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Inspiring Women
Lunch Tales: Suellen follows a lawyer recovering from a toxic relationship whose attempt to begin again with the ideal man is thwarted by a health crisis. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Lunch Tales: Suellen is personal for me as I went through a similar medical crisis at the same age and know firsthand all the feelings and emotions she had to go through. I have met so many extraordinary and resilient women in my lifetime—inspiring women who have had to overcome hardship and health challenges. This book is for all of them.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
The law office scene is drawn from my own personal experience in working at a major New Jersey law firm for several years where I met a lot of colorful characters and made lifelong friends.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
In writing and developing my characters, I wanted them to be as truthful as they could be in dealing with the seriousness of the challenges they faced, emotionally, realistically, and morally. The guidelines for realistic fiction are simple. Be totally honest and reliable in the telling, no matter how difficult or heart-wrenching. When it comes to authenticity, readers are quite intuitive.
Can we look forward to more books in the Lunch Tales series? Where will it take readers?
More books in the Lunch Tales series are forthcoming. Lunch Tales: Teagan is slated to publish in January of 2026. Teagan is Suellen’s best friend and her story is uniquely compelling. They are major characters in each other’s story, and the same supporting characters are in both novels. Originally, when I drafted Lunch Tales, it was from four women’s points of view in one novel. After I read it through, I decided to give each of these women more space for the reader to get to know them better and gave them their own standalone novel in the Lunch Tales series. Once I did that, they evolved in ways I never imagined at the start.
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Suellen Atkins’ trust fund has given her everything except love. As the youngest attorney in a major law firm, her life is filled with reckless spending and meaningless flings. But when she dumps her latest wild guy, he doesn’t leave quietly.
Unable to shake the feeling she’s being watched, Suellen runs into an old classmate at a colleague’s farewell. Adam Isaacson is one of the good guys — and that might be more scary than her stalker ex. With the echoes of her parents’ tumultuous marriage still ringing in her ears, Suellen can’t imagine anything this promising.
When a shock medical diagnosis complicates things, her proclivity for self-sabotage goes into overdrive. As life turns upside down, her lunch friends at the law firm become a lifeline in the storm. But even they, with all their good intentions and well-meaning advice, can’t save Suellen from herself. Nor can the man who’s fallen in love with her. Only she can do that.
Lunch Tales: Suellen
Lucille Guarino’s Lunch Tales: Suellen is a captivating addition to her series about four women working together in a bustling law firm. Each day, these women gather in the cafeteria to share their lives over lunch, creating a tapestry of stories that are as engaging as they are relatable. This installment centers on Suellen, a lawyer whose journey explores love, family, and resilience. Suellen’s story unfolds with her trapped in a toxic relationship, a struggle she eventually overcomes. Her courage leads her to Adam, a man who seems to embody the qualities she has been searching for. However, her path to happiness takes an unforeseen turn when a health crisis forces her to break things off with Adam, driven by a desire not to burden him. Once recovered, Suellen embarks on a journey to rebuild her life, but moving on from Adam proves to be far more difficult than anticipated.
Guarino masterfully weaves the narratives of all four women into this novel, offering glimpses into their lives while keeping Suellen’s story at the forefront. The interplay of these interconnected lives adds depth to the plot and invites readers to explore the rest of the series. The characters are vibrant and relatable, grounding the story in realism. There’s an authenticity in how the events unfold—no overly dramatic twists, just scenarios that feel true to life. The romance in this book strikes a perfect balance. It’s heartfelt, engaging, and written with sophistication. The ups and downs of Suellen’s journey, combined with moments of unexpected plot development, keep readers intrigued. The story wraps up with the kind of satisfying conclusion that leaves you smiling.
For anyone who loves a feel-good romance that mirrors real-life complexities, Lunch Tales: Suellen is a must-read. It’s a book that not only entertains but also connects with its audience on a deeply personal level. Lucille Guarino’s skillful storytelling hooked me from the start, and I can’t wait to delve into the rest of the series to uncover the lives of the other remarkable women in this group. This is a heartwarming, well-crafted story that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0DJDK14X6
Easter At The Three Coins Inn
Easter at the Three Coin Inn, by Kimberly Sullivan, is a delightful and heartwarming novel that immerses readers in the serene beauty of the Italian countryside. The Three Coins Inn, tucked away in the tranquil village of Umbria, serves as a sanctuary for both its owners and guests. The inn, lovingly maintained by Emma and her husband Mark, offers not only breathtaking views and rich history but also the opportunity for relaxation and renewal through its peaceful ambiance and spa. As the season’s guests begin to arrive, Emma and Mark hope to continue their tradition of offering a haven where visitors can rediscover themselves.
