From Amazon: An inspired Chef weaves a story of a Visionary Restaurant Owner who goes missing two days before the Grand Opening of his Resort style Mexican Restaurant on the Sacramento River. The former School Teacher uses ‘creative financing’ and catches a dream to open and renovate an Abandoned Mansion to recreate a Restaurant from his Childhood on a Picturesque piece of property surrounded by Eucalyptus and Black Walnut Trees. The Mansion is haunted by ghosts and surrounded by Peacocks. But, in the end, Henry has to answer for his own villainy. Murder, Stolen Dreams, Yaqui Indians, Psychics, Bounty Hunters, and Deaf Cats with Wonderful Exotic sounding Food that you can practically smell and taste coming from the pages. Based on a True Story.
My Review: This story was riveting to me as sequences went both slow and fast and one must keep up with the side story bits. It does come to an ending, but one with questions, too. Overall, this book is based on a true story and, as such, knowing that fact is enough to want to read this book.
From Amazon: GOLD MEDAL WINNER — GLOBAL EBOOK AWARDSBEST COVER — HONORABLE MENTION — GLOBAL EBOOK AWARDSBRONZE MEDAL AWARD WINNER — READERS FAVORITEFINALIST — USA BOOK NEWS — BEST BOOKS AWARDSFINALIST — WRITER’S DIGEST 19th INDIE BOOK AWARDSThis multi-award winning, 240 page book, based on a true story, opens on D-Day, June 6, 1944 . . . Louis Pfeifer, an 82nd Airborne paratrooper is about to commit to combat, while he recalls that on Ash Wednesday, 1926, a young couple, Alex and Theresa, left their six children home on the farm. They drove through heavy rains to attend Mass in town. That’s when the temperature dropped fast, and the heavy rain became a snowy windswept blizzard. Only one of them would survive that night. A Stunning Story of Love, Death, and Survival on the Kansas Prairie.
The terrible loss upended the lives of this working-class family in ways no one could have expected. Through it all, the ironclad bonds of love held them together as they endured the Great Depression and an unceasing string of trials, losses, and hardships.
Based on actual events, When I Was a Child documents the inner strength, courage, and sheer grit that steadied the couple’s children through loss, economic crises, tornados, dust storms and war. Focusing on the extraordinary life of Louis Pfeifer, this vividly rendered book juxtaposes vignettes of a tragic past–the loss of a mother, father, and grandmother–against Louis’s harrowing experiences as an 82nd Airborne paratrooper and prisoner of war during World War II. What emerges is an inspirational story of love and family bonds as Louis and his siblings grow up to become devoted, successful parents–despite all odds.
Powerful, honest, and unflinching, When I Was a Child is about the suffering that life inflicts–and the bravery that gets us to the other side, becoming much wiser and stronger along the way.
My Review: This is a wonderful book of life in the 1920s onward. Kansas was in the dustbowl and tornado alley, too. Times were hard and blizzards happened often. War was hell, being a POW, and being liberated before death of starvation from the Stalag, to be liberated and receive true food and nutrition would be a shock to the taste buds and system. Volga Germans – immigrating from the Volga area of what was Prussia at the time, says much to me. My ancestors also came from Volga area and they, too, settled in Ellis County. I’ve got a huge sense of connection as I knew each town and city, I understood, and I must check my family tree to see if I’m related to the author.
1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
I am a blogger, author and mom of two. I write about self improvement, parenting, mental health and personal finance. I am from Denver, CO and currently reside in Germany.
2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book.
Yes, writing has been a part of my life since I was a kid. I always journaled, and I started writing poetry when I was in middle school. As an adult, I started writing a couple of books that I never finished. But then in 2021, I started blogging as a precursor to writing a book.
I self-published my first book, Trauma Survivor’s Guide to Coping With Panic Attacks, in September 2021. I don’t know if you ever know that it is time, you just have to do something NOW, even if you aren’t ready. If you wait to be ready, then you could be waiting forever. So no, I didn’t have any clear sign that it was time. I just decided to go for it.
3. How difficult was it writing your first book?
Once I sat down to write, it was actually easier than I thought. My first book was pretty short, and I finished writing in about 2 weeks. It was information that was drawn from personal experience to begin with, and then I did additional research to give the book a scientific base. I love to research though, so that part was fun for me.
