Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 12

Book Review: Castaway on the Isle of Devils

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Castaway on the Isle of Devils by Elizabeth Carson-Williams is a young adult historical fiction filled to the brim with travel and adventure. We meet Alice Drinkard as she and her family are about to board a ship, Sea Venture, which is setting sail from England to Jamestown.

Alice starts off the trip rather high and mighty. She is disdainful of her mother whom she calls Your Highness, she rarely takes advice. and she often finds herself in trouble because she chose to do things her own way with no regard to others.

While on the ship, she starts to discover that their trip, one she felt was simply an adventure, and one they were going on because she wanted it, is a whole lot more. However, it isn't until the Sea Venture is nearly destroyed in a hurricane and is shipwrecked on the Isle of Devils, that she begins to understand the entire story - as well as a lot about herself and what she is made of. She also begins to understand human nature and what happens when people who seek power end up in charge.

Elizabeth created her tale based on the true story of the Sea Venture, the shipwreck which was the inspiration for Shakespeare's The Tempest. Though William is barely a character in the book, Elizabeth did a wonderful job creating an exciting backstory to explain where Shakespeare got his idea for the play.

Although touted as a young adult novel, I believe it is a story for all ages. I highly recommend this book!

Purchase a copy of Castaway on the Isle of Devils on Amazon:
Preorder: https://amzn.to/4iXMkAU

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Nomad Detective

The Nomad Detective by Amy Suto is the first in a mystery detective series. Violet Chase became a detective after her twin disappeared in Guatemala. Her ultimate goal is to take cases that might lead her to her sister.

Violet isn't just any detective. After her sister's disappearance, she developed synesthesia - mixed up senses. She sees people's aura's as colors - and these colors have specific smells. She uses her synesthesia, a condition she hasn't shared with anyone, to capture the bad guys.

This first volume is a collection of four stories that take us into various exotic locations where Violet works to find the killer. Readers learn more and more of Violet's history and discover, though the hero of the series, that Violet has many flaws and a not-so-pretty past. The more I learned, that more I routed for Violet to solve the current mystery - and to find her sister.

Amy did a wonderful job with character development. She also left me wanting more. Without a doubt, I'll be ready when Volume 2 of the Nomad Detective is ready for readers!

Purchase a copy of The Nomad Detective on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3F5koxe​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4m9PlRw

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 5-13-25

​The Enchanted Land of Perpetual Autumn: Feline Guardians and Dream Mysteries with Author Megan MaryHave you ever woken from a dream so vivid and symbolic that it lingered long after the morning light? Megan Mary knows that feeling well. A dream analyst and spiritual guide, Megan has dedicated her life to helping others explore the messages of their subconscious. In a recent episode of Online for Authors, Megan opens up about her journey, her work, and her captivating book, The Dream Haunters.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionAn Introduction to The Dream Haunters

Megan Mary introduces us to Hannah Skye, a young woman in search of meaning, who receives a mysterious letter from her missing Aunt Jewelia. Haunted by recurring dreams of a pumpkin patch, Hannah embarks on a spiritual journey that leads her to Maple Hollow, an island perpetually basked in the beauty of autumn. Here, she discovers the mystical Skye Manor and unearths her magical family legacy. With elements of magical realism, fantasy, and metaphysical mystery, The Dream Haunters promises an immersive experience for readers who love exploring the mystical and unknown.

A Mysti-sy

Megan coins her unique genre as a "mysti-sy" combining elements of mystery and fantasy that teach while entertaining. Set during Halloween, the time when the veil between worlds is thinnest, the story challenges Hannah to uncover the secrets behind her aunt's disappearance, with the guidance of a talking cat and wise villagers. The narrative weaves through the complex tapestry of dreams and provides insights into metaphysics, offering readers both an adventurous and educational journey.

Delving into Dreamwork

One of the central themes of Megan's work is dream appreciation. Drawing from her expertise in dream analysis, she introduces the concept of "Dream Haunters," fictional antagonists who remind readers of the importance of understanding and valuing their dreams. Through The Dream Haunters, Megan aims to empower individuals to unlock the meanings behind their dreams, transforming the dream experience into a tool for personal growth and understanding.

Book Inspirations and Writing Process

In our conversation, I learned about the inspirations behind Megan's magical island and her writing process. Megan expressed her love for autumn and her desire to create a place where this cherished season never ends. As a pantser, Megan writes without detailed plotting, allowing her stories to unfold naturally as she progresses. This spontaneous approach allows her characters and plots to develop organically, fostering a genuine connection between her creativity and the story's direction.

Looking Forward: The Series Continues

Fans of The Dream Haunters will be thrilled to know that Megan is continuing the series with The Dream Mirrors, set to explore themes of duality, reflection, and the nature of reality. As the journey progresses, Hannah and the readers will delve deeper into the metaphysical mysteries that surround the dreamscape.