For guests Grace, Kathryn, Heike, Chris, and Madison, the two weeks they spend at the inn become transformative in ways none of them could have predicted. Throughout the novel, Sullivan masterfully captures the restorative power of the inn’s setting, and while the characters drive the plot, it’s the enchanting surroundings that work their quiet magic. Sullivan writes with evident affection for the Italian landscape, effortlessly weaving together the journeys of the diverse group of visitors, each of whom is grappling with their own life challenges. Chris and Madison, both reeling from relationship troubles, come to the inn seeking solace, Chris to reflect and Madison to hide from her problems. Grace and Heike, two widows brought together by their shared grief, find comfort in each other, though their friendship is tested as long-buried secrets emerge. Meanwhile, Kathryn, Grace’s granddaughter, is on the cusp of adolescence, struggling to define herself amid her parents’ expectations. Each character arrives at the inn for different reasons, yet all leave transformed, having gained something invaluable from their stay.
Themes of healing through introspection, the power of honesty, and the possibility of second chances resonate throughout the novel. Even Emma and Mark, the innkeepers, embody the spirit of perseverance and love, setting the tone for the personal growth their guests experience.
In Easter at the Three Coins Inn, Kimberly Sullivan crafts a beautiful narrative of personal growth, healing, and second chances, all set against the idyllic backdrop of the Italian countryside. The charm of the inn, coupled with the journeys of its diverse characters, makes for a captivating and heartwarming read. While some plot points may feel familiar, the novel’s emotional depth and vivid setting more than make up for it. This is a story that celebrates the power of introspection, connection, and the restorative magic of a peaceful retreat. Readers will be left hopeful and eager for more from Sullivan’s world.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0DBMFD989
Rough Edges: A Steamy Single Parents Romance
Elsa Jacobs’ Rough Edges is a heartfelt contemporary romance that follows the lives of two single parents whose paths cross when their teenage sons become fast friends on the high school basketball team. Laura Fields, a dedicated nurse and single mother, has been navigating life alone since the tragic death of her husband eleven years ago. Bennett Keller, a recent widower and factory foreman, relocates from Cleveland to a small New York town to provide a fresh start for his son Marcus, who has been struggling since losing his mother five years prior. As their sons, Daniel and Marcus, play matchmaker, Laura and Bennett find themselves drawn to each other despite their initial reservations.
The charm of Rough Edges lies in the fresh twist of two teenage boys scheming to unite their parents. This engaging subplot injects a unique and delightful dynamic into the story, offering a departure from typical romantic narratives. The boys’ genuine desire to form a cohesive family unit is palpable and heartwarming; Laura fills a void in Marcus’s life, and Bennett does the same for Daniel, fostering a bond that extends beyond mere friendship between the boys. This interconnectedness leads Laura and Bennett to spend more time together, allowing their relationship to blossom naturally. The chemistry between the characters is undeniable, and as Laura gets to know Bennett better, her perception of him shifts, revealing the depth of their connection.
While the novel’s ending is satisfying, it left me wishing for an epilogue to glimpse the future of Laura, Bennett, and their sons. Seeing how their newly formed family continues to evolve would have been a delightful addition, enriching the story’s resolution and providing a fuller sense of closure. The early moments of tension between Laura and Bennett add an interesting layer to the narrative. Laura’s initial misjudgments based on Bennett’s tattoos and his job as a factory foreman create a compelling starting point for her character’s growth. Her evolving perception of Bennett, as she comes to appreciate his dedication as a single father, enriches the storyline and deepens their relationship. The author’s writing style adds to the book’s distinctive voice, encouraging readers to engage more deeply with the text and its underlying themes.
Rough Edges is a warm and engaging romance that beautifully captures the complexities of blending families and finding love after loss. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance, especially those who enjoy stories centered on family dynamics and personal growth. Jacobs’ novel offers a touching portrayal of second chances and the unexpected paths that lead to healing and happiness.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0CTD61Y82
How We Perceive the World
Left Turn follows a corporate rising star who meets and falls for a Hollywood heartthrob looking to escape the spotlight. What inspired the setup of your story?