4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
I think there are frequent times that I want to give up, when things aren’t going the way that I planned, I get stuck, or it feels like a chore to get up in the morning and write. I have made it a habit to write daily though, so if I am not feeling it, I just write a journal or a bad rough draft, then figure I will fix it tomorrow when I am feeling better.
I haven’t given up because writing has always been a dream of mine. I have read that it can take several years to make it a successful career, so I don’t want to give up when that might just be around the next corner. I have worked too hard at this to give up.
5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
My boyfriend is the most supportive, for sure! He proofreads a lot of my writing, and has tried to help me get over my overuse of exclamation points (somewhat unsuccessfully), and he celebrates all of my milestones with me. I get some of my inspiration for articles from him too. It really means the world to have a supportive partner!
6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Since I write about mental health, and healing your life, I want to tell my readers: Don’t ever give up on yourself. You have the power within you to change your life. Even if you just make baby steps, eventually if you keep going you are going to have a completely different life than the one that you started with.
7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
A mentor of mine in High School told me: You get out of it what you put into it. She was talking about a school club, but it applies to pretty much any situation in life.
8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
For my most recent book, “A Narcissist Destroyed my Life: How do I Rebuild?” It is targeted to anyone who was raised by narcissists or in a relationship with one. It talks about healing from that type or relationship, based in my own experience, with scientific information on how to heal as well.
9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
I had an idea for a cover, then I posted on Twitter to find an artist. I worked with Amy Smith (https://twitter.com/Amysmith26__) and she did a wonderful job. I told her what I wanted, and she came back to me within about a week with a proof. I was pleasantly surprised with the quick turn-around time, and the quality is amazing.
10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
Currently, I have several projects started. The one that will be coming out next is called, Practicing Buddhism in Everyday Life.
Here is an excerpt from the introduction:
It was a mindset coaching program that led me back to Buddhism, back to Mindfulness and Meditation, and back to myself.
Sometimes in life, we are looking for something without really realizing what it is. I was looking for answers to why my life felt so empty. I had everything that I was ‘supposed’ to have in life. The whole dream of the white picket fence life in the suburbs. Only, it felt like something was missing. Everything was ‘fine’ but I was tired of fine. I wanted more.
Only, I came to realize that more, in this case, was actually less. What I really wanted most of all was to simplify, and to return to listening to my inner voice. It was telling me that all the stuff, all the trappings of life wasn’t what I really wanted. I wanted spiritual realization. I wanted inner peace.
More stuff will never help you find spiritual realization.
There is an old saying that, “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I have found that to be true in my own life.
My inner longing was what led me to starting a coaching program that would spur me on in the path to finding inner peace and spiritual realization. Of all places, I found my coach, Tanvi, on Instagram. Even with the whole influencer culture there, there is a lot of spirituality and positivity on Instagram, too.
About a year ago I enrolled in the program called Burnout to Badass, with coaching provided by Tanvi Chadha ofWe Wear Wellness. On her website she states her mission as, “I help ambitious women who struggle with negativity, overwhelm, and anxiety, to transform their mindset by shifting their limiting beliefs, and embody the BEST version of themselves through the power of SELF-LOVE!”
First, I started following Tanvi’s We Wear Wellness account for all of the positivity that I found there. She was so happy and upbeat that I was drawn to her energy right away! When she advertised in one of her videos that she had 4 coaching spots open, I emailed her right away because I wanted one of them. I needed to find out how to create an infectious, beautiful energy like that for myself!
11. Any last words before we wrap things up?
Thank you so much for allowing me to do this interview and to speak about my work, it really means a lot!
From Amazon: He’s an ex-con; she’s his teacher. Will their secret pasts destroy them, or be the key to their redemption? Lily Macarthur teaches psychology at an adult ed. school by day, and runs from her past every chance she gets. When she attends course registration the last week of summer break, she never imagines she’ll meet a student with a past as mysterious as her own. Chad Anderson is instantly attracted to Lily, but he’s been in prison for so long, he knows better than to expect such an intelligent woman to fall for a guy like him. He takes a risk and signs up for her class, hoping to get to know her better, and to start over. A chance encounter one fall night throws the unlikely pair together for survival, friendship, and perhaps something more. But forces beyond their control threaten to destroy more than just their reputations. In a world full of bystanders, will someone take a stand against evil? Everything can change in A Moment in Time. Based on a true beginning, this romantic-suspense novel contains a psychological twist that will leave you questioning everything. Reviews appreciated. Recommended for 18+ for some steamy scenes & strong language.
