Germany and Canada, and explores the question of coincidence, destiny and fate.
My Lifetime Dream
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One follows a young woman trying to begin life anew as she puts the trials of her past life behind her and seeks employment as a maid in the tranquility of the mountains. Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
We had a cabin in the Lake Arrowhead mountains, and when I retired, I decided to fulfill my lifetime dream of writing novels. I read a story about an unsolved murder in one of the small towns up there, and it gave me the idea for the first book, The Man in Cabin Number Five.
My character, Annie Parker is turning eighty, and she wants to write about when she came up to the mountains to start over. She buys a series of 1920s cabins and discovers each one has a story to tell.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Absolutely. I think everyone who writes, writes about memories, both good and bad, and then when you run out of those stories, you have to start making things up! For example, while I didn’t move up to the mountains after my divorce, I used that as the basis of book one, and carried the theme of starting over into each of the books.
Can fans of the The Guest Book series look forward to a fifth installment soon? If so, where will it take readers?
Absolutely! The Maidservant in Cabin Number One is really the beginning of the story; the history of the cabins before Annie bought them. And coming soon, Book Five, (of what was originally intended to be a trilogy) is the story of Annie until she turns eighty and decides to begin writing. It’ll be called Dear Noah.
Readers have asked if the series can be read as stand-alones, and, yes, they can. But for those who love this series, if you haven’t started reading yet, I’d begin with Book Four, The Beginning (The Maidservant) then go to The Man in Cabin Number Five, then The Girls in Cabin Number Three followed by The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven, and then finish it off with Book Five, Dear Noah.
Anna’s Shadow
In Anna’s Shadow, by Ingrid McCarthy, readers are introduced to Sofia Rossi, an orthopedic surgeon working with Doctors Without Borders. Originally from Montreal, Sofia’s life takes a turn when she moves to Verona to care for her ailing aunt. The narrative deepens with the arrival of a letter from Luke Miller, a retired German soldier, expressing his longing to reunite with Anna Bissoli, a woman he met years ago. Sofia, no stranger to heartbreak herself, finds her personal struggles intertwined with Luke’s quest.
McCarthy crafts a tale that is not just about the search for Anna but also explores the complexities of love and familial expectations. Sofia’s mother’s pressure for her to marry adds another layer to the story, creating a relatable dilemma. The character of Luke Miller is particularly striking, with his enduring love for Anna creating a poignant depth in the narrative. One of the novel’s highlights is its rich cultural tapestry. McCarthy skillfully weaves Italian phrases and expressions throughout the story, enhancing the authenticity of the setting and characters. Readers will find themselves engaged in the depiction of familial dynamics, particularly the drama surrounding Sofia’s mother. The novel also delves into a budding romance between Luke’s son, Romeo, and Sofia, which provides an intriguing twist to the storyline. As a romance novel enthusiast, I found the development of their relationship, along with the inclusion of love letters and romantic moments, particularly captivating.
Anna’s Shadow stands out for its vivid imagery and compelling setting, particularly appealing to readers who appreciate narratives set in the 20th century. Ingrid McCarthy’s writing style is both engaging and evocative, making her a noteworthy addition to my list of favored romance authors. This book is a testament to the enduring power of love and the complexities of human relationships, making it a worthy read for those who cherish a well-rounded love story.
Pages: 238 | ASIN : B0CKMCLGZH
A Historical Journey
The Road to Moresco follows an Italian woman and her daughter who, during WWII, faced multiple tragedies and had to find a way to survive amidst the constant turmoil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired by the actual life events of these two women and even more so their perseverance in the face of these events. I had the good fortune to meet the daughter, Clara, and through conversation with her, I began to also get details about her mother. The time periods and events these women had to endure mirrored a life existence that my own parents and their parents had. It was eye-opening to see this same time period through a different lens. I started doing research into the historical events during those times. I asked deeper questions about how societal shifts in mindsets influenced events and actions. First, I wanted to structure the story as a historical journey, staying true to the timetable of these events like landmarks on a road trip. Along the way, I noticed that the characters’ reactions and emotions became much more important, while the historical references shifted into the background as environmental. The dialogue between characters was the hardest part for me. I wanted to balance the “show don’t tell” aspect of conveying their thoughts and emotions with an almost Socratic-like approach to give the reader a better understanding about how their way of thinking was also changing over time. I do not think I would have been as passionate about telling their story in this manner and doing this work if I had not been so moved and inspired by them in the first place.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition – what we feel, our emotions, the life events we encounter – can be the basis for empathy and connection to a reader. This goes beyond the psychology or philosophy that a reader may be looking for. There is an acknowledgement, the understanding, that binds the reader to the character leading to a condition where the reader cares about and for the character in the book. The reader sees themselves. They can live through the fiction as if they were there themselves. In that moment, they are on the same journey as the character. They are looking for the same thing. I tried to do that with my storytelling, so that at the end of the book it becomes a shared effort, that the reader, too, has been all along on the road to Moresco.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There is a central theme of water, first as destruction and catalyst for change, but also a binding element that brings people together. And ultimately a peaceful and serene element that conveys resolution and calm. I was also keen to explore the various theories of psychology and philosophy that not only were driven by shifts in societal norms but also that impacted the characters directly in how they coped with certain events or with each other. Blending Eastern versus Western philosophy was cathartic because I also had to infuse so much of myself into the book and into the characters, my imagination, and my real-life experiences having to fill the gaps.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I think The Road to Moresco has its own place in my heart, with a certain sense of completeness and depth that I do not want to dilute. I wrote with a certain purposefulness and intended for the context to be approachable while also delivering on ideas and concepts that provoke introspection. I am hopeful people will read this book many times over and get something new from each time. I do not think there is a follow-up to this story. However, I am beginning to work on a new story. It is in the formative stages. I did not consider myself to be a writer before publishing Moresco, but I really enjoyed the process and the result.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
But when multiple tragedies struck – earthquakes and storms, unexpected deaths, World War II, broken relationships, even murders – she, and later her daughter Chiara, were forced to find a way forward despite their irreplaceable losses. Against the backdrop of a Europe in constant turmoil, their survival instincts, persistence, and resilience became their path forward. Discover more about these astounding, complicated, talented women in The Road to Moresco.
LITERARY TITAN 