Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 14

Book Review: A Story About Pizza

Review by Carole O'Neill

​Erica D'Arcangelo's story about the life of her grandfather, Pietro, reminds us of the struggles associated with the immigrant experience for many Italians who came to America. Her clever inserts of Italian recipes after each chapter not only confirmed its authenticity but frankly made my mouth water.

Her narrative made me feel the pressures Pietro felt and the courage he showed as he embarked on a journey that led to a goal he always hoped was possible. This book is a very easy and enjoyable read, especially for anyone who loves pizza.

Purchase A Story About Pizza on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4he5UrN​
Ebook: https://amzn.to/41KQKpw

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 4-12-25

​Secrets in the Shadows: Unraveling a Small-Town Whodunit with Author Laury A EganMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Laury A Egan, author of the book Fair Haven. Laury is the author of fourteen books of fiction, with two titles forthcoming in 2025: Fair Haven and a new story/play collection, Contrary. Laury is also a fine arts photographer, a former book designer, and a reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. She lives on the northern coast of New Jersey.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI just finished recording an incredible podcast with Laury A Egan about her latest novel, Fair Haven, and wow - do I have a story to share with you!

Imagine a murder mystery that's less about the gruesome details and more about the intricate web of relationships in a small town. That's exactly what Laury has crafted in Fair Haven, her 15th traditionally published novel.

What Makes Fair Haven Special: 
A murder happens in the first few pages
Complex character connections 
Multiple potential suspects
A twist ending you won't see coming

Laury spent years perfecting this manuscript - originally written 40 years ago and recently revived with the help of a fantastic editor. The result? A multilayered story that feels like a British mystery mixed with small-town drama.

Her protagonist, Chris Clark (a photographer with sailing experience), and Police Chief Ry Mackey are particularly fascinating characters. And bonus: there's even a stubborn beagle named Cagney who adds some comic relief!

What I love most about Laury's approach is how she refuses to be confined by genre. She writes what inspires her - from psychological suspense to literary fiction, poetry to plays. Her upcoming collection, Contrary, showcases this beautifully with 21 diverse stories.

Want to keep this book conversation going? Head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook.

Purchase Fair Haven on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3G2f9OY​
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3QWdixl
​
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 4-10-25

​Judith's Journey: The Forbidden Love of a Princess and Her Protector with Author DH MorrisMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is DH Morris, author of the book The Girl of Many Crowns. As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionImagine discovering a forgotten princess from the 9th century whose story has never been told - until now. This month, I'm absolutely thrilled to shine a spotlight on DH Morris's debut historical novel, "The Girl of Many Crowns" - a breathtaking journey into medieval European history that will completely transform how you think about women's stories from the past.

Why This Book Is a Must-Read

When I sat down with DH Morris on the podcast, I was blown away by the incredible true story of Princess Judith, a young woman who dared to seek marriage on her own terms during a time when women had virtually no agency. This isn't just another historical novel - it's a profound exploration of courage, love, and personal choice.

What makes this book extraordinary:

Based on meticulously researched historical facts
Brings to life a powerful female protagonist from the 9th century
Offers a stunning glimpse into medieval European royal life
Reads like an epic adventure with heart-stopping emotional depth
Behind the Book: A Fascinating Origin

Interestingly, Morris discovered Judith's story through a family genealogy book - a wedding gift that became the spark for an incredible literary journey. During the pandemic, she decided if she didn't write this story, who would?

Pro tip: The book comes with incredible genealogy charts and maps that will help you navigate this complex historical landscape!

Don't Miss This
Audio Book Alert: "The Girl of Many Crowns" is NOW AVAILABLE as an audiobook, narrated by the author herself!

Grab your copy and prepare to be transported to a world of royal intrigue, personal courage, and untold history! And try your hand at winning a copy by heading over to Novels N Latte Book Club. Just tell me what you liked or learned during the podcast and you'll be in the running.

Know someone who loves historical fiction? Forward the podcast link and spread the word about this incredible book!

Purchase The Girl of Many Crowns on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/43wE9HN
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4iAs6NT

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Human Trial

Review by Carole O'Neill

A small number of high school students graduate early and get accepted into a college program of their dreams. Very few graduate high school at 16 years old and go on to get a full-ride at Harvard University. However, Randy Archer, the son of a steel-mill worker in Pennsylvania, does just that.