My Review: This novel is one ginormous intriguing romance. Why? Elements that seem impossible happen. I love the happily ever after books but this novel has darkness involved, almost a murder by a crazy ex and the mind games are horrible. Love prevails and anyone can get past trials and tribulations, alone or with help. Resources are available. NOTE: If the use of the f bomb bothers you, then don’t read this book. If abuses, especially sexual, bothers or triggers you, don’t read this book. If neither of those bother you, then do read this book and try to figure out the psychological events.
From Amazon: Anne’s father announces his plans to move to the South of France during her school summer holidays, where she will finish her education in an International College. His relocation dream come true. Her worst nightmare. Just 15, she discovers a new world in Cannes that she learns to love, mixing with teenagers from all over the world. Suddenly the move doesn’t seem so bad. A year later, exams over, she finds herself in a caravan in the middle of a vineyard in the valley of Bargemon in the Var mountains, with only her parents and brother for company. Nothing but two years in a French secretarial college of a nearby town to look forward to. The nightmare has returned. This amusing travel memoir recounts the ups and downs of family life as they adapt to their new world, building a home out of an old sheep shed. A relocation story with a twist. Sink or swim?
My Review: This book covers a three year period in which a young girl and her family move from Jersy to Provence. The degree of change is felt by the protagonist and largely anger this girl, yet over enough time, enjoyable things and having new friends helped in making the three year change work in a never ending monolog for the most part.
From Amazon: Footprints leading away from a dead body, that’s all that remained of Benjamin White after the battle of Tel El Kebir. A sand storm ended the search to follow the tracks further. Twenty years later, a man looks for answers, among desert rumors, that lead him to an oasis among the dunes and the true story of Benjamin’s fate. Get your copy today to find out the answers in this, well received, Historical Fiction.
My Review: Brinker has written a touching short story of bygone times, war, tragedies, loss, love, and friendship. The psyche of losing your best friend and the self blame can be completely immersive and deadly.
Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
Thank you for having me as a guest, Mary.
I live on the east coast of Canada with my wife, Gloria. In the city of Dieppe, not far from the Atlantic. Recently retired, I’ve been fortunate to have more time to write my stories and a cooperative partner who knows I’m not ignoring her. I have a wonderful supportive family and I’m so grateful for my readers.
Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book? (If you are here as an invite to promo your small business, then please write your own questions and provide relevant photos and links, thank you.)
I’ve always been an avid reader and had an itch to write something. I took some creative writing classes and dabbled in short stories but I started writing later in life. One of my favourite authors started in his fifties and I was inspired by his success. I was the same age so why not? I made a rough simple outline and started writing.
How difficult was it writing your first book?
There were some true learning curves. There was quite a bit of the early writing that ended in Delete. Reading, seeking advice, referring to my old course notes, the story started slow but eventually took shape. I’m thankful for other authors who were generous with their own experience.
Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
There was once. I received a bad review from an author. It wasn’t the bad part that bothered me but it was vicious in it’s delivery, the remarks cutting and hurtful. I quit. I shut down my blog, cancelled all my SM, vowed I would never write again. But I didn’t give up. You’ll find out why in the next question.
Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
My terrific partner has always been there. Sharing ideas, opinions, listening to me reading, suggestions. During the low period, she pointed out all the good things people were saying, even strangers, about the story, built my confidence back up.
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
The most important thing I want to say is a huge thank you. Thanks for reading my stories, for the nice reviews and comments and your support.
What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
One of the comments made by best-selling author, Michael Connelly, was to write every day, even if only for fifteen minutes. It’s been my mantra when I don’t feel like writing but need to get words on paper.
What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
My favourite genre has always been thriller, action & adventure and most of my stories fall into this category. I have a series of vigilantes, taking the law in their own hands and another of a cop who discovers crimes too close to home. I also enjoy historical fiction, especially during World War II in which my newest release takes place in 1941.
Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
The cover for Iron Spear was designed by Donna Dean out of Vancouver and she did a wonderful job in providing the mysterious image on the cover. We shared ideas and felt this one fit best.
What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
I am working on Vol. 2 of the Alexanders. 1921 – 1930. The first Volume was highly successful and my readers have been asking for more. I expect to complete it by Spring, ’23.
Excerpt:
Holding a cup of coffee in his hand, he gazes at his reflection in the window. Even though people back home in Scotland told him he has his father’s eyes, his narrow face, firm chin and straight hair remind him of his mother. It also reminds him of the woman he spied briefly at the pier in Halifax several weeks ago when he saw his sister, Lilly, and her husband, Ivan, off on their trip back to Scotland to visit their family. He only saw the lady’s profile before she turned away. For the few moments he watched her, she reminded him of his mother. The stylish hat was pulled down low over her brow. The woman had a familiar gait he could’ve sworn he’d seen before, the way her hips swayed, the lopsided walk similar to his mother’s from when she broke her ankle as a teenager. But it was impossible to be her. Or was it?
Dominic’s mother disappeared eight years ago. Left her family behind and moved away with a stranger he has yet to figure out who he was. So much grief had passed in the years after her husband died in a boating accident and left her with seven children and no money. She had to leave the five oldest children with other relatives and it broke her heart. Dominic went to stay with his bachelor uncle, Duff.
Any last words before we wrap things up?
Only another thank you, Mary, for your continuous and generous support.
Rowena is a recently published first time author. Shall we have a chat?
1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
Outside of my writing, I am married with a little girl and live in Durham working for the NHS. I was born and raised in Wakefield in the county of Yorkshire, by my parents. I have two lovely my sisters and a wonderful Niece. I am very family orientated and am often travelling to be with them. My hobbies include walking and swimming. I am also quite crafty and enjoy sowing.
2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?
Writing has always been a part of my life since I was a child. I have always been making up stories mostly for fun. I had the idea for my first book when I was sixteen and completed it while I was still a teenager. It was flawed and still is despite a complete rewrite but I have not given up. I still reread it from time to time to try and make it a book I am proud of. In the meantime, I had another idea for a collection of books based in fantasy land. I began writing the first book in 2019 and now four years later I am a published author.
3. How difficult was it writing your first book?
As I am dyslexic for me the struggle was not to write the very first draft but to try to improve my writing in each edit. I had my mum, who runs an educational publishing company alongside my dad, proofread my book which was a huge help. But editing my drafts was still done for me. It was and is a big challenge for me and I still feel like a have more to learn in that area. However despite this struggle but it was also an incredible feeling to succeed in writing not only one book but a collection. The next three books in the collection are still works in progress but I love knowing I still have more books to come and this is only the beginning of my journey.
4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
Yes. When I first completed the Survivor I apply to over 40 agents and publishers trying to get published by more traditional means. It was a difficult year for me. The constant rejections letter were very demoralizing. The companies were encouraging and polite but at a certain point, I had to say enough and stop sending out my manuscript or risking losing faith in what I had written. We have to be our own biggest supporters and at times that can be difficult so I chose to try self-publishing rather than giving up entirely. I know independent authors who have had good success through self-publishing and my research into the process made me feel hopeful about being an author again so I moved forward.
5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
I would honestly say, my parents. I have already mentioned that my mum is also my editor. I have literally lost count of the number of times my mum has read and checked my books for me. She does this all in her free time and is always positive and supportive. I could not have been published without her. My dad has always been there for me too. Ever since I decided I want to be published someday he and I have sort of running joke that when I am a successful author, I will buy him a fancy sports car. While it is not a promise he would ever hold me to, he occasionally sends me photos of the latest models that he is into as his way of showing me he believes in me and my dream.
6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
I suppose I would ask them to remember that I am just starting out. I am a first-time dyslexic author who is still learning very much as I go. I don’t mind feedback or even people spotting mistakes, all I ask is that be polite and understanding. If given a chance I will fix any mistakes and improve as I go because one thing, I can promise my readers is that there are more books to come.
7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
Shortly before I was published my dad sent me a tweet of an author he follows. The tweet outlined that becoming self-published is not a consolation prize for failing to become published by more traditional means. It is an equally hard challenge just with different hurdles to face. I found this advice very informative and honest while still being encouraging and it helped to see that I was on the right path.
8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
To be honest, marketing is not my strongest suit which is a confession that terrifies me since I am the only one marketing my book. However, as I said previously I do really believe in my book and my writing so am working hard to improve this. In my opinion, my target audience age is 16-25 and my book probably appeals more to women than men but I don’t like categories. I feel that reading is incredibly subjective and labelling a book as anyone one thing can put is an appeal in an unhelpful box. Ultimately reading is as much of a creative expression as writing and we should all remain open to reading anything that grabs us. We might be surprised in finding something new and amazing we never thought we would like.
