Fiona Ingram's Blog, page 5

How Punk is Your Candle? by James Calbraith

 

In the ruins of a fallen Empire, the first ever female pilot takes part in a flying boat race to free her people from the foreign oppression…

Title: The Flying Barons of Negriponte (The Aether Empire Book 1)Author: James Calbraith

Publication Date: September 20, 2023

Pages: 134Genre: Historical Fantasy/Candlepunk

They killed her father. They took her ship. But nothing will stop Ikaria's vengeance.

Forty years since Constantinople fell to the Venetian flying citadels, high-altitude Aether racing is the favoured pastime of bored, wealthy Latin nobles. Ikaria, proud daughter of a legendary Aether engineer and one of the best racing pilots in the Aegean, is determined to uncover the truth behind her father's mysterious disappearance at the end of the last Grande Regatta of Negriponte.

Driven by the thirst of vengeance and pursuit of engineering excellence in equal measures, Ikaria vows to win the next Regatta herself - and to find out what really happened to her father. But there's a catch: a new Imperial edict bars her, and anyone not of noble blood, from taking part in Aether races. To her rescue comes Sire Mikhael of Chiarenza - an enigmatic handsome young Greek turncoat in the service of new Latin masters. His motivations unclear, the source of his funds and supplies a secret, Ikaria nonetheless agrees to accept his help: together, they set out to challenge the supremacy of the six Hexarchs, the infamous Flying Barons of Negriponte.

Pick up your copy of The Flying Barons of Negriponte at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJKXXQB1 .

Book Excerpt:

A black-headed gull landed on the bowsprit. It glanced around, confused as to why a small, sleek sailboat suddenly appeared in its path in the middle of a billowing cloud hundreds of feet above the surface of the sea. Its eyes met Ikaria’s; the bird squawked in indignation and spread its wings as if to protest this sin against God and nature. A sudden, violent gust pushed it off the spar. Still squawking in disgust, the gull continued on its way while the boat pushed onwards, deeper into the cloud and out the other side.

A white-washed dot of Saint Elijah’s chapel appeared among the rocky outcrops, marking the eastern end of the Chalcis Pass. Ikaria reached under her tunic and took out a small brass key, inlaid with a piece of ruby glass, hung on a silver chain at her neck. Gingerly, she inserted it into a slot in the side of the Caput Chamber and turned it a quarter to the right. A conduit linking the Inhibitor Retort with the Tribikos Manifold hissed, indicating a forming air gap. She turned the spigot in the nozzle, releasing half a dram of the Inhibitor into the Sublimation Aludel. It took another few moments for the reaction to start. She turned to the Hygroscope and observed the four liquids behind the pane of rock crystal: a mixture of quicksilver, aqua fortis, brine and fish oil, each coloured with a different hue of vitriol, indicated the proportion of gaseous Quintessence – the Naviferous Aether – in the air under the hull. The liquids bubbled behind the crystal, reacting to a sudden change in pressure, then stabilised at the new levels, layer upon layer, at their respective measuring notches carved in the crystal pane. And then – a new layer emerged where there shouldn’t be one: a fifth, ruby-coloured liquid filled out the unmarked space between the quicksilver and aqua fortis.

– Excerpted from The Flying Barons of Negriponte by James Calbraith, Flying Squid, 2023. Reprinted with permission.

How Punkis your Candle?

From itsorigin, the term ‘steampunk’ was tongue-in-cheek. A play on ‘cyberpunk’invented only because cyberpunk was a popular genre at the time (early 1980s),it was always more about the ‘steam’ component – the aesthetics and fashions ofVictorian industrial era, the steam engines, the top hats, the airships, thepipes, valves and pulleys, the brass, leather and glass – than the actual‘punk’.

The‘punk’ of cyberpunk had a clear meaning: anarchy, evil corporations, dystopiancollapse, sex, drugs and rock’n’roll amid a cyber future. Not so muchsteampunk: moral dilemmas and philosophical musings often give way to simplylooking cool and having romping adventures in a steam-powered mechas or fighting gothic monsters in a moody mansion. The importance of aesthetics overstory could be the reason why steampunk, unlike cyberpunk, is betterrepresented in visual media – animation, graphic novels, video and tabletopgames – than literature.

That’snot to say there’s nothing important that steampunk can tell us as a genre. TheVictorian era was the time when our modern world was being forged; women foughtfor their rights, as did the working classes; slavery was finally abolished inthe West, but exploitative colonial empires thrived; the entire world becametruly interconnected for the first time, with steamers plying the oceans fromTokyo to San Francisco and from Cape Town to Vladivostok; revolutions wereslowly brewing that would soon bring the downfall of empires that had lastedfor centuries. These are all themes that a good steampunk story should, andwill, explore, in all its top-hatted, be-goggled glory.

And thenthere are all the other ‘-punks’. Like the Watergate building giving a part ofits name to all the political scandals since, so did Steampunk help to defineall the genres that emphasised retrofuturistic aesthetics. Clockpunk forRenaissance and Da Vinci-inspired mechanisms. Dieselpunk forthe 1940s era, with combustion engines replacing steam and black leathertrenchcoats instead of frocks. Decopunk for Art Deco. Atompunk forthe 1950s – think Fallout, Bioshock. For the age before Clockpunk, the HighMiddle Ages – in which my new book, “The Flying Barons of Negriponte” is set –no single good term has yet been invented. There’s Candlepunk, whichI prefer to use myself, but I’ve heard of Castlepunk, Monkpunk and evenDungeonpunk. Once again, all these terms focus on the aesthetics of thesetting: the source of power is alchemy and primitive clockwork; the fightingis done with swords, crossbows and, depending on the fictional century, earlygunpowder; the mood is dark, foggy and brooding, all hooded monks in candle-litrooms and armoured knights sinking in the bogs. But if you can’t find enough ofthe ‘punk’ element – dystopian social commentary – in the era of crusades,heresies, plagues, robber knights and peasant revolts, are you even trying?

About the Author

James Calbraith is a Poland-born Scottish writer of history-adjacent novels, coffee drinker, Steely Dan fan and avid traveller.

Growing up in communist Poland on a diet of powdered milk, “Lord of the Rings” and soviet science-fiction, he had his first story published at the ripe age of eight. After years of bouncing around Polish universities, he moved to London in 2007 and started writing in English. Now lives in Edinburgh, hoping for an independent Scotland.

His debut historical fantasy novel, “The Shadow of Black Wings“, has reached Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finals in 2012. “The Year of the Dragon” saga sold over 30,000 copies worldwide.

His new historical fiction saga, “The Song of Ash” has been on top of Amazon’s Bestseller lists in UK for months. 

Connect with James:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Wattpad | Quora

 

Raising Jess: A Story of Hope by Vickie Rubin

 

RaisingJess: A Story of Hope isthe powerful story of one family’s survival when faced with adversity. Writtenwith compassion, honesty, and humor, it tells of a family changed forever bythe birth of a child with a rare chromosome deletion and their courageousdecision to choose hope. Facing the challenges of caring for her daughter,marriage struggles, and the question of having more children, Vickie Rubingives a glimpse in the world of her family and transformation while raisingJess. This beautiful, gripping memoir will delight and leave you wanting more.