I used to travel to and from England on business. When they adapted the Outlander books for TV, I thought, “What would happen if I got on the plane home from London and Sam Heughan sat next to me? What would he say? What would I say?” From there, it just bloomed into this story of a professional woman bumping into a celebrity who changes her life.
Alex and Finley live in very different worlds but find common ground in their passions. What inspired their characters’ interactions and backstories?
Alex’s world came easily to me as we share a common background. I worked for years in her industry and experienced the same things she’s been through.
For Finley, I’ve always enjoyed listening to celebrity interviews where they talk about their craft. Their dedication to acting shaped how I thought Fin would view his world. And I’ve always sympathized with those chased by the paparazzi and the disruption to their lives this must cause.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
It’s always amazed me how people perceive the world so differently. I think it’s important to understand that each individual defines success as unique to them, and what you see on the outside doesn’t always reflect how people feel on the inside. Along those same lines, how people measure their success changes as their priorities in life change.
Another important concept I wanted to convey is the bias that women encounter in the corporate world. Sometimes it’s in your face and hard to miss, but usually, it’s so subtle, you don’t realize it’s happening until you have distance from it.
And the last theme I wanted to explore was the effect of all the attention we give to celebrities and how destructive it can be.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Left Turn is the first book in the Women of Caprock series. This series features interconnected stand-alone novels, each centering on strong women, their careers, and the relationships in their lives.
The next book in the series, Code Block, features Claire Broussard, an application developer who’s trying to find her place in a new company and finding her progress consistently blocked by the grumpy operations manager, Noah Raines.
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Alex Tanner has worked hard to get where she is and isn’t about to let a charming celebrity distract her from her goals. Finley McAlister is tired of the limelight and just wants a chance to be himself. When he meets Alex on a flight, he’s drawn to her confidence and independence.
But their attraction doesn’t go unnoticed, and soon they find themselves caught up in a media frenzy. As they navigate the scrutiny of the public eye, they must decide whether to follow their hearts or stay on the path they’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Left Turn is a captivating tale of love and ambition, featuring strong heroines, gorgeous men, and emotional challenges. It’s the award-winning first book in Lancy McCall’s Women of Caprock series of interconnected standalones that will leave you breathless and longing for more.
Click Buy Now to read Alex and Fin’s story.
We Are All Just People
In Shooting Stars, readers follow a woman whose life has been filled with bitter disappointments as she finds new meaning in her life on a solo trip to Hawaii. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The real inspiration behind the story stems from a fantasy I’ve had ever since I was a teenager of a Hollywood superstar falling in love with me. I wanted the fairy tale romance to someone rich and famous as a kind of revenge against all the bullies who called me ugly and boring in school.
That daydream was the core of my idea, but the Hollywood star meeting the average woman has become clichéd, so I decided to use that very stereotype to explore how stereotypes are always prejudiced and rarely right. Things are never as they seem, and if you look below the surface, people from different backgrounds can have a lot in common.
It’s something I learnt from having pen pals and travelling – I got to meet a wide range of people from those scraping together a living to millionaires – we are all just people in the end with the same hopes and dreams, fears and insecurities.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
Anyone who knows me can immediately recognise that Catherine is me. She’s so heavily based on me that it’s almost autobiographical. Her self-deprecating humour, clumsiness and introspective yearnings are all me. I based much of her day-to-day life on jobs and colleagues, and dating disasters I’ve had. However, unlike Catherine, I’ve never had the happily-ever-after part. I’ve also never been to Hawaii, which might come as a surprise. I’m a stickler for detail so I did a lot of research and also drew from my visits to tropical areas like Singapore and parts of Brazil.
Shooting Stars has so many wonderful moments between Catherine and Jake. What was your favorite scene in this story?
I loved writing the scenes between Catherine and Jake. My favourite is the moment she first meets him – the way she recognises he’s familiar but can’t place him, and then in true Skye Bothma fashion, the moment the penny drops, she does something that would send most men running for the hills. But, Jake’s not most men and I love the way he never criticises or mocks her lack of elegance. The part with the runaway pickle is another favourite – I’m always dropping food down my front.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve actually had the idea for my next book since I was 18 – that’s over thirty years ago now! It’s a huge project – a mystery with two timelines one set in the past, one set in the present. I’ve been so intimidated by it that when I began pursuing writing fulltime I decided to choose a simple story to start with to see if I would be able to write a full-length book. Now that I know I can do it, the project is a little less imposing, but considering my first book took six years to write, it’s going to be years before I get to the finish line. I wish I was one of those writers who can knock out a book every few months, but perfectionism takes a lot of time.