Megan Mary's The Dream Haunters offers a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and exploration of the dream world that beckons readers to uncover deeper meanings within themselves. Whether you are fascinated by metaphysics or simply love a good fantasy tale, this book is a delightful addition to your reading list. As we await the next installment of the Witches of Maple Hollow series, one can't help but be intrigued by what mystical journey awaits both Hannah Skye and the readers who follow her adventure.

Continue the book conversation by heading over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook. There you will have the opportunity to win a digital copy of The Dream Haunters.

​Purchase The Dream Haunters on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3QSwuw0
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4caaoyZ

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Candlemakers Woman

Review by Carole O'Neill

The Candlemaker’s Woman by Marj Charlier takes place during the period of the barbarian migrations into the late Roman Empire. Not a period I read a lot about. My history lesson kept interfering with the memoir of a young girl sold into slavery by her mother for safe passage into Gaul. She promises to find her daughter as soon as they are able to cross the Rhine.

As Melia waits for her mother’s return, life with her new family consists of near starvation as she learns how to stretch scraps of food to avoid starvation. She even finds ways to live through the brutal sexual assaults during the nightly visits by her new master. Her only relief seems to come in learning how to make candles. She becomes an expert at the craft and uses her knowledge to her advantage when the soldiers come looking for slaves.

Throughout the book Melia shows the character of a much older woman, learning to become strong while enduring the life of a slave. I found myself rooting for her as she ran through town searching for help in delivering her friend’s baby.

Marj’s character descriptions are vivid and real. Her research is notable. Putting it down was harder than I thought. Waiting for a sequel might be asking too much.

Purchase The Candlemaker's Woman:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4jkXu3s​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3FZ3aSr

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Bucket List

​The Bucket List by Teri M Brown won 2nd place is the Carolina Woman's 2025 Writing Contest. I'm very proud of this piece, though I must warn you - it is about grief and missing the man I love most in the world. If you could put anything on your bucket list, what would it be? Something classic? Like Paris,
Rome, or Athens? Something adventurous? Like hiking the Appalachian Trail, skydiving, or
scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef? Something exotic? Like Antarctica, Arashiyama Bamboo
Forest, or Easter Island?

You might be surprised to discover that my list is nothing like yours. It’s far more common, run-
of-the-mill – some might even say mundane. But I’d gladly trade a cruise to an island paradise
for more everyday life.

-Eating breakfast together, asking you if you’d rather have Honey Nut Cheerios or Raisin Bran
Crunch.
-Looking over the bills that came in the day’s mail.
-Deciding if we should shop around for car insurance.
-Looking at paint samples for the bedroom wall.
-Hopping in the car to pick up a great find on Facebook Marketplace.
-Watching an episode of some war movie with the sound up far too loud.
-A tandem bicycle ride.
-A walk on the beach.
-Sharing tater tots at dinner.
-Sneaking a sip of your diet Pepsi.
-A hug.
-A kiss.
-A simple ‘I love you.’

The Hospice newsletter, Compassionate Journey, arrived not long after cancer took him from
me. Amid all the articles on grief was a suggestion to write to this prompt: It has been such a
short time since I lost you, yet it seems like far longer. What I already miss the most right now
is…

I threw the newsletter across the room and cried because the answer is everything. The smell of his soap after he showered. His loud Hawaiian shirts that never matched his choice of ballcap. His energizer bunny on steroids drive. His amazing ability to find a pun in anything. His dimples that popped out whenever he smiled. His complete belief in me. Knowing he was there for me when I succeeded, but more importantly, when I failed.

My bucket list is filled with simple, inexpensive, routine dreams that will never come to pass
because cancer is a thief. One that comes in the night and steals what is most precious. Most
valuable. Most dear. And yes, most ordinary.
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So, I ask again. What is on your bucket list?

Book Review: The Sum of All Our Anger

The Sum of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0 by William R Douglas is realistic domestic military thriller set about forty years in the future. This book was amazing. Horrifying. Thought-provoking. Disturbing. Anxiety-producing. And a must-read.

The Civil War is something we should never want to repeat in the United States, but with political parties who refuse to work together, name-calling, and "dig in our heels" ideologies, many fear this could be on the horizon. The Sum of All Our Anger looks at the United States in 2061 and shows readers a worst case scenario that includes states seceding from the Union, martial law, and the removal of the founding documents of our country.

Quite frankly, I had to put the book down several times and swallow hard before I could continue. Why? Because I could imagine this scenario playing out. And the results of a second Civil War would be beyond devastating. I hope you read this book, contemplate what you see, and do your part to effect change - regardless of which side of the aisle holds your vote.

Purchase a copy of The Sum of All Our Anger:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43H6FXt​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4idDA9I

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 5-6-25

​Whispers of Color: The Hunt for Three Mystical Paintings with Author Penelope HoltWelcome to a captivating journey into the world of literature and spirituality with Penelope Holt, the author of the mesmerizing novel "The Angel Scroll." In our latest episode of "Online for Authors," I had the privilege of diving deep into the creative mind behind this enthralling story that seamlessly blends romance, mystery, and spiritual exploration.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThe Angel Scroll: A Journey Through Grief and Self-Discovery

In "The Angel Scroll," Penelope Holt takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery. The novel is a romance mystery and spiritual thriller about a widowed woman engulfed in grief who embarks on a mystical quest across Europe searching for three miraculous paintings. These paintings promise a new spiritual awakening, likened by Holt to "The Da Vinci Code meets Eat, Pray, Love."