 

 

This Will Make You Stronger

 

Thiswill make you stronger; you just don’t know it yet. Ahh, hindsight, that 20-20vision was spiraling in the wrong direction. When the doctor told us that ourbaby daughter was delayed in every milestone and would never walk or talk, thenews was so shocking that the idea of getting stronger was not even in ourthoughts. If somebody had told me, “This will make you stronger,” I may haveclobbered them to show my strength! But that’s when the “You just don’t know ityet” comes into play.

Whatis this Rash?

Ourteeny-tiny first child was born on April 11, 1982. Jessica weighed 4 pounds 11ounces at birth. A week before delivery, I complained to my doctor about arash, and for a week, he said to me, “The baby is settling, not to worry.” Itruly wanted to believe it was nothing. And then my water broke… We arrived atthe local hospital, and I told a few doctors about my rash; each dismissed ituntil finally, an astute nurse (probably an experienced mother) told me my rashlooked like “chicken pox”! My mind went into overdrive, racing with thethoughts of: “What? How can this be?” Hadn’t I already had all the childhooddiseases?” A physician had to do a biopsy of my rash to confirm if I hadchicken pox. I clearly remember labor pain and a scalpel on my blisterhappening simultaneously. This would make me stronger; I just didn’t know ityet.

ChickenPox

Abiopsy of the pox verified what any experienced mother would have suspected: Ihad chicken pox. The hospital quickly responded by discharging me, without anymedical transportation, to the local children’s hospital. My husband gatheredme in the car and drove the twenty miles by car and 1000 miles measured in thestress route. I was a first-time mom and didn’t know how fast the baby wouldarrive – was the highway going to be listed on the birth certificate as placeof birth? Would my newborn start her life with chicken pox? How dangerous wasthis for my yet-to-be-born daughter? And where the H@#$ did I get chickenpox? Thisjourney was filled with fear and uncertainty, but little did I know it wasmaking me stronger.

Isolation

Oncewe arrived at Children’s, the medical staff isolated me from everyone andassured us we would be fine. I felt relief from their confidence and was readyto deliver my first child. I labored for ten hours before our little princesswas born. The desire to bond with my newborn was strong, yet I was unable toembrace our baby because of the risk of transmitting my disease. With tears andso much sadness, I let the nurse take my daughter to the Neonatal IntensiveCare Unit (NICU) for monitoring. My Mom hormones were screaming to hold mynewborn while the physicians reminded me that I was still contagious. Theisolation and the longing to hold my baby were making me stronger, even thoughI didn't realize it at the time.

ChickenPox Free

Iwas released from the hospital within 36 hours but was unable to see our babyor bring her home until a pediatrician in the community declared that I nolonger had chicken pox.

TheActual Diagnosis

Jessdid not have chicken pox that day. We would later find out that she had a rarechromosome deletion and would always need total assistance for all daily lifeskills. In retrospect, it was evident that Jess had unusual facial features andother anomalies. Still, as first-time parents, we were somewhat clueless, andthe doctors did not say anything to us. This, too, would strengthen both ofus; we just didn’t know it yet.

2024

Itis now 2024, and our beloved Jessica is 42 years old. My husband and I went onto have two more children. We found strength, but not immediately. There weremany bumps along the way, from medical emergencies and financial strains tomarriage struggles and the stress of caring for a child with significant needs. Wediscovered our strength by watching our eldest daughter take on each day with asmile, a giggle, and a hug. My husband and I found courage as our confidenceand experience expanded. The support of our family, friends, and the medicalcommunity was invaluable in our journey. Jessica showed us that althoughthings aren’t what you planned, that’s OK. We learned the value of resilience,the power of love, and the importance of acceptance. Before Jessica, Ididn’t know what my future would bring. I didn’t think I would find a careerthat would help me empower other families of children with special needs. Orthat I would write a hopeful book about raising Jess and our family. I didn’tknow that April 11 would change the course of our lives and that we would notonly survive but thrive.

Weare Stronger

Our path differed from many of ourfriends and neighbors. But our opportunities and experiences changed our livesfor the better. We looked at everything through the lens of how wewould do this rather than how we couldn’t. Raising Jess made us stronger, andnow I know it!

 

 

Aboutthe Author

VickieRubin, M.S Ed. is a three-time award-winning author of the inspiring memoirRaising Jess: A Story of Hope. The memoir encompasses overcoming marriagestruggles, having more children, and the sibling experience. Vickie's debutmemoir won the 2022 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award for Non-Fiction and wasa Finalist in the Best Book Award and Books Excellence Award for inspirationalmemoir. She is an experienced public speaker and passionate advocate forfamilies of children with disabilities. Vickie's essays are published inNewsweek and featured in the Buffalo News and guest blogs worldwide. She is afrequent Podcast guest sharing information about raising a child with adisability, inspiring hope, family dynamics, education, and advocacy. Her blog,Vickie's Views, gives a heartwarming and humorous view of everyday life,including raising a child with a disability, observing daily life, family,marriage, and RV travel. Before writing her book, Vickie was the director ofthe Early Childhood Direction Center (ECDC) for Oishei Children’s Hospital,Kaleida Health, a New York State Education Department grant-funded program.Vickie and her husband Mitch celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in 2023.They have three children, three grandchildren, and two very active dogs. 

Youcan follow the author at:

Website:https://vickierubin.com/

Vickie’sViews: https://vickierubin.com/blog/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/RaisingJessStory/

Instagram:@vickierubin.author

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickie-rubin-aa1a09177/

Twitter/X:@vickierubin

Eight Things You Did Not Know About Author Anoop Judge

Not just an author of four books and counting, Anoop Judge is alsoa writing instructor and former TV host. Find out more by visiting Anoop'swebsite https://anoopjudge.com/

 

Eight Things YouDon’t Know About Me

I Grew Up AmongBooks and Bollywood: My childhood in New Delhi was a vibrant blend ofliterature and Bollywood. My love for storytelling was nurtured by the richnarratives of both the written word and the cinematic world. Whether it wasreading classic novels or watching the latest Bollywood hits, these earlyexperiences deeply influenced my passion for writing and creativity.

A Litigator byDay, Writer by Night: Before I fully embraced my writing career, I spent sevenyears as a litigator in the United States. Balancing the demanding legalprofession with my passion for writing was no easy feat. Late nights were oftenspent drafting stories and working on manuscripts, a practice that kept mycreative spirit alive amidst the rigorous demands of my legal career.

The Fear Factor: Iam deathly afraid of cockroaches and there’s a story behind it. Read it here: https://scars.tv/dirt/dirt161nov-dec18/Hurricane_Katrina.htm#Cockroach          

The Travel Bug: Travelis a significant part of my life. I’ve visited over 20 countries, from Santorini toVietnam. But after I attended a writer’s residency in Noyers Sur Serein in Burgundy, France at Le Porte Piente in acrumbling medieval castle, I’ve modified my bucket list of must-see touristspots to going off the beaten path, and staying in small villages where thelocals are uber-friendly, and the produce is always fresh and fragrant. Theseadventures not only fuel my creativity but also deepen the authenticity of thecharacters and settings in my stories.

Rom-Coms are myJam: I love to watch rom-coms although I don’t read romantic novels. I like toread what I write which is book club fiction also called upmarket literaryfiction, but my guilty pleasure is watching shows like Bridgerton andmovies like The Idea of You.

Languages are theDeath of Me: I’m bad at languages. I am fluent in English (acquired through myconvent school education) Hindi and Punjabi (my native tongues) but other thanthat, I struggle with languages whether it be the French I took as an electivesubject in college or the Spanish I continue to fail in, despite going toMexico many times a year.

I Have a RealPassion for Zoos: I love visiting zoos. Zoos are fascinating places that offerthe opportunity to observe and learn about a wide variety of animals fromaround the world. I truly believe that appreciating the beauty and diversity ofthe animal kingdom is a natural and enriching interest, and there is no agelimit to enjoying such experiences. I took my children to the zoo on weekendsand holidays and instilled in them both a similar love for zoos.

Favorite Cuisine: WhileI enjoy a wide range of cuisines, and I hail from Punjab, which is the Northernpart of India, yet, South Indian food holds a special place in my heart. Fromcrispy dosas and fluffy idlis to spicy curries and flavorful chutneys,South Indian food reminds me of my childhood and family gatherings with my momand dad.

Ihope these insights give you a deeper understanding of who I am beyond myprofessional achievements and creative endeavors. Life is a tapestry ofexperiences, and these facets of my life have shaped me into the person I amtoday.

Book review: When Love Wags a Tail by Carmen Leal

Our four-leggedfriends have huge hearts. Experience the joy of this collection of true-lifestories of humans and the amazing dogs who saved them. Carmen Leal neverdreamed tragedy could bring positive change. Suffering a traumatic brain injuryafter a car wreck, the marketing pro struggled to find her center and reclaimher life. But after finally caving in and adopting a rescue dog, her worldchanged forever. Flourishing on her new furry friend’s unconditional love, sheturned her talents to supporting canines still facing grim futures. Workingtirelessly over the course of four years, she’s helped find homes for over6,500 dogs and collected endless tales of wonderment and triumph.

Now, she’s here toshare the real-life stories of how a deep connection with these incredibleanimals can bring fulfillment and joy. In this heartwarming compilation, authorand storyteller Carmen Leal interweaves her personal journey with those who’veexperienced renewal at the paws of the dogs they adopted. Bringing togetherover sixty snapshots, Leal connects both dramatic and simply sweet accounts,including her own, while advocating for help and donating a portion of eachsale to a foster-to-adoption group.

When Love Wags a Tailis part emotional memoir and part treasure trove of inspirational and humorousjourneys. If you like protecting loyal friends who lack a voice, feel-goodadventures, and giving back, then you’ll adore Carmen Leal’s touching read. Purchasea copy of When Love Wags a Tail on Amazon,Barnesand Noble, and Bookshop.org.You can also add it to your GoodReadsreading list.

My review:

I am an animal lover whospends far too much time online watching rescues of all kinds of animals, fromdogs to cats to elephants and more. I also love dogs and have two rescues of myown. So, when the chance came to review Carmen Leal’s When Love Wags a Tail,I had to say yes. This book is a delightful and moving collection of storiesabout dogs who were rescued and who, in turn, rescued their rescuers. What is adog? Certainly ‘not just a dog,’ as the poem says. A dog is 100% pure love,commitment, joy, and loyalty. They feel intense emotions, they love, theylaugh, and they cry, just as humans do. The stories in this collection arefunny, tragic, moving, enlightening, sobering, uplifting, in fact they coverthe wide range of human emotions and experiences and how dogs fit into all thisand how they feel. Reading this book will teach you a lot about dogs and howtheir experiences shape and affect them, and how the various humans learned fromtheir dogs’ lives.

The stories also includea lovely thread of gardening, although the author makes no claim to be a gardeningexpert. You can pick up this book, open it anywhere, and enjoy the story you find.But you won’t do that. Like me, you’ll start reading and keep going for ‘justone more.’ I learned a lot from these experiences; I also shed a few tears, sokeep a box of tissues handy. The photographs are utterly beautiful, and I wishedthere had been one of every single dog mentioned. At the end, there are minibios of the contributors, who come from all walks of life, with different lifeexperiences. At the end, you will realize that dogs are nature’s best medicine.You can’t lie around wallowing in self-pity if you have a dog. A dog is thebest reason in the world to get up and go for a walk with a friend who isoverjoyed just to be in your company and enjoying the time spent with you. If youare unwell, a dog is the best reason in the world to fight to get better. Afterall, you and your best friend need to spend quality time together. Plus, didn’tthe doctor say moving around would be good for you? After reading this book youwill either get or foster a dog or find yourself volunteering at the nearestshelter where they always need someone to lend a hand or walk the dogs. Dogsare God’s angels with four paws and a tail. There is no doubt about it. Besides,as W. Bruce Cameron wisely said: “God is dog spelled backward.”

 

About the Author

Carmen Leal is astoryteller, Coconut's mom, and a reluctant gardener. She is the author ofmultiple books, articles, devotionals, and human-interest stories. Carmenrelocated from Hawaii to Oshkosh, yes, there is a story behind the move, andhas become an awesome dog mom. Carmen and her husband have become reluctantgardeners and, sadly, they know a crazy amount about Wisconsin weeds. She isthe mother of Coconut, the best imperfectly perfect rescue dog in the world. Carmendidn’t know enough about rescuing dogs; okay, she knew nothing, but despite hercomplete lack of research or knowledge, she ended up with Coconut, the rescuewho was and continues to be perfect for her.

Carmen is an activemember of the Oshkosh Southwest Rotary Club, part of her neighborhoodassociation's leadership team, and is an adjunct professor for Fox ValleyTechnical College's award-winning E-Seed Entrepreneurship workshop. When she isnot writing and speaking, Carmen reads, cooks, and is a major bargain hunter atconsignment and antique shops. A portion of every book sold is donated toSecond Chance North, an area foster-to-adoption group that helps to rescue moredogs. Follow Carmen on Facebook at #rescuemoredogs.

Find Carmen onlineat:

Her website: https://www.carrmenleal.com

Her publishingcompany: https://wagawaypublishing.com

Her Facebook page: https://facebook.com/rescuemoredogs

Her Personal FacebookPage: https://www.facebook.com/carmen.leal.794 

10 Things You Might Not Know About The First Girl by Jennifer Chase

 

Detective Katie Scott stares in horror at what she and her K9 Cisco have discovered: seven shallow graves, the bodies of young women each wrapped carefully in a blanket and buried in makeshift coffins in a rural area.

Title: The First Girl: Detective Katie Scott Book 11Author: Jennifer Chase

Publication Date: December 19, 2023

Pages: 354Genre: Crime Fiction/Thriller

The cold night breeze slams the barndoor shut with a sickening crash. The girl curled in the corner wakeswith a start. Her gold butterfly necklace catches the pale moonlight asshe clutches it tight, thinking of her family. Will she ever escape? Oris this the last face she’ll ever see?

Detective Katie Scott stares in horror at what she and her service dog Cisco have discovered: seven shallowgraves, the bodies of young women each wrapped carefully in a blanketand buried in makeshift coffins. Miles of abandoned farmland stretch out from the treeline behind her. Has Katie uncovered the horrifyinggraveyard of a monster who has been stealing Pine Valley’s daughters for years?

Katie quickly identifies one of thevictims as Abigail Andrews, a beautiful young woman who disappearedfifteen years ago. Katie is heartbroken that she’ll have to tellAbigail’s mother her darling girl is gone.

When Katie is ambushed working late at the scene, fired upon by an unknown assailant, she knows she must beclose to finding the killer. But the shooter vanishes into thin air. And when a new young woman is taken, dark haired and dark eyed like theothers, Katie realizes her time is running out. Can she stay alive longenough to track down this twisted murderer before another young life isstolen too soon?

“Fast paced, characters intelligent and had each others back. The plot was a bit harrowing, but from whatplot entailed I was confident one of the main protagonists, Katie hadthe situation under control. At least the best of her capabilities asthe situation warranted. This ebook was fresh, tasteful and powerful. It was a boon to read about a female with military experience whomaintained a level head and who put her knowledge to practice.” ~Amazon 

“AMAZING characters (includingCisco of coarse) & suspense in a twisty plot that sucks you in & never lets you go. Highly RECOMMEND the entire series for some greatreading.”  ~NetGalley

“AMAZING characters (includingCisco of coarse) & suspense in a twisty plot that sucks you in & never lets you go. Highly RECOMMEND the entire series for some greatreading.” ~Goodreads

The First Girl is available at Amazon & Other Retailers.

Book Excerpt:

The soft breeze blew through the open bedroom window, ruffling the sheer curtain. The evening was still warm from the sizzling day and was now gently cooling into the July night. The crickets played a harmony of music that filtered around the farm and across the acreage.

Lara Fontaine suddenly awoke, a loud sound interrupting her sleep. She sat up in bed and looked around the small bedroom but wasn’t sure what she had heard. In the other twin bed, her best friend Desi was still asleep and breathing evenly. What had disturbed Lara? Her first thought was to wake her friend because it was Desi’s house and she might have some idea what the sound had been, but she decided against it. She swung her legs over the side of the bed, where they dangled, not quite reaching the floor. Still contemplating if she should go investigate, she stared at the closed bedroom door. Even though she was twelve, almost thirteen, she had developed a curious mind and wanted to know the answers to so many things. Everything she saw in her world made her more inquisitive.

Lara stood up, feeling the wood floor against the soles of her feet—it too was warm, like the evening air. Wearing only a white cotton nightgown, she decided to explore. Glancing back at Desi, who was still sound asleep, she went to the door and slowly turned the knob. To her relief, the door hinges were well-oiled and didn’t emit any sound.

A breeze hit her as she stepped into the hallway, which seemed strange. It was as if someone had left a door or a window open. She didn’t slow her pace as she moved forward. For the first time since she woke, she heard a noise, as if a chair was sliding across the floor. It was high-pitched and had an eerie quality about it.

As if being pulled by an unknown force, Lara crept toward the sound. She headed down the hallway, passing closed doors, to the kitchen. The farmhouse plank floors creaked beneath her slight weight. She stopped and listened. Leaning her body toward the sound, stretching on her tiptoes, she assumed she would hear more, but it remained quiet. As Lara let out a breath, her previous curiosity had now diminished, she decided she would return to the bedroom and try to go back to sleep.

But suddenly a strong arm grabbed her around the waist and clamped a hand over her mouth. She instantly struggled, but the man’s strength easily overpowered her as he carried Lara to the back door. She could smell stale cigarette smoke on him and some kind of whiskey. The more she struggled against him, the more she weakened. Her whimpers were the only thing she could express.

The outside air hit her. She kept struggling, hearing her attacker’s rattled breathing next to her ear. Realizing they were heading toward the large barn, she tried to put her legs out in front of her to stop their progress, but it was no use.

“Stop fighting,” hissed the man directly into Lara’s ear. “It’ll be over soon.”

Those words resonated in her mind.

What did he mean?

The crickets abruptly stopped.

Silence.

Holding Lara with one arm, the man pulled open the barn door. The hinges made a terrible squeak, interrupting the quiet.

“Stop!” Lara managed to say. “Please, don’t…” Her arm felt as if it would break.

They moved deeper into the barn.

Lara could smell the hay and the alfalfa. But there was a low murmuring sound that she didn’t recognize. She was forcibly put into an old metal chair and immediately her hands and ankles were secured, and a piece of duct tape covered her mouth.

It was difficult for Lara to focus through her tears, but she forced herself to look around. There were wooden crates filled with metal items, tools, and miscellaneous parts from various pieces of farm equipment. Then she saw her.

In a corner, there was a dark-haired young woman. She too was tied to a high-backed chair, unable to free herself. Her arms, legs, torso, and neck were secured. Her eyes were wide in terror, swollen from crying, and blood ran down her arms and neck from struggling against the restraints.

Lara locked eyes with the woman. So many emotions gripped her. Panic. Desperation. Fear.

The man moved around the area, he was dressed in jeans and a white, stained T-shirt. He appeared to be conflicted, confused, and even a bit panic-stricken as he ran his hands through his hair. Moving back and forth, he went from one box to a table, and then back to another box until he decided what he wanted. He carefully plucked out a long instrument that appeared to be some type of sharp, thin knife and stared at it with curiosity and wonder as if seeing it for the first time.

To Lara’s horror, he turned and approached the woman. With his back to Lara, he attacked the woman with vicious intent. She heard muffled screams as the woman writhed in her seat.

Lara could barely breathe. She thought she would pass out, but her unrelenting terror kept her awake as she shook violently in her chair, watching the horrifying ordeal until it finally came to an end.

The man turned slowly, his shirt soaked in crimson. He looked at Lara as if he wondered why she was there. Still with the bloody tool in his hand, he slowly moved toward her. The weapon was still drenched with the woman’s blood.

“No…” Lara tried to say.

He stood in front of her like a monster, reaching out.

Lara took a short breath. It was the last thing she remembered before passing out.

 10 ThingsYou Might Not Know About The First Girl

The series takes place in a town called Pine Valley located in Sequoia County California, along with several nearby towns that are made up and entirely from my imagination.

The commands and search techniques used in the story are some of what I've learned firsthand training my own German shepherd for cadaver/forensic search.

This has been a series that I've wanted to write for some time—more than five years before I pitched to my publisher.

Detective Katie Scott's partner Detective Sean McGaven's character is based on someone I once worked with. 

I've studied nearly one hundred homicide crime scenes, which contributed to the body count and creativity in The First Girl.

Inspiration for the large rural areas in the story was based on my own observations in visiting similar places.

I sketched on paper the crime scenes and farmhouses, areas of escape, and where bodies would be located before writing those particular chapters.

In The First Girl, I loosely outlined the story before beginning to write, but I love to create the guessing game of who the killer is and how the ended is going to be crafted. I had fun with this story.

On my walks or when I'm doing errands, I sometimes take photos of places, locations, and buildings that helped to inspire this story's locations.

I always balance out how many times Detective Katie Scott uses Cisco, her retired military working dog, in area searches surrounding the cases.

About the Author 

Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling. Her latest book is The First Girl.

Website & Social Media:

Website -> https://authorjenniferchase.com/ 

Twitter -> https://twitter.com/jchasenovelist 

Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferChase 

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/jenchaseauthor/ 

Goodreads:->www.goodreads.com/author/show/2780337.Jennifer_Chase 

 

 

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Book Review: Mastering the ABCs of Excellent Writing by Randy C Dockens and Robert Irvin

 

The authors of this book explain what they wished they had known when they began their writing journeys: rules are made to be broken, but with purposeful intent, and you, not the rules, are what makes your stories unique from all others. 

Title: Mastering the ABCs of Excellent WritingAuthor: Randy C. Dockens & Robert Irving

Publication Date: April 4, 2024

Pages: 250Genre: Fiction Writing Reference/Authorship/Writing Skill Reference

The authors of this book (one a writer/author; one an editor) explain what they wished they had known when they began their writing journeys. This book will speed up your writing proficiency and aid your goal of being published with excellent material your readers will enjoy.

Why this book on writing? There are two things we learned the hard way and want you to gather the easy way. One, rules are made to be broken—but you want to break them only with intentional purpose. And two, you, not the rules, are what make your stories, your writing, unique from all others.

We cover various writing techniques and how to make your writing something readers will keep enjoying, but we also help you with the artistic side of writing, meaning what’s inside you, your writing technique, and your brand.

This easy-to-enjoy manual is written in a unique alphabetical style, filled with tips and extra-information boxes at the end of each chapter, and has a number of helpful additions following the final chapter.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Randy Dockens Bookstore

Book Excerpt:

There are many books on writing, so why another one?

What I (Randy) discovered as I began my writing journey was that knowing the rules and applying the rules are not necessarily the same thing. You’ve heard the expression: rules were made to be broken. Well, that is certainly true when writing a book. I wish someone had told me this truth in the beginning. In this book, we aim to tell you some important rules, but just as importantly, we aim to tell you when they can be (gently) broken.

The other thing missing from so many books on writing is you. You are what makes your stories, your writing, unique from all others. We want you to include you in your writing. So we’re giving you what we (Randy as an author, and Bob as an editor) wished we had known and understood when we started our writing journeys. Much of what we say in this book will benefit fiction writers, but almost all aspects can benefit nonfiction writers as well. 

If you master everything in this book, will you have a best-seller and start grossing a six-figure income from your books? Unfortunately, no one can guarantee that, and in truth, the answer is likely no. (Books of material have been written on this topic, and a common theory is that it takes seven published books before you begin to make some solid money. That, though, is just a rule of thumb, and maybe that rule also is meant to be broken—or at least bent some—by you.)

If you want to be classified as a good writer and want those who read your work to enjoy your books, then we think this book can help. While there are a lot of science and writing techniques that go into a good piece of literature, there is an art element that is also an integral part of its creation. That’s why no two authors produce identical works. You can give two authors the same story outline and come away with two pieces of literature that have a different twist and may even go in entirely different directions.

The science of the writing, like most of what is in this book, is a key part of that output, but so is the individual creativity of the mind of the author as well. This book will help you with the first part—and hopefully spur you a bit onward in the second. Your imagination is truly the only thing that can help or limit you with that second aspect, however. We aim to assist you with that second part with the lessons in this book. We want this book to help inspire your creativity. These two aspects of writing—given care, diligence, and passion—together will make you an unstoppable force. We hope this book can be an integral part of your journey.

Also, this book cannot contain everything you need to know or will need to learn. Yet it will get you started on the right foot and, we think, save you a great deal of time and effort in what you need to know to produce a quality piece of literature from the outset.

In the end, nothing meaningful from your wonderful mind gets on anyone’s reading stand or nightstand unless you the writer write it. So it starts with writing. And that’s what this book is about. 

My Review: Mastering the ABCs of ExcellentWriting is the result of a collaboration between Randy C. Dockens, an author,and Robert Irvin, an editor, writer, and author. Their aim is to help authorscreate ‘vivid and colorful stories readers want to read.’ They do not promisethat reading their book and implementing the advice will result in a bestsellerand a six-figure income, but they can promise you will be all the better forabsorbing and implementing their sound advice. I am an established author indifferent genres, and I can assure readers this is true. I was very impressedby this book and here is why. The authors are honest and do not make falseclaims or promises. As they point out, each writer is unique and should play totheir own strengths. However, doing this in conjunction with establishedindustry high standards will make for a better book and hence better results.Any author/writer must do their own heavy lifting, but it is much easier if onehas excellent tools/techniques to help. Here is where Dockens and Irvin comein.

Writing tips and advice is a vastsubject to cover and this could end up with the reader floundering between theAbyss of Adverbs and the Tempest of Tenses. Dockens and Irvin have come up witha cute trick: the topics are arranged alphabetically which makes it fun to read(no, really, it does) and easy to locate the area where one is weakest. Info boxesat the end of each chapter give tips from both authors. The wealth ofinformation is shared in a down-to-earth, conversational, and positive tonewith both authors participating and this format works very well. The readerfeels the issues facing them as a potential author are not insurmountable, andthey feel in safe hands. Dockens and Irvin also give several appendices withrefences/end notes to other books and sites readers can visit. This book is areal treasure trove of vital information for both the seasoned author and thenovice writer. I highly recommend it and will most certainly be using it tobrush up on my own writing skills! Five stars!

About the Authors

Dr. Randy C. Dockens has afascination with science and with the Bible, holds Ph.D. degrees in both areas, and is a man not only of faith and science, but also ofcreativity. He believes that faith and science go hand in hand withoutbeing enemies of each other.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Auburn University he went on to graduate school atAuburn and completed his first doctorate degree in Pharmaceutics. Hebegan his scientific career as a pharmacokinetic reviewer for the Foodand Drug Administration and later joined a leading pharmaceuticalcompany as a pharmacokineticist, which is a scientist who analyzes howthe human body affects drugs after they have been administered (i.e,absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted).

Through the years, he has worked onpotential medicines within several disease areas, includingcardiovascular, fibrosis, and immunoscience to seek and develop new andnovel medicines in these therapy areas.

He has also had his attention on theacademic study of the Bible. He earned a second doctorate in BiblicalProphecy from Louisiana Baptist University after receiving a master’sdegree in Jewish Studies from the Internet Bible Institute under thetutelage of Dr. Robert Congdon.

Randy has recently retired from hispharmaceutical career and is spending even more time on his writingefforts. He has written several books that span dystopian, end-timeprophecy, science fiction, and uniquely told Bible stories. All hisbooks, while fun to read, are futuristic, filled with science to givethem an authentic feel, have a science fiction feel to them, and allowsone to learn some aspect of Biblical truth one may not have thoughtabout before. This is all done in a fast-paced action format that isboth entertaining and provides a fun read for his readers.

He has also written some nonfictionbooks as well. One is to show how all humans are connected from God’sviewpoint by looking at biblical prophecy. This book shows how allscripture is connected and inclusive of everyone. In addition, he andhis editor have written a book about writing. This book not onlyaddresses the techniques of writing, but what makes writing unique toeach author. It conveys not only how to better hone one’s craft ofwriting but also the brand an author wants to portray. This helps anauthor make their writing unique as well as captivating for his/heraudience. A companion book to this one regarding self-editing techniques will also soon be available.

You can visit Randy’s website at www.randydockens.com. Connect with him on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Instagram.

Robert Irvin has been aprofessional writer and editor for his entire adult life. He started injournalism and worked in all levels of newspaper reporting and editing,from the proverbial cub reporter to bureau chief, night city deskeditor, and newsroom editor. Under his leadership, the Middletown (Ohio) Journal won several top state newspaper placements in 2003-2004. He has written award-winning pieces for several magazines.

In 2005 he chose publishing and wentto Standard Publishing (Cincinnati) where he worked with authors fromacross the nation and internationally on youth ministry materials forthe former Christian-based publisher, which had a rich history servingAmerican and Canadian churches dating to 1869. In 2011, Robert wentindependent. He helped develop a homeschool curriculum site for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine during a two-year period in which he worked for this trailblazing homeschoolorganization. He does the majority of his work with Christian BookServices. He has ghostwritten long portions of books for authors andentire books for a World War II veteran’s memoirs (written 2013-2015 atage 89-91!) and a former NFL quarterback’s story of mentoring his highschool football star son.

Robert has edited virtually every type of book, from business to novels to theology to sports to memoirs toabuse survival stories, and much more. His credits include scores ofbooks. He has spoken at or served as faculty at various writingconferences.

He enjoys family, running, theoutdoors, bad golf (like many, he has the bug, which just won’t goaway), a heated game of Scrabble, virtually any sport, and reading anybook that even remotely interests him.

Robert has a BA from Ohio State University in Journalism. He and wife Joan have four children. Reach Bob at bobirvin642@gmail.com.

Visit him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bobjoan.irvin/ and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobirvin31/.

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Book Spotlight: Better Safe Than Sorry by Mike Martin

 

Better Safe Than Sorry is a light, cozy-like mystery that deals with serious issues facing a small community but also finds ways to celebrate family, food and good friends...

Title: Better Safe Than SorryAuthor: Mike Martin

Publication Date: May 10, 2024

Pages: 251Genre: Mystery

Winston Windflower is (sort of) enjoying his retirement from the RCMP in Grand Bank, Newfoundland, happily spending time with his young family, but feeling a little restless. Corporal Eddie Tizzard is running the Marystown detachment and struggling with the demands of the role while his own family grows. When a new kind of drug threatens the community, a body (the wrong body) is found dead in a hearse, and then another drug-connected mysterious death occurs, Tizzard knows he’s dealing with a deadly menace in their quiet, close-knit community.

Windflower finds himself inexorably (and not unhappily) drawn back into the action, first in an unofficial role to help snare the dealers and then back to active duty in a community that desperately needs his steady hand and good judgement. 

Our favorite Mountie, Sgt. Windflower and his fellow courageous cops in small-town Grand Bank, Newfoundland are back to fight a new threat in this compelling page-turner. Award-winning author, Mike Martin once again brings us a stirring story, blending down-home Newfoundland charm with the warmth of family life. 

You can pick up your copy at Amazon.

Book Excerpt:

Some say that April is the cruelest month, but Winston Windflower was pretty convinced that it was March. At least in Grand Bank, Newfoundland. They’d had a relatively mild winter up to this point but now they were getting slammed. Not once but twice. By winter storms that started the day before St. Patrick’s Day and were just ending now on March 19. The locals called the second storm “Sheila’s Brush” as a nickname given to a storm that seemed to occur right after Paddy’s Day. It came from an old Irish legend that claimed Sheila was the wife or sister or mother of St. Patrick and that this dumping of snow is a result of her sweeping away the old season of winter.

Supposedly, that was to prepare everyone for Spring, which the calendar said was about to begin in a week or so. But judging by the current weather and Windflower’s years of experience in Grand Bank, that new season was quite a way off. As he surveyed the banks of snow and checked the weather on his phone, there was more of the white stuff coming. He didn’t mind really. He actually liked the snow and living in this small town on the easternmost tip of Canada.

Until recently Windflower had been an RCMP Officer, a Mountie, but now was the Community Safety Officer for Grand Bank and a number of other surrounding communities. When the local RCMP detachment closed because of budgetary concerns, they needed someone to look after their local policing. The Mounties would look after the big stuff from nearby Marystown, about 40 minutes away, while they hoped Windflower would serve as a deterrent to local criminals who wanted to take advantage of the situation.

So far, so good on the crime front, thought Windflower who had actually spent most of his time doing outreach and crime prevention. In Marystown, however, things were not going so well. 

 

About the Author

Mike Martin was born in St. John’s, NL on the east coast of Canada and now lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a long-time freelance writer and his articles and essays have appeared in newspapers, magazines and online across Canada as well as in the United States and New Zealand.

He is the award-winning author of the best-selling Sgt. Windflower Mystery series, set in beautiful Grand Bank. There are now 14 books in this light mystery series with the publication of Better Safe Than Sorry. 

Mike is Past Chair of the Board of Crime Writers of Canada, a national organization promoting Canadian crime and mystery writers and a member of the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild and Capital Crime Writers.

His latest book is the mystery, Better Late Than Never.

Author Links  

Website | Facebook | X (Twitter)

 

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Book Spotlight: Finding Fran by Nancy Christie

 

Once a best-sellingromance novelist, 55-year-old Fran Carter is now dealing with a slow but steadydrop in book sales and a major case of writer’s block, complicated by theknowledge that her lover, a professional photographer, has been on the wrongside of the camera (so to speak) with his models. (So much for her authorbrand, built on the premise that women in their fifties and beyond can stillfind love and happiness.) Her solution is to spend a week in isolation at anorthern California bed-and-breakfast. There she hopes to resolve herprofessional and personal conflicts, and ultimately create a new and betterfuture for herself by writing a new “story” for the Fran she wants to be!

Purchase a copy of Finding Fran on Amazon, Barnes and Noble,and Bookshop.org. You can also addthis to your GoodReads reading list.

 

About the Author, Nancy Christie

Nancy Christie is theaward-winning author of eight books—two novels: Reinventing Ritaand Finding Fran;three short story collections: Mistletoe Magic and OtherHoliday Tales, Traveling Left of Center and Other Storiesand Peripheral Visions andOther Stories; two books for writers: Rut-Busting Book forAuthors and Rut-Busting Book forWriters; and the inspirational book, The Gifts Of Change.Her short stories and essays have appeared in print and onlinepublications, with several earning contest placement. The host of the Livingthe Writing Life podcast and the founder of the annual “Midlife Moxie” Dayand “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day,Christie teaches writing workshops at conferences, libraries, and schools. Sheis a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA),the Florida Writers Association (FWA)and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association (WFWA).

You can find heronline:

 

Website: https://www.nancychristie.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyChristieAuthor

X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/NChristie_OH

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancychristie_author

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nancychristie_author

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nancychristie_author

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/nancy-christie

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Nancy-Christie/author/B001K8GBYK

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1048768.Nancy_Christie

Midlife Moxie NovelSeries on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@midlifemoxienovelseries3804

Books by NancyChristie on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NancyChristieAuthor

Living the WritingLife podcast: https://livingthewritinglife.podbean.com/

 

Book Spotlight: Is Truth Stranger than Fiction? by J.B. Miller

 

Embark on a witty and mysterious exploration with J.B. Miller in 'Is Truth Stranger than Fiction? You Decide,' where the lines between reality and imagination blur, and every story whispers a hidden truth that challenges you to discern fact from fiction.

Title: Is Truth Stranger Than Fiction? You Decide...Author: JB Miller

Publication Date: April 3, 2024

Pages: 145Genre: Mystery

In Is Truth Stranger than Fiction . . . You Decide, J.B. Miller takes readers on a captivating journey through the world of storytelling. The three stories in volume one explore the fascinating intersection of fact and fiction.

With her trademark wit, Miller poses thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality, the power of imagination, and the enduring appeal of a well-told tale. 

Each story is a mystery for the reader to decide. Is it truth or is it fiction?

Hint: There is truth in every story.

Challenge: If you can figure out how the stories connect you can be acknowledged in volume two for being spot on. 

Email miller.jody@icloud.com to enter your answers and your name. By doing so, and if you are correct, you agree to have your name mentioned in volume 2.

Whether you’re a fan of literature, film, or simply mysteries of human experience, this book is sure to enlighten and entertain. A must-read for anyone who has ever wondered where the boundaries of truth and fiction truly lie.

Buy Links:

Amazon:  https://tinyurl.com/yfj5yk5j

Book’s Website: http://www.truth-or-fiction.com 

 

Book Excerpt:

1.Fired

Bill had no clue he was about to be fired. 

He was sure that his job as an Institutional Salesman at a leading Investment Bank was secure. After all, he alone was responsible for the largest investment funds the bank dealt with and had spent the last ten plus years cultivating those relationships.

Bill thought nothing of jumping on a red eye from New York to San Francisco, just so he could arrive in time to take the head of a Hedge Fund out to breakfast, and then fly back the same day to do dinner with Global Investments, the bank’s largest client. 

A go-getter and dedicated employee described Bill perfectly. 

Bill loved his job and knew that sacrifice was required for success. 

He willingly signed up fifteen years ago (after getting his undergrad from Columbia and MBA from Wharton), with the hope that he would run his Father’s global fund someday.

At 42, Bill took on the look of most investment professionals; slightly overweight, thinning hair, a few wrinkles. He was not as good as he once was, but overall, he could still turn a head now and then. 

He used to get up at 3 a.m., workout at the New York Athletic Club in midtown and be at his desk by 5. But over the past few years, what with all the extra responsibilities that come with being a top biller, a father of growing children and making sure he paid adequate attention to his wife, the exercise slipped away.

That’s when the weight sneaked in. But hey, he got an extra hour of sleep instead, so he accepted the tradeoff.

Bill’s wife quit her job as an Attorney when the first of their three children was born and did a superb job raising them. 

Now she volunteered at the kids’ school, headed up the annual fundraiser and played tennis four days a week at the indoor tennis club on the westside waterfront.

Bill didn’t mind that his wife wasn’t working anymore; he liked being the sole provider for a family he could be proud of. 

All three kids got accepted into Doty Day School, the top private school on the Upper Eastside, which caused his chest to puff out a bit more at neighborhood parties. The founder named the school after some relative of his who came over on the Mayflower. 

Luckily for Bill, he was a Mayflower descendent too. That, combined with a very successful job in a top industry made his kids a shoe in.

All in, tuition only put him back $180k a year, which included a substantial donation to the annual fund. His bonus more than covered it, even though this year projected to be a little less.

Rumor on the street was that machines (something called AI) were fast replacing sales traders and institutional salespeople at large banks, which, he admitted, made him a little nervous. 

But Bill knew he brought value to his employer and pushed the worry out of his mind.

At 9 years old, his oldest boy was a natural pitcher. Bill knew it because he hired a private pitching coach who said so and who worked out with his son three afternoons a week to shape his skills. 

The coach promised that a top ten college scholarship would be in the future, even if he had to pull some strings (wink), so Bill willingly forked over $300 a session. 

His first-grade daughter could sing like a lark. She took private lessons from the top voice coach to the Broadway stars. Seeing his daughter’s name in lights was as much his dream as it was hers. 

The youngest boy hadn’t developed a particular talent or passion yet (he was only five), so Bill and his wife opted for educational augmentation to ensure some sort of advantage over the rest of the pack. 

Raising a family was expensive, but in Bill’s mind, definitely worth it. 

Like everyone else in sales on Wall Street, he lived on a pithy monthly base and used credit cards to cover the rest of it. When the bonus came, a big sigh of relief followed.

It happened on a Friday. 

Bonus numbers were due the following Monday and Bill was edgy with anticipation as to what his number would be when it came out of the firm’s big black box of subjectivity. 

If he made his traditional third of revenues, he would bring in low to mid seven figures if he impressed the head of the division enough – something he tried to do whenever he could.

The bonus covered his mortgage, kid’s tuition, private lessons, vacations, and the down payment on the summer cottage in the Hamptons he and his wife had their eyes on. He knew it would all work out like always and he could breathe for another year.

Bill’s phone rang at 4:35 p.m., shortly after the market closed. He was getting ready to head out for a weekend in the Hamptons.

“Hi Bill, it’s Susan in HR. Can you stop by for a minute before you leave?”

That’s weird, he thought. Why would Susan want to see me? 

He remembered that he pinged Susan about coverage for glasses for his youngest. That could be it.

Bill made his way up the elevator to HR and waited outside Susan’s office as she finished up a call. 

He watched her through the glass and noticed that she appeared particularly somber. She must be dealing with a problem, he thought. It went with the territory. Bill brushed it off and settled in to wait his turn.

“Hey Cal,” Bill called as the Head of Capital Markets walked by. 

Cal nodded briefly, as though preoccupied with something else, and moved on. Cal was usually so jovial.

“Bill, come on in.” 

Bill didn’t hear the door open but was glad he didn’t have to wait a long time to be seen.

“Hi Susan, how goes it? Were you able to find out if the Vision Plan covers glasses? My little guy must have gotten his grandfather’s eyes, which sucks for him.”

“Have a seat, Bill,” Susan replied. “We need to talk.”

An overwhelming sense of dread sent shockwaves through Bill’s ears to the edge of his Cole Hahn loafers. 

Have a seat could only mean one thing.

Bill’s phone vibrated. He glanced at the text.

I hope your bonus is big because I’m pregnant!

– Excerpted from Is Truth Stranger Than Fiction by JB Miller, JB Miller, 2024. Reprinted with permission.

About the Author

JB Miller is a best-selling author of many books of fiction and non-fiction. Miller has a background in television, is a TEDx speaker, top podcast host and writer of numerous articles and blogs. She resides in Oregon and California.

The MISOGI Method

From Drift to Shift

Hired!

No Time for Love

The Perfect Gift

The BIG Little Book of Happiness

The BIG Little Book of Work Happiness

Psyche (coming soon)

Nike (coming soon)

Victory (coming soon)

Praise for J. B. Miller’s work

“Miller is a master storyteller, weaving together complex characters and compelling plot lines with ease.” – NY Book Reviewer

“Miller’s writing is intelligent, engaging, and always thought-provoking.”      – Online Book Review

J.B. Miller is an accomplished author, TEDx speaker, thought leader, podcast host, and founder of Reel Media Agency. Contact her at: miller.jody@icloud.com

Visit JB Miller on the web:

Website: www.truth-or-fiction.com and www.jodybmiller.com

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/JBMillerAuthor 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JodyBMillerAuthor

 

Book Spotlight: The Best Life Book Club by Sheila Roberts

 

It started as a book club. It became a way to build a better life together.

Title: The Best Life Book ClubAuthor: Sheila Roberts

Publication Date: May 7, 2024

Pages: 368Genre: Women's Fiction/Romantic Comedy/ContemporaryRomance

Karissa Newcomb is ready for a new start in a new neighborhood, as far away as she can get from Seattle, where her husband cheated on her with the neighbor who was supposed to be her best friend. She and her nine-year-old daughter are moving on to the city of Gig Harbor on the bay in Puget Sound. She even has a new job as an assistant at a small publishing company right in Gig Harbor. Her new boss seems like a bit of a curmudgeon, but a job is a job, she loves to read, and the idea of possibly meeting writers sounds fabulous.

Soon she finds she’s not the only one in need of a refresh. Her new neighbors, Alice and Margot, are dealing with their own crises. Alice is still grieving her late husband and hasn’t been able to get behind the wheel of a car since a close call after his death. Margot is floundering after getting divorced and laid off in quick succession. They could all use a distraction, and a book club seems like just the ticket. Together, the three women, along with Alice’s grumpy older sister, Josie, embark on a literary journey that just might be the kick-start they need to begin building their best lives yet.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | HarperCollins

 

Landing butt first in mud. How symbolic of Karissa Newcomb’s life. The old life. Not the new one, please, God.

She shouldn’t have crossed that corner of the lawn where the grass was sparse and slick in the pouring Northwest rain. Now here she was, wet and caked in mud. Like the cardboard box she’d dropped. At least the towels were still safely inside it. Something to be thankful for.

“See? There’s always a bright side somewhere,” her mother would say.

What was the bright side to Karissa’s marriage ending? There had to be one. It would be nice if she could find it before she turned thirty-five. It felt like a landmark birthday of sorts, but that was only a few months away though, so she wasn’t holding her breath.

Gig Harbor, Washington, a small maritime city, was a good place to start—close enough to Seattle for the obligatory bi-weekly child hand-off with the ex-husband, but far enough away that she wasn’t constantly having to look at the scene of the crime. Out of sight, out of mind. Someday, hopefully. Meanwhile, she needed to get up and get focused.

Brush the mud off your rear and get it in gear. That should be a bumper sticker.

She picked up her soggy box of towels and followed her brother Ethan and his friend Ike, who were making their way up her driveway, carrying her couch. Her eight-year-old daughter Macy was sitting on it, giggling.

The excitement of the new house had temporarily distracted Macy from the fact that she’d left behind her best friend. Who happened to be the daughter of Karissa’s former best friend. Like Karissa, Macy was going to have to find a new bestie.

Moving in the middle of February, in the middle of the school year, swimming through a deluge of icy rain wasn’t ideal, but that was how events had played out. The house in Seattle on which Karissa had lavished so much care had finally sold and now she had this house—a blue, two-story, Victorian-inspired one with three small bedrooms and a front porch. And a need for paint. The price had been right. Motivated sellers, the real estate agent had said. Karissa knew what that meant. She’d been a motivated seller, herself. Divorce had a way of motivating you. The house didn’t come with a water view like she’d originally dreamed of—water views were far outside her price point—but the neighborhood was pretty, and the street seemed quiet. She could hole up in her almost Victorian home and rebuild her life, the new start people expected you to make after your world collapsed.

“This is adorable,” her mother had gushed when she and Dad had made the trip to check out the house with Karissa and her Realtor.

Her parents were as enamored of Gig Harbor and its waterfront downtown as Karissa was. “I think Gig Harbor will be a perfect place to write the next chapter of your life,” Mom had told her.

“I hope I do a better job of writing this time around,” Karissa had muttered.

“It wasn’t you who messed up,” her dad had growled.

But maybe it was.

She jerked her mind away from that thought. She had a new house and a new job waiting for her. Between that and the spousal and child support her ex was paying she’d be okay financially. Certainly not rich, but okay. And she had free moving help. Look at all the good things she could focus on.

Inside the house, she followed one of the butcher-paper paths she’d made and set the box on the guest bathroom counter. Then she went back for the one with her clothes, brought that into the primary bedroom, which would be hers, and dug out a fresh pair of pants and panties. Think of this as peeling off all the bad parts from your past, she told herself as she ducked into the bathroom and stepped out of her pants.

It was hard peeling off the bad though. It stuck to you like dog poop on a shoe. There was always some little stinky bit that hung on. Like the memory of Mark walking out the door for the last time.

Dog poop, mud. She needed a new image to focus on. Rain. Rain washing away past sadness, bringing a rainbow and a promise of something better. Yes, that was a good image.

Her butt hurt.

Her cell phone rang, and she fished it out of her jacket pocket. “Hi, Mom,” she said, trying to sound the way a hopeful woman making a new start should sound.

“How’s it going?” Mom wanted to know.

“The guys are moving the furniture in now.”

“What’s the weather like there? It’s partly sunny up here.”

“It’s raining like crazy. I should have rented an ark instead of a moving van. I spent a fortune on plastic covering.”

“At least it’s not snow,” Mom said. “And the rain is what keeps everything so green.”

The Pacific Northwest was famous for its perpetual state of green and Seattle had been dubbed the Emerald City. Like Dorothy, Karissa had loved living in the Emerald City.

Until the witch showed up.

 

About the Author

USA Today and Publishers Weekly best-selling author Sheila Roberts has written over fifty books under various names, ranging from romance and relationship fiction to self-improvement. Over three million of her novels have been sold and that number continues to climb. Her humor and heart have won her a legion of fans and her novels have been turned into movies for the Lifetime, Hallmark, and Great American Family channels. Sheila is also a popular speaker, and has been featured at women’s retreats, writers’ conferences, and banquets. When she’s not out dancing with her husband or hanging out with friends, she can be found writing about those things near and dear to women’s hearts: family, friends and chocolate.

Author Links  

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram 

 

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