​Audrey Gale, the author of The Human Trial, takes you back to the 1920s, against the backdrop of The Great Depression, and introduces us to Archer as he is still living at home with his father and older brothers. They all expect him to follow them to a life in the steel mill. He has another idea, but no financial way to fulfill that dream.

Gale describes how Archer defies the odds, with the help of his high school counselor and her friend at Harvard. She convinces Archer he will be mentored alone the way to a degree at the prestigious university unavailable to many.

During his years as a graduate student studying to become a pathology researcher, he meets a physics student, Adam Wakefield, working on his PhD. He’s developed a much-advanced microscope which allows the two students to discover a way to offer a non-traditional healing method to terminal patients.

There is, of course, a love interest that Archer can’t quite understand. Why such a beautiful girl from Boston’s Beacon Hill would be interested in him, stymies him. Gale keeps you believing they will make the perfect marriage, or will they?

The Human Trial has something for everyone: medical science, academic scheming, blue-collared families vs. Boston Brauhmans, and an impossible secret discovery everyone wants a piece of. This is a book that will keep you pulling for the underdog until the final pages.

Purchase The Human Trial on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3DquTdM​
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4hgoaRm

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 4-8-25

​Chasing the Sky: A Tale of Romance and Rivalry with Author MT Bass​My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is MT Bass, author of the book Racing the Dream. M.T. Bass is a scribbler of fiction who holds fast to the notion that while victors may get to write history, novelists get to write/right reality. He lives, writes, flies, and makes music in Mudcat Falls, USA.Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionThis week, I dove into a fascinating conversation with MT Bass about his latest novel Racing the Dream, and wow - did I learn some incredible things about the thrilling world of air racing! 

As a pilot and storyteller, Bass takes us on an incredible journey back to the early 1960s, exploring the resurrection of air racing through his character Hawk. What struck me most was how meticulously he researched every detail - spending months diving into historical records, watching vintage footage, and even connecting with original air racing pioneers.

Fun fact: The Reno Air Races, which play a central role in his book, actually stopped in 2023 and are set to restart in New Mexico in 2025. Bass was even fortunate enough to attend the final 2023 event, giving his novel an incredible layer of authenticity.

Cool Writing Insights

Bass shared some fantastic writing wisdom, including:

Always be a "pantser" (writing by the seat of your pants) if that's what feels naturalOver-research, but carefully select what details make it into your final draftDon't let research prevent you from actually writing!
If you're curious about aviation history, adventure stories, or just love a well-crafted novel, I can't recommend Racing the Dream enough. Don't forget to head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a free digital copy!

Purchase Racing the Dream on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4aJSzpS
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3WGi858

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Blade of Safavid

The Blade of Safavid by ​Kent Merrell ​is a an epic historical adventure that kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible. This novel has two timelines and several points of view, but Merrell is masterful at helping the reader keep everything straight. The characters are rich, the history is about an area in which I knew nothing, and the adventure is intense.

I loved the point of view by Hinch who writes in a journal. Despite short entries, we get to know him and his personality. I particularly liked how he gave his name and current occupation, which changed based on where the adventure had taken him - from doctor to captive to potential lunch for a tiger! I also loved Elizabeth as she struggled to determine if love, compassion, and forgiveness were something she could embrace over hatred and revenge. 

Although a longer read than I normally pick up (550 pages), I highly recommend this book. The audiobook is also wonderful!

Purchase The Blade of Safavid from Amazon:
Paperback: ​https://amzn.to/4hotEtk​
Ebook: ​https://amzn.to/4kFWVCC​
Audiobook: ​https://amzn.to/4kFWVCC

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 4-5-25

​Ink and Pixels: The Transformation of the Publishing Industry with Author Michael CastlemanMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Michael Castleman, author of the book The Untold Story of Books. During a 50-year career, he has written 3,000 magazine and web articles and 19 books. Listen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video VersionI had an eye-opening podcast recording with Michael Castleman, author of The Untold Story of Books, and wow - do I have some publishing insights to share with you!