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Catherine Marshall is used to being invisible. Although she’s intelligent and talented, she’s an underachiever and lives her life in other people’s shadows. She has a job she hates and dreams she’s too afraid of pursuing. When she wins a writing competition and her long-term boyfriend persuades her to spend the prize money on air tickets to Hawaii, she’s convinced he’s about to propose at last. Instead, he betrays her and unable to change the tickets, Catherine goes to Hawaii alone to mend her broken heart.
Jake Donovan can’t hide from being in the spotlight. A Hollywood superstar and one of America’s most eligible bachelors, he’s in Hawaii taking some time to decompress after the filming of his latest hit show wraps. Surrounded by paradise he should feel like he has it all, but he’s feeling jaded and aware of a growing dissatisfaction with his world.
When a chance encounter brings their two lives together Catherine and Jake discover they have more in common than expected. Together, they escape their everyday lives and develop a fragile intimacy. But as reality closes in, it becomes clear that the fairy tale is not likely to survive in the real world and they begin to question whether their meeting was meant to inspire personal change or if it really was fated in the stars.
Left Turn
Left Turn by Lancy McCall weaves an engaging tale centered on Alex Tanner, an aspiring corporate star whose life takes an unexpected detour when she meets Finley McAlister, a celebrity seeking a quieter life away from the glitz of Hollywood. This romance novel explores the complexities of love under the relentless scrutiny of the public eye, highlighting the sacrifices involved and the invasive role of the media.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, capturing the reader’s interest as Alex finds herself irresistibly drawn to Finley’s charm. The author adeptly portrays their romance amidst the challenges of maintaining privacy and personal identity, creating a compelling and thought-provoking storyline. The relationship between Alex and Finley is tested by external pressures, forcing them to confront the impact of their choices on their personal and professional lives. Lancy McCall excels in crafting relatable, multidimensional characters whose dilemmas resonate with the reader, enhancing the story’s authenticity. The plot transitions smoothly from one event to another, maintaining a gripping momentum that makes Left Turn difficult to put aside. The twists are well-timed, enriching the narrative with suspense and depth.
Left Turn is a well-crafted romance that successfully balances elements of fantasy with realistic emotional conflicts. The portrayal of Alex and Finley’s journey through trials and transformations makes this a recommendable read for those who enjoy stories of personal growth and the complexities of love in the modern world. It’s an ideal pick for a weekend escape, offering both entertainment and reflection.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0B7YXQSJN
Shooting Stars
In Skye Bothma’s heartfelt novel, Shooting Stars, readers are drawn into a tumultuous world of love, betrayal, and self-discovery. The protagonist, Cathy, navigates through the complexities of her job, ex-partner, and unexpected encounters that force her to reassess her life and dreams. Bothma’s emotionally resonant story captures a quintessential struggle between personal aspirations and societal expectations, making it an engaging and relatable read.
Bothma’s writing is sharp and evocative and pulled me into Cathy’s emotional rollercoaster. Her ability to craft vivid scenes is evident as she intricately details every emotion, from the palpable tension in office confrontations to the crushing disappointment of personal betrayal. The dialogue is particularly strong, offering authenticity to each character’s voice and enhancing the unfolding drama. The thoughtful pacing of the narrative allows for deeper introspective moments that enrich the understanding of the protagonist’s inner journey, even though I felt it occasionally tempers the story’s momentum.
The novel’s exploration of personal growth and resilience is not just a personal journey for Cathy, but a poignant commentary on societal expectations. Bothma excels in depicting Cathy’s evolution from a passive observer in her life to an empowered individual who confronts her realities and takes charge. This transformation is not only inspiring but also a critical commentary on the often-overlooked emotional labor that women endure in both professional and personal arenas.
The story challenges readers to think about the importance of authenticity and self-value in a world that frequently demands compromise and conformity. The book’s setting, a bustling corporate office where interpersonal dynamics come into play, serves as a microcosm to explore these themes. At times, the motivations of the secondary characters appear somewhat superficial, but they effectively serve their roles in propelling Cathy’s journey forward.
Shooting Stars is a fun and uplifting story that will resonate with readers who enjoy women’s fiction stories of personal struggle and triumph. It’s ideal for readers who are navigating their own crossroads in life or anyone who appreciates a story that combines emotional depth with the complexities of everyday life.
Pages: 342 | ASIN : B0C1HXD7GW
LITERARY TITAN 