9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
I worked with a great independent artist to create both the cover art and the illustrations inside the book. The cover art was very much a collaboration of both of us but while I completely credit my illustrator for her amazing talent. The insistence on adding artwork to the book was all mine. I strongly believe art and fantasy go hand in hand and it was a big part of my dream of being published.
10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
I am currently working on the next books in the Kingdoms of Parvery collection. I am focusing on editing the second book with the view to releasing that as soon as I can. I can’t say too much about it now but I have included a short draft blurb so readers can see what is next to come. I am also working on editing the third book and writing further books for the collection.
11. Any last words before we wrap things up?
I have always found the community of writers and readers an incredibly supportive and friendly group of people. At its heart, I believe the community is about enjoyment, exploration and supporting the creative expressive arts. This doesn’t mean we can’t choose to give feedback but only in a way that lifts us and helps others to improve. I personally have only had positive interactions since publishing and I am sure it will continue.
Book one blurb
A village with seemingly no enemies is reduced to a ghost town with no warning after all the inhabitants are killed bar one. Myrbeth the daughter of a murdered family seeks answers whilst she contemplates her future as the adopted daughter of King Trevard. She knows there can be no hope of future with Prince Frederick the king’s son but she cannot help loving him. The king himself has never been satisfied with answers on the attack and must now strike out on his own in search of a culprit. However, with the return of the Black Knights he might discover more than he had wished to. As events unfold Mercy a member of the Black Knights present at that long ago massacre, ponders on but one thought as he weighs up whether he truly belongs with them.
“What difference could one survivor make”
Series Blurb
Parvery is a land divided into nine kingdoms each with its own royal family, culture and industry that defines it. Whether their wealth is in fishing, mining, trees or silks the people of each prize their local resources. The land is a peaceful place of trade and mutual respect between the kingdoms as they are all governed by the doctrine of kings. This doctrine decides the territories of each kingdom, the laws of the land and the understanding between each kingdom to live in peace with one another. All the kingdoms are tied together by the process of matching where royal princes and princes from different kingdoms intermarry. While this process is governed by choice all royals have a duty to make a noble match.
For over 600 hundred years this land and these traditions have been undisturbed until tragedy strikes. A group of mercenaries visit Parvery a massacre an entire village for an unknown purpose. The shock waves of this unprecedented event are felt for years to come. One survivor; a young girl is left alive and taken to Hollthen castle where the King and Queen adopt her. This girl is neither commoner nor a princess is where the story begins as she struggles to find her place and happiness. The first book in the collection also explains the start of the king’s quest to discover why that awful attack took place in Parvery.
Book two blurb
Time has moved on and Parvery is struggling. Mysterious deaths, thefts and bandits’ attacks are all happening in the shadows making king Trevard deeply interested in finding the traitor in their midst.
This second instalment of Kingdoms of Parvery begins with Edmund’s very first royal visit to Pidar. As we learn more about this new and different kingdom will Edmund learn to love the beautiful Princess Theolotta or is their secret betrothal not destined to thrive? Edmund splits his time between the two kingdoms as he grows up but he begins to feel divided. Frederick and Myrbeth worry about the king as they build their growing family.
Mercy now stands as the leader of The Black Thirteen. Unrulily men bound by a common and difficult goal. They will not waste their time in Parvery but how are they to discover the benefactor’s identity? New and exciting characters await you as you continue on the journey exploring these nine kingdoms.
BIO:
For as long as I can remember I’ve always been making up stories in my head. As a small child, I made up tales for my barbies and beanie babies. It was only later that I began writing them down and even then, just for fun. Despite my dyslexia and difficulties translating the ideas in my head to the page, I continue to explore my passion for writing. I wrote my first full novel by the age of eighteen and knew that I wanted to take things to the next step. So, I chose to study creative writing at university to hone my craft. I graduated from Bolton University in 2014 with a 2:1 grade excited about the tools and techniques I had learned. After university, I began to apply these to my writing over the following years and now, I feel ready to be published. I am independently putting my writing on the open market, and I do hope you will be supportive.
Life on Molly is a travel and lifestyle blog. I am a normal girl with many passions. I am an explorer of new places, a learner of new languages, creator of my ambitions, blogger, and a good pal. This blog is my little corner of the world where I am able to share my adventures with you and inspire you to live a life full of purpose.
When Angels Fly 