Publishing Reality Check

Did you know that out of 2 million books published annually, only about 200 become New York Times bestsellers? That's a jaw-dropping 1 in 10,000 chance!

What Every Author Needs to Know

Michael dropped some serious knowledge bombs about modern publishing:

80% of books sell fewer than 100 copies
Only 6% sell 1,000 copies
Digital technology has completely transformed publishing
Hot Publishing Trends
Hybrid Publishing: Authors can now pay $5-$20k to publish with reputable companies
AI Challenge: Major battle brewing over AI's unauthorized use of authors' content
Michael's Top Author Advice

Invest in professional editing
Start promoting at the pre-order stage
Build an email list
Pace yourself in book marketing
Pro Tip: 40% of book sales happen between Thanksgiving and Christmas - don't miss that window!
Want to dive deeper? Head on over to Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for your chance to win a free copy of Michael's book, The Untold Story of Books! Or purchase The Untold Story of Books on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3QlsHqL
Ebook: https://amzn.to/42ZS0X4

Keep writing, keep dreaming!

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Head Fake

Review by Carole O'Neill

As I began reading Head Fake by Scott Gordon, I wasn’t sure it was something I would finish. After all, mentally ill teenagers centered around the game of basketball was everything I would avoid choosing when I decided to read a new author.

My surprise was the way Scott Gordon used humor on nearly every page to enhance Mikey’s interaction against the antics of the high-risk offenders he was about to coach. The more difficult challenge was to make sure Mikey’s own clinical depression didn’t become the reason for a failed experiment.

By the second chapter, I had forgotten about the sport of basketball and raced through the pages to find out how each of these disturbed students would be saved. The violent offenders and outcasts battled with bipolar disorder and street violence to arrive each day to train with a coach they believed would get them a win.

Halfway through the book, I found myself cheering for the team and their impossible hurdles toward a goal no one thought could be reached. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Purchase Head Fake on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/417anIe​
Ebook: https://amzn.to/418IXl9

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 4-3-25

​Searching for Answers: How My Father's Death Transformed My Life with Author Larry BogradListen to the Audio VersionWatch the Video Version
Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Larry Bograd about his memoir Blood Flow, a poignant exploration of his father's mental health struggles and the generational impact of unspoken family stories. Larry's book took him decades to write, and it got me thinking about the power of personal narrative.

What I Learned from Larry's Writing Journey

Larry's approach to writing is something I deeply resonate with. Like me, he's not a daily writer who forces words onto the page. Instead, he allows his stories to percolate, waiting for the right moment when the narrative feels ready to emerge.

Some key insights that struck me:

Writing can be a form of healing and understandingOur family histories are often more complex than we realizeCreativity doesn't have an age limit - Larry published his first book at 60!
I'm curious - have you ever considered writing about your own family history? What stories are waiting to be told? Comment below. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Recommended Reading

If you're intrigued by memoirs that dive deep into family dynamics and mental health, I highly recommend checking out Blood Flow. If you want a chance to win a digital copy of Blood Flow, head over to the Novels N Latte Book Club on Facebook for a chance to win!

Purchase Blood Flow on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/42lpKx4
Ebook: https://amzn.to/3QUJUI4

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Forgiving the Nightmare

Forgiving the Nightmare by Mark Sowersby is more than an abuse memoir or Christian instruction - it's a story of grace, overcoming, and forgiveness. Mark doesn't sugarcoat the truth, whether that truth is about his childhood abuse or about his difficulty moving beyond that abuse. In fact, he is so honest that he will be the first to admit that forgiveness will be a lifelong journey.

What I loved most about this book is the hope. Each page leads the reader down a path to something better. No matter what trauma you've suffered - and haven't we all had some trauma in our life - there is light on the other side. For Mark, this comes by way Jesus Christ. And Mark shares ten trail markers to help those who are seeking to forgive the nightmares in their own lives.

Do you know what happens when you hold a nightmare to the light? It loses power. And that's exactly what Mark discovered. It's a beautiful book that will fill you with the desire to do better, be better, love better, and forgive fully.

Purchase Forgiving the Nightmare on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/41gr585​
Ebook: https://amzn.to/41gr585

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.