Excerpt for Gone in an Instant: Losing my son, Loving his killer by Tammy Horvath:

After several more negotiations, the Assistant District Attorney contacted me in early December 2018. They wanted to know if I’d agree to a plea deal of thirty to sixty years. In my opinion, anything less than life without parole was unfair, but I also knew it wasn’t really up to me since the DA’s office, not me, would make the final decision. Asking for my input was simply a courtesy to the victim’s family.

In the end, I agreed to the plea deal, as did the defense. A few days later, I received a call informing me that Wednesday, December 12, 2018, would be the date for Tyrone’s sentencing. I would have the opportunity to present a victim’s impact statement during the sentencing.

This was all happening right before Christmas. I was emotionally distraught and cried so much that I was having a hard time functioning at work. I originally prepared just three short, simple points for my impact statement. But God had other plans. On the morning of the sentencing, I listened to a daily devotion from Saddleback Church (drivetimedevotions.com) as I did every morning. God never fails to speak if we listen for his voice. By the end of the short broadcast, it couldn’t have been clearer what God wanted me to say to Tyrone.

Mike, my mom, my sister Jamie and her husband Jerry, and a couple of Luke’s friends accompanied me to the sentencing. My stomach lurched with nervousness as we arrived at the courthouse, but I was also energized that this would finally be over.

As we were escorted to our seats in the courtroom, I spotted Tyrone seated at the defense table with his public defender. He was reading some legal documents, and it seemed odd that he wasn’t wearing any handcuffs. If he was a dangerous killer, why wasn’t he in handcuffs? I reminded myself that God was with me and that one of the most repeated commands in the Bible is to “fear not.”

Everyone stood as the judge entered the courtroom. After we were all seated, the judge read off the charges against Tyrone, including criminal homicide and robbery. I was so emotional I couldn’t stop shaking. Just then I noticed that no one was on the defense side of the courtroom. Not a single member of his family had shown up to support Tyrone.

With that sad realization, a love only God could give overwhelmed me for this young man. It was so intense I felt my heart was going to burst. I wanted to sit on his side of the courtroom so that he wouldn’t be alone.

About ten minutes later, my shaky legs barely got me to the front of the courtroom to give my victim impact statement. I waited to see if Tyrone would look at me. He didn’t, so I began.

“Tyrone, when I was listening to a devotional program this morning, God laid on my heart what he wanted me to say to you today. It was a Christmas-themed devotional, and the word for today was love. So I’m going to share that devotion with you.”

For the first time, Tyrone glanced at me. I went on, “If I asked you to summarize Christmas in one word, you might say giving or joy or family, maybe even hope. But the essence of Christmas at its very core is about love. L-O-V-E.” I spelled out the individual letters. “In fact, maybe the most well-known verse in the Bible is John 3:16, ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.’”

Praise God. I now had Tyrone’s full attention. “That’s it. Christmas is all about love. The love of God who was willing to step into the brokenness, messiness, and sinfulness of humanity and redeem us to himself. Just think about the depth of God’s love for you by answering this question. If you knew your son was about to die unjustly because of something someone else had done and it was within your power to prevent his death, wouldn’t you stop it from happening?”

Was I getting through to Tyrone? I prayed for God to speak to his heart as I continued, “Of course, you would because you love your son. Imagine then how much God must love you that he would give his only begotten Son to take your place and die for you even when you were sinning against him. The Bible says while we were sinners, Christ died for us. It may not seem to make sense that God would love you and me so deeply. But it’s true. The manger shows it. The cross proves it. We worship the only God who loves sinners. He loves the world even when we are sinning against him, and he wants us to love others even when they sin against us.”

I finished reading the devotional, then looked directly into Tyrone’s soul. “Tyrone, because I am a follower of Jesus, I am required to forgive you. And I have forgiven you from the moment you took my son’s life from this earth. I want you to know that God will also forgive you if you ask him. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us. But the Bible also says we reap what we sow. I believe thirty years is too short of a sentence for taking my son’s life. But in those thirty years, God is also giving you a chance to find him. And maybe someday you will feel the need to let me know why you decided to kill my son Luke.”