The protagonist, Claire, grapples with the loss of her husband, seeking ways to connect with him posthumously while navigating her evolving beliefs. Holt masterfully explores themes of grief, loss, and the transcendent human yearning for connection, filling her narrative with depth and emotion that resonate deeply.

The Intriguing Blend of Art and Spirituality

Holt's fascination with spirituality and human consciousness shines through in her writing. Her rich background in history and spirituality allows her to weave a believable tapestry of mystical experiences and philosophical musings. "The Angel Scroll" doesn't present dogmatic answers but instead opens the door to possibilities, inviting readers to ponder the divine fabric weaving through their own lives.

Through her research, Holt introduces readers to a world where art becomes a visual gospel, capable of healing and transforming those who witness it. This idea of a visual echoing a profound truth resounds throughout the novel, inviting readers to imagine a world where empathy and unity overcome division.

From Page to Screen: The Envisioned Movie Adaptation

Penelope Holt shared her excitement for turning "The Angel Scroll" into a movie, having collaborated with Emmy-winning director Mary Maderis to craft a screenplay. The movie potential of the book is undeniable, with its rich, scene-driven storytelling and complex characters—traits that lend themselves to a cinematic experience.

About Penelope Holt

To understand Holt’s literary inspiration, it's essential to acknowledge her own journey through grief. Her experiences with personal loss imbue her narrative with authenticity and emotion, making "The Angel Scroll" a compelling read for those who have endured similar trials. Holt seamlessly integrates her passion for psychology, spiritual exploration, and history, making her work not only a story but a reflection of the human experience.

Join the Discussion

We encourage readers to dive into the mystical and emotional depths of "The Angel Scroll." Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments or join the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to discuss the book and win a digital copy. 

Unite with fellow readers, embrace your curiosity, and explore the mysticism that "The Angel Scroll" has to offer.

Purchase The Angel Scroll on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4lqcKhw
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3RC1JM9

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Rakiya

Rakiya - Stories of Bulgaria by Ellis Shuman is a collection of cultural short stories set in Bulgaria. In these short stories we follow such characters as pickpocketing Roma, a WWII veteran, refugees, authors, makers of rakiya, and hunters - all while learning about the rich history of the area.

As someone who knows little about the Bulgarian culture or the history, I was enchanted by the stories. I was also intrigued by the foods, drinks, mountains, and churches. By the time I was finished with the collection, I wondered if a trip to Bulgaria might be in order!

As an author, I was fascinated with how the author weaved these tales into a cohesive whole - and loved how a character from one story would inevitably end up in another. Despite being a series of short stories, it reads far more like a novel, with Bulgaria as the main character. It's a great read.

Purchase Rakiya - Stories of Bulgaria on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3RwLK1L​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4ja3EU6

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 5-3-25

Unlocking Your Potential: How Book Coaches Transform Good Books into Great Ones with Sue TothMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Sue Toth, author of the book about book coaching and editing. For the past 20 years, Sue's specialty has been in collaborating as an editor with fiction authors to turn their books into the ones that readers can’t put down. She works with authors on book coaching and developmental editing.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionSue has been a lover of the English language for as long as she's been able to read. You know the kid who had a book and a flashlight under the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep? That was Sue. The one who carried a book everywhere and had her nose stuck in It whenever possible? 

Sue's entire career has been dedicated to either diving into her own editing projects or teaching others how to do it well. She taught fiction editing at the University of San Diego and journalism and writing at the college level.

In the rare times she's not reading, Sue enjoys being with her family, dancing to 80s rock and roll, and watching New York Mets or Jets games.

Be sure to join the Novels N Latte Book Club community on Facebook to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers. 

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on
PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors​

Episode 5-3-25

Unlocking Your Potential: How Book Coaches Transform Good Books into Great Ones with Sue TothMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Sue Toth, author of the book about book coaching and editing. For the past 20 years, Sue's specialty has been in collaborating as an editor with fiction authors to turn their books into the ones that readers can’t put down. She works with authors on book coaching and developmental editing.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionSue has been a lover of the English language for as long as she's been able to read. You know the kid who had a book and a flashlight under the covers long after she was supposed to be asleep? That was Sue. The one who carried a book everywhere and had her nose stuck in It whenever possible? 

Sue's entire career has been dedicated to either diving into her own editing projects or teaching others how to do it well. She taught fiction editing at the University of San Diego and journalism and writing at the college level.

In the rare times she's not reading, Sue enjoys being with her family, dancing to 80s rock and roll, and watching New York Mets or Jets games.

Be sure to join the Novels N Latte Book Club community on Facebook to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers. 

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on
PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors​