Teri M. Brown's Blog, page 29

Book Review: The Bow Tie

The Bow Tie by Susan Glenney is a thought-provoking women's fiction novella. We follow Jennifer Donnelly, a young school teacher, as she struggles to learn about her past so she can move forward with her future.

Her first year of teaching goes well. She even becomes teacher of the year. The second year starts out fine until the music teacher wears a bow tie, and Jennifer's life begins to slowly unravel.

Why does the bow tie cause such angst? Are the flashes of memory real? Can she face the horrible memories without losing herself in the process?

Abuse - sexual, domestic, emotional, and others - certainly affects the way a person views life, sees themselves, and finds a way forward. Susan does a great job showing this trauma, as well as showing that the trauma doesn't have to define the abused. As she says, "with support, love, resilience, and the right tools, many can live a healthy, productive life."

Not only is The Bow Tie a great read, but a portion of every purchase goes to New Horizons Domestic Violence Services in Middlesex County, Connecticut, near her home.

​Purchase the paperback.
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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.​

Online for Authors Episode 7-2-24

​Embracing Life: My Disability Journey with Author Jennifer GasnerMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Jennifer Gasner, author of the book, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis. Jennifer is a member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and her writing has been published in Shaking the Tree, volumes 3 and 4. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, movies, and traveling. She lives with her boyfriend Gregory and their dog. My Unexpected Life is her first book.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video Version
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: As Large As Your Spirit

As Large as Your Spirit: A Reverse Refugee Memoir by Joel David Bond looks at Joel's life during a five-month forced stay on a Greek Island during the pandemic. Although at first glance, being stranded on a Greek Island sounds idyllic, readers soon realize that being trapped anywhere against your wishes is difficult.

Though the setting is beautiful, Joel finds himself without friends, without access to funds, and with limited access to the internet during a time when governments limited a person's ability to travel or even interact outside their own home. In essence, Joel found himself a refugee, but one wishing to go back to the east while most refugees were leaving the east to head west.
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The book is about finding a place to call home - both physically and within oneself. It showcases the plight of refugees, unlike Joel, who had to flee from their home and must now find ways to make new lands their own. We even get a peek at Roma's, people who, though they live in a country, are not accepted as true citizens.

This is a great memoir that will make you think about what it means to be a refugee and what you can do to eliminate your own biases. Great read.

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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Serpent and the Rose

The Serpent and the Rose by Catherine Butterfield is a historical fiction work about Marguerite de Valois, the daughter of Catherine de Medici. Marguerite began life as a French princess, became the Queen of Navarre through marriage, and chose to remove herself from that marriage as her husband became King of France.

We follow Marguerite's life through journal entries, allowing us to see her dysfunctional family and the craziness of court life from her point of view. I loved that this was written in first person and in present tense - an unusual POV for a historical fiction novel - because I became quite attached to Marguerite and her quick wit and dry sense of humor.

I typically do not care for books written about this period of time because I get slogged down in the details of a history I can't keep straight and names that mean nothing to me. However, Catherine did an amazing job keeping readers engaged with salient facts, a quick tempo, and dashes of humor. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction and a good laugh.

​Purchase the paperback.
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*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.​

Online for Authors Episode 6-25-24

​Broken Bones and Betrayal: A Medical Thriller by Orthopedic Trauma Author Thomas Kelso My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Thomas Kelso, author of the book Fractured. Following medical school Dr. Kelso completed his residency in orthopedic surgery and served in the US Navy for nine years before entering civilian practice. He writes thrillers based on current innovations in medicine and science and continues to practice orthopedic surgery in Brunswick County, North Carolina. In my book review, I stated that Fractured is a medical thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat the entire read. Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video VersionPurchase on Amazon: Paperback or ebook
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Online for Authors Episode 6-19-24

​Surviving the Shadows: A Family Memoir of the Holocaust with Author Vivien Sieber My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Vivien Sieber, author of the book Kino and Kinder: A Family’s Journey in the Shadow of the Holocaust.  Dr Vivien Sieber is a biologist. After ten years of biomedical research, she began lecturing in Genetics before her interests moved into academic development, learning technology and information literacy. She worked at several UK universities and has published around 100 academic papers. She lives in Oxford UK and wrote Kino and Kinder since retirement and is learning to make pottery.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video Version*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: Portrait of Deception

Portrait of Deception by Kathryn Dodson is a wonderful suspense novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Margo, a photographer on her way to fame, soon finds herself entrenched in a madman's attempt to take over first his country and then those countries around him. Although she's hired to take photos of the despot, she soon learns that his plan includes owning her. Unless she can escape, she'll never leave the grounds - at least not alive.

Unfortunately, Margo is not completely innocent. Can she figure out how to get free? Save her family and friends? Find a new path forward?
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This is a gritty story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. But it is also character-driven enough that you cheer Margo as she learns lessons about herself and her past, and makes decisions for a better future.

Online for Authors Episode 6-18-24

​Whispers from JFK Jr’s Ghost: Southern Fiction with Author Sheila Athens My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Sheila Athens, author of the book Neena Lee is Seeing Things. Sheila writes smart contemporary women’s fiction set where the South meets the Sunshine state. Her stories are about women seeking to find the peace we all deserve. Readers are drawn to her work because they believe that everyday heroes can make a difference in our world. She loves quiet spaces, eccentric people and the little band of writer hikers who walk at sunrise on a regular basis.Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video VersionYou can purchase Neena Lee is Seeing Things on Amazon (Paperback, ebook, and audiobook).
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Book Review: The Tender Silver Stars

The Tender Silver Stars by Pamela Stockwell is a historical fiction, though I really hate saying the 1970s are historical because it makes me feel old. The novel is set in South Carolina, a perfect setting for the issues of the times.

Triss is a rich, white girl who isn't allowed to follow in the family business because women shouldn't be lawyers - at least according to her grandfather, the man with the purse strings. Everlove is a working class black girl who, despite the civil rights movement, can't shop in certain grocery stores let alone pursue her dreams.

What happens when the two become friends - especially when they learn of a lawyer with shady real estate dealings as well as a shady past? And let's not forget to throw in a cast of wonderful neighbors!
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I enjoyed this character-driven novel - and I think you will, too.

Online for Authors Episode 6-13-24

​Her Latest Chapters: A 101-Year-Old's Historical Fiction Journey with Author Babette Rosen HughesMy guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Babette Rosen Hughes, a 101-year-old author of the book Lessons in Evil. Born in Cleveland Ohio, Babette grew up in the time of Prohibition and bootleggers. Her father was one of the first rum runners in the country and was murdered by the Mafia in a turf war at the age of 29. Babette was just two at the time. Writing has allowed her to draw from her unusual life experiences to create her characters and tell their stories (and sometimes cautionary tales) in vivid detail. Listen to Audio VersionWatch Video VersionI recently had the pleasure of chatting with the remarkable Babette Rosen Hughes, author of the novella Lessons in Evil, on the Online for Authors podcast. At 101 years young, Babette still writes every day with the fluidity and grace of a woman half her age. Her passion for storytelling and zest for life are truly inspiring!

In Lessons in Evil, Babette weaves a captivating tale about Annie Berg, an author tasked with writing the unofficial biography of famous writer Helga Hoffman. Despite her misgivings about Helga's dismissive personality, Annie takes on the project in hopes of restarting her career. But things quickly go sideways as Annie finds herself entangled in a Nazi-hunting investigation.

During our conversation, Babette shared fascinating insights into her creative process and the power of the unconscious mind in shaping stories. As a Jewish woman who grew up in the time of prohibition and bootleggers, Babette brings a unique perspective to her writing. When I asked about her research process, she quipped, "I'm 101. I lived through so much of the cultural themes - the Great Depression, World War II, the 50s. This is my research, because I was there!"

Babette's journey as a writer began in her 80s, proving that it's never too late to pursue your passions. Her advice for aspiring authors? "Be realistic. Understand how difficult it is to write well and how much time it takes. And tap into your unconscious - that's where the good stuff is!"

While Babette isn't currently working on a new project due to macular degeneration, her vibrant spirit and wealth of experience continue to inspire. As she wisely noted, "People give up when they get older. It's wrong - it's just the culture. These can be the best years!"

I hope Babette's story encourages you to embrace creativity at any age and to draw upon the well of your own life experiences in your writing. You can find Lessons in Evil and Babette's other works on Amazon.

P.S. Catch the full episode with Babette Rosen Hughes on the Online for Authors YouTube channel or wherever you listen to podcasts.