Shakily, I rushed back to my seat. Now it was Tyrone’s turn to agree to the charges. I tuned everything out, feeling vulnerable and crying a little. At one point, the judge asked Tyrone if he wanted to say anything.

“No.” But just as the judge started speaking again, he looked at me and interrupted her. “Your Honor, I do have something I would like to say.”

 “Do you want to speak to council first?”

“No.”

“Then go ahead.”

Tyrone turned and addressed me directly. “Like you said before, I don’t have any children, so I can’t really begin to imagine what you feel.”

I was stunned at his words. I’d gotten through to him. God had gotten through to him. Oh, me of little faith. Why did I ever doubt the all-powerful, all-knowing, almighty God?

I had tears in my eyes as Tyrone continued, “There was a reason behind what I did. It may not be right, and I don’t want to put it on record, but given a chance, I will have my lawyer contact you. All I want to say right now is I apologize for your loss. If I could take it back, I would.”

Whether he was saying this because he’d been caught or because he genuinely wished he’d never killed my son, I couldn’t know. But I felt so blessed God was granting my plea that Tyrone would speak to me that I found myself smiling at him as joy washed over me like buckets of cool water on a sweltering day. Finally, I’d been promised answers as to why he’d shot my son.

Jumping up, I begged the judge. “Your Honor, would it be possible to hug him?”

My whole family and the ADA gasped. Then everything was silent except for the hammering of my heartbeat. The judge pursed her lips and stared at me. I held my breath, saying a silent prayer that God would give me this. I really wanted to hug Tyrone. I wanted him to feel my love.

It felt like minutes passed, though I’m sure it was only seconds. Then the judge said emphatically, “No, not for a few reasons, okay? Because he is incarcerated.”

My heart dropped to the floor. Pain swept over me like a rip current grabbing hold and pulling me under. I couldn’t breathe as I plummeted to the ocean’s floor. Back in my seat, tears poured from my eyes like water from a faucet, knowing I wouldn’t get the chance to hug Tyrone. Beside me, I could feel Mike’s relief. I knew my husband well enough to guess he was figuring Tyrone might very well snap my neck if he got his large bony hands on me. But at that moment, I didn’t care.

Tyrone was still staring at me, so I looked him straight in the eyes and said with complete sincerity, “I’m sending you a hug, Tyrone. I really wish I could give it to you in person.”

After the sentencing, I tried to get permission to visit Tyrone in prison. I found someone willing to talk to Tyrone on my behalf, and Tyrone agreed to see me. But I wasn’t able to get authorization to visit him. So I did the only thing I could. I sent him another message to let him know it wasn’t my choice not to see him.

I didn’t know if Tyrone had people in his life who’d let him down, but I didn’t want to be one of those people. He would have a long life ahead of him in prison, and my heart broke for him. I could not explain my love for him, a love which only God could have placed in my heart. He remains on my daily prayer list, and maybe someday God will open the door for me to share God’s love and forgiveness with him in person.

Review from the United Kingdom with the link embedded:

 Lisa 5.0 out of 5 stars powerful and candid memoir of forgiveness Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 1, 2022

Losing a child has to be every parent’s worst nightmare. Having that child murdered horrifically is beyond imagining for most of us, but not for Tammy Horvath. Given the distressing subject, I was initially wary of reading ‘Gone in an Instant’, Tammy’s incredible memoir of love, loss, and forgiveness. I had, however, read so many reviews praising the book, I put my qualms aside and I’m so pleased I did. ‘Gone in an Instant’ is a powerful, well-written and candid memoir which draws the reader in and leaves you flapping, open mouthed in awe at Tammy’s resilience and strength. Could I have forgiven the man who murdered my son? I really think I could not, but Tammy can, and does. She pulls no punches about her, or her son’s, past mistakes but rises incredibly above them all to forgive, even as she faces his killer. Wow!

Tammy’s Bio:

Whether climbing pyramids in Mexico, scaling glaciers in Iceland, or island hopping in the Caribbean, Tammy Horvath lives life to the full. She loves getting immersed in a good book (reading it on the beach), playing pool, or singing karaoke—although she’s severely voice challenged to the point where her husband only lets her sing at home. She has a background in real estate and insurance, and for over ten years, she’s volunteered with a Christian nonprofit that serves children at risk around the world. Tammy lives in western Pennsylvania with her amazing husband Michael. Contact author at tammy@tammyhorvath.com

Social Media Links:

Website: www.tammyhorvath.com

Blog/Newsletter: https://tammyhorvath.com/blog

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/tammyhorvath

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Tammy-Horvath-Author-105123048249378

Twitter: https://twitter.com/thorvathauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/TammyHorvathAuthor

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaW9dstrXwfd7kjPYfn-9nA

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Tammy-Horvath/e/B088TW87D3?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060

Amazon book link: https://www.amazon.com/Gone-Instant-Losing-Loving-killer-ebook/dp/B09PJQWNYV/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/gone-in-an-instant-tammy-horvath/1137019625?ean=9781736886113

By Jordan Kantey The joy of having finished a draft is one of writing’s great pleasures, yet to get there, you need to set – and find ways to keep – writing goals. Here are seven ideas to build accountability and ensure small wins keep rolling: 1. Build Small Habits for Replicable Wins In the book, […]

Writing Goals: Seven Ways to Ensure You Reach Them — First Edition Design Publishing – a hybrid publisher

From Amazon: Kinsley Rhodes blows into Harlow, Kansas like a tornado, twisting Sheriff Lincoln James’ life into knots. Her grandfather has been murdered and she wants answers. As if the town’s first homicide in twenty years wasn’t enough, the beleaguered sheriff now has to deal with Henry Rhodes’ bobcat of a granddaughter, plunging his life deeper into chaos. As a dark storm threatens, long-held secrets are exposed, placing Kinsley directly in harm’s way. In a race against time, Lincoln’s prime objective is to discover the killer’s identity before Miss Rhodes becomes the next victim…

My Review: *Trigger Alert* Silver has a wonderfully woven novel with the right mix of small town USA, romance, angst, murder, and more in this story. The characters are detailed down to the underlying psyche of more than one loose cannon. Usually, small towns mean that everyone knows everyone else’s business, and the towns rumor mill functions expertly. I did, and do, hurt for the women, and the man beaten with one losing his life. I hurt for the women who’d been assaulted. It’s one thing to read a book blurb and feel okay reading it, and another thing to have story full of triggers. I think the author will add an asterisk and write the triggers so that women who can’t deal with triggers, don’t read it. Literary wise, this book is well written, truly, which was nice. Five shiny gold stars.

Together we can fight Childhood Cancer! #GoGold

From Amazon:

The world is changed.

The pandemic spread, the death toll rose and nations banded together to combat the biggest biological threat since the Black Plague. Now, a fragile balance holds further tragedy at bay.

In this alternate history, follow the spread of the virus through the eyes of four characters, as they desperately seek a path towards a better future. At the W.H.O, Clara, a would-be scientist and faithful assistant to Dr. Vicente (the Director-General) works tirelessly to alter humanity’s course. Meanwhile, Clara’s twin sister Rosa, along with her police officer fiancé Ben, fight to survive in a world far darker than it once was.

How far will people go to survive? Will we risk losing our humanity, for the sake of humanity?

Either way, millions will die in these unprecedented times…
Set across two timelines, this covid-fiction, sci-fi-dystopian story contains elements of comedy and romance.

Unprecedented Times is a fact-meets-fiction story that includes genuine references and statistics from the COVID-19 pandemic (all referenced).

£2.00 of every book sale is donated to the “COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the WHO”

My Review:

Thomas has written a stark enlightenment about Covid-19 with some futuristic elements that gave me cause to ponder. I’m in the medical world, thus I get the medical parts easily. Thomas tossed into this mix a world of pronounced loss of life due to Covid-19 and a world high with futuristic gadgets and a way of living for those who test positive with zero symptoms. In reality, at this time, we are still in the pandemic phase of this virus. I’m praying we transition into an endemic phase by June 2023. Back in 2020, I had thought we’d be in the endemic phase by June 2022, but that changed when Omicron hit, and each mutation. But this book is not about my thoughts and thinking, my tracking and analysis, it’s about Thomas being able to extract facts and statistics, and incorporate those facts into a highly readable novel full of emotional thoughts and sorrow. Unprecedented Times hit close to my heart. Five shiny stars. Thomas is brilliant in this book!

Book Title: The Eisenhower Chronicles

Author: M. B. Zucker

Publication Date: 26^th July 2022

Publisher: Historium Press Books www.historiumpress.com

Cover Design by White Rabbit Arts www.wrarts.com

Page Length: 496 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Twitter Handle: @MBZuckerBooks @MichaelZucker1 @maryanneyarde

Instagram Handle: @m.b.zucker.author

Hashtags: #HistoricalBiography #WWII #Eisenhower #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule: https://maryanneyarde.blogspot.com/2022/07/blog-tour-eisenhower-chronicles-by-m-b.html

Book Title and Author Name

The Eisenhower Chronicles

By M. B. Zucker
Blurb

In 1938 he was a lieutenant colonel stationed in the Philippines; by 1945 the world proclaimed him its savior. From leading the forces of liberal democracy against history’s most evil tyrant to the presidency, Dwight D. Eisenhower fought for and kept the peace during the most dangerous era in history.

The Eisenhower Chronicles dramatizes Ike’s life, portraying his epic journey from unknown soldier to global hero as only a novel could. He is shown working with icons such as FDR, Winston Churchill, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and confronting challenges like D-Day, the Little Rock Crisis, and Sputnik.

Eisenhower’s legacy is grounded in defending the world from fascism, communism, and nuclear weapons. This novel shows how he accomplished it all and takes readers into his mind and soul, grounding the history in the man who made it.

Advance Praise:

“An ambitious novel that illuminates the complexity of one of the great figures of the twentieth century. Ike’s homespun manner concealed a remarkably skilled, at times Machiavellian, leader who guided the nation through perilous times. M.B. Zucker brings us inside Eisenhower’s world as he wrestles with a series of decisions affecting the survival of free government and the fate of humanity. This is a fun, fast-paced, informative read that captures the man and his times. Highly recommended.”

-Stephen F. Knott, Professor of National Security at the Naval War College and author of Washington and Hamilton: The Alliance that Forged America

“A most important aspect of M. B. Zucker’s The Eisenhower Chronicles is that it dispels at least two myths about Ike’s presidency: that it was but an appendage to his illustrious military career; and, that Eisenhower was more prone to react to events rather than shape them. In a lively and innovative style, Zucker shows his readers how Ike managed the Cold War during its most dangerous period and helped make his country a more fair and just society at home. A must read for anyone interested in mid-20th century America.”

-Alvin S. Felzenberg, presidential historian and author of The Leaders We Deserved and a Few We Didn’t

“Zucker’s achievement is monumental. In a fast-paced narrative, he captures Dwight D. Eisenhower with mastery and precision-his thoughts, emotions, decisions, and actions. The smooth prose and rich detail put the reader right there with Ike at every step of his military career and presidency, with an accurate and compelling rendering. This is historical fiction at its best.”

-Yanek Mieczkowski, presidential historian and author of Eisenhower’s Sputnik Moment: The Race for Space and World Prestige

“This is a vast and minutely detailed account of Eisenhower as both supreme Warlord and President of the United States at a time of truly massive transformation.It is magisterial in its informed account and sweeping in its scope. It is a panoramic study, intensively researched, of Eisenhower as both a private person and a world figure…. Five stars and highly recommended.”

– The Historical Fiction Company Editorial Reviews

Excerpt 4 “The Eisenhower Chronicles” by M. B. Zucker

Ike can’t decide whether or not to run for President. He doesn’t want to, but the Korean War and the Cold War stimulate his sense of duty. One night, his subconscious sends him a message…

Feel disgusting. So sweaty. Bet I could see my chest hair through my Ike Jacket right now. Because of how soaked I am. Don’t look at it. Why am I wearing my full uniform and jacket in this heat? Where am I?

Ike’s gaze rose from the ground to the grassy fields. White oak and magnolia towered over him, though their shade did not diminish the heat or humidity. Gardens stretched in every direction. A large estate loomed in the distance, a great wooden mansion at its center. Its roof was bright red, and its walls were white wood. A circular dirt path sat in front of the building surrounding a large patch of trimmed grass. Single-story wings flanked the mansion on each side.

Why does that building look so familiar? Shouldn’t trespass. But I’ll pass out if I don’t get a drink of water.

Ike stumbled toward the mansion, every step a struggle. No sooner did Ike begin his quest than a man on horseback intercepted him. He wore a corn yellow worn-out vest and a black tricorn hat that shaded his shoulders. Sweat shone on his forehead. His black horse neighed as he came to a stop. Ike looked up at him.

What the hell is he wearing? Either he’s out of fashion, even for a farmer, or I’m so old I missed the new look.

“What’s your name?” the man on horseback asked, his knuckles white from gripping the reins.

Ike felt an unconscious jolt; he’d been famous for a decade. This was a nice change of pace.

“I’m General Eisenhower.”

“A general?” the man asked. “Did you fight in the war?”

“Yes, sir,” Ike replied politely.

“Where?”

“I commanded the European Theater.”

“Europe? You mean you were with Dr. Franklin?”

What?

“That’s a strange uniform for a general,” the man said.

“You don’t like my jacket?” Ike asked as he glanced at it briefly. “I know it’s a sweaty mess, but I designed it myself.” He looked the man in the eye as his horse trotted to his right. “You haven’t given me your name yet.”

“Joseph Cash,” the man said, still suspicious. “I assume you’re here for a visit.”

“Sure,” Ike muttered quietly. “Where am I exactly?”

Cash’s eyebrow rose.

“You’re on the most famous estate in the country. Maybe the world.”

“That’s not helping.”

“Mount Vernon.”

Mount Vernon? How the hell… alright. I guess that explains why he’s dressed like he’s from another century. Must be a tour guide or something.

“Can I get a glass of water before my tour?”

Cash ignored him.

“I don’t think he’s very busy right now. Not sure he’s had many visitors today. You can probably see him if you want.”

“Who are we talking about?”

“General Washington.”

“Come again?”

“George Washington. The general and President. You’re not from around here, are you?”

Washington? The George Washington? Can’t believe it! My God! Oh my God! Stomach’s doing a somersault! How in the hell… I don’t know. But this fellow is right in front of me and saying I’m about to meet George Washington, who I’ve idolized since I could read. I wonder if I can confirm the cherry tree story.

Buy Links:

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/u/bp8VVE 

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B3BX3S7B

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Eisenhower-Chronicles-M-B-Zucker-ebook/dp/B0B3BX3S7B

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Eisenhower-Chronicles-M-B-Zucker-ebook/dp/B0B3BX3S7B

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/Eisenhower-Chronicles-M-B-Zucker-ebook/dp/B0B3BX3S7B

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-eisenhower-chronicles-m-b-zucker/1141588964?ean=9780578288048

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-eisenhower-chronicles/m-b-zucker/historium-press/9798218011680

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-eisenhower-chronicles

Author Bio

M. B. Zucker

M. B. Zucker has been interested in storytelling for as long as he can remember. He discovered his love of history at fifteen and studied Dwight Eisenhower for over ten years. Mr. Zucker earned his B.A. at Occidental College and his J.D. at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He lives in Virginia with his wife.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://www.michaelbzucker.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MBZuckerBooks and https://twitter.com/michaelzucker1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100061516155957

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/M-B-Zucker/e/B09JM74HMF

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21882348.M_B_Zucker

On Amazon! #ebook only! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BCQMD8ZG

Her Alibi – .99 cents only. On her third marriage to this man who didn’t deserve the traumas my mother dealt him. “Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather, or that she left Mary as her alibi?”  #TrueStory #TrueCrime #HerAlibi #murder in real life. Living with a murderer! Finally, the truth comes out about the psyche of a woman known as the “Black Widow”! I, @MaryLSchmidt , had the bollocks to write this story from the perspective being her daughter. The psyche of Marguerite is one for the books… just like the psyche of #BTK and others, I never knew the REAL danger living with this woman. No slander or libel to family as the only one who could sue me has been dead for 10 years! #RealLife #LivingWithAKiller #memoir

I just want to say that the book “Her Alibi” had to come out. Harold mattered! Everyone matters! But Harold mattered, especially to his three children, Alan, Scott, and Darrel. I don’t know your faith or what you believe, but I know what I experienced yesterday morning. I had a Heavenly visit while in my recliner. Without words, no physical anything seen, my right foot was touched with pressure for several seconds. It was Harold letting me know he felt validated, finally. He appreciated my hard work (bad memories) and effort to get this book out. I’m NOT doing this for money. I have money and I donate to many things, causes, and to people in need. But this story needed to be told. Harold mattered. If family are offended, well, not the first time, nor the last time. HAROLD MATTERED! And I hated being used as her da#m alibi. The TRUTH had to come out!

From Amazon:

Eight short stories on the power of the human spirit.

Layers is a debut collection of imaginative short stories celebrating life and the human spirit despite the ever-present spectre of melancholy in our lives today. With their distinctive blend of wit and humour, they light up any underlying darkness.

From the Americas to India, from Africa to Europe, and through a range of genres, voices and styles, layers are unraveled, revealing the textures and contrasts of old and new in the environments and cultures of today’s fast-paced world. With vivid descriptions, we are drawn into enchanting worlds with characters that leap off the page, leaving the reader lingering long after the pages have been read.

• In The Christmas Charge: Instead of enjoying their Christmas preparing eggnog cream pie and sipping sherry by the fireside, three batty grannies go on an African safari. At this stage of wisdom in their lives, nothing can go wrong. Right?

• In Paths Taken: When her grandmother ‘kills’ a man on a busy town square, Hecate is forced to face her worst fears and use her own unsettling powers to help her. But where will these new paths take her?

• In White Noise: All Earl needs to do is hand his work over to his successor. But is it that easy to let go? And where does one hide from one’s inner noise when things go wrong?

• In The Old Man and the Donkey: Deep in northern Portugal, an old man and his donkey go about their lonely routine. When an unexpected visitor shows up, everyone is given a new chance of happiness. But have they all been stubbornly avoiding it for too long?

• In The Arctic Haze: Since he was little, bad luck has stuck to George’s soles like clingy dog mess. Some of us are luckier. Or are we really?

• In Penny’s Purple Robot: A loving father exceeds himself to make his daughter happy after her mother passes away. But can he force himself to face a brutal truth?

• In Mothers: Deep in Africa, a desperate mother accepts her own fate, but refuses to face an even harsher reality. Mothers will do anything for their young. And things may not be as they seem.

• In Yeehaw: Running from their regular lives, Sam and Patsy end up in an artificial town – Yeehaw Theme Park. Will they find their true selves in this synthetic world?

If you like a minimalist and dark, yet humorous look at the contrasts we face in the world today, you will enjoy this collection of mixed-genre stories.

My Review: This book has a mix of stories. Some are sad, but not all. Reading the Africa story was interesting, as as the story based in the Artic with polar bears, and I’ll never forget the one with a robot. The last paragraph in each story is a kicker. Diverse reading for all.

From Amazon: Chosen to be a vampire from before he was born, Christopher is destined to become involved in a deadly struggle between the followers of the vampire god Zenith and Radu’s rebels. Christopher was an average high school graduate until one moonlit evening, unexpected neighbors move in next door. Among them is a dashing vampire named Gaspar. Was it love at first sight, destiny, or both that brought them together? And so begins the impassioned friendship between Christopher and his enchanting new companion. As the two grow closer, Christopher’s father becomes more hateful and unruly toward Gaspar and his stepfathers. As Christopher prepares to transition into a vampire, there is more than a father’s disapproval to overcome. Evil lurks among the shadows, desperate to destroy the relationship between Christopher and Gaspar. Will their love be strong enough to keep them together, or will the pressures force them to go their separate ways? Can mere mortals survive in the vampires’ world?

My Review: Imagine, if you will, our planet with not only humans, but vampires, and more. Each with their own God and Supreme being, and each with some of their species broken off with the devil associated with them. Add in a ton of love, power, and angst, and you have a great story. For one young man found his mate in a good and benevolent vampire and their bond is strong, and family is supportive of same sex relationships. Good fighting evil and good prevailing over all. Extremely well written and five stars.