When Sadie Carter wakes up on a cold Thanksgiving morning in 1880, she’s now an orphan. Her brother will go with Uncle Lambert because Frank can earn his keep, and her prettier sister will be taken by a woman in town. But no one seems to want Sadie. When Mary Mohler invites her home, Sadie is grateful to have somewhere to go. The Mohlers are nice, but she hopes Uncle Lambert will keep his half-promise that he might come back to get her. In the meantime, she has to adjust to a strange family and their different ways of dressing and doing things. But as the months go by, she’s torn between longing for the family she’s lost and the one she’s beginning to love. The Thanksgiving Child is a story that can be enjoyed by both adults and children. It’s inspired and partially derived from the life of the real Sadie Carter who was born in 1872. Sadie was close in age to Laura Ingalls Wilder, who wrote the Little House books based on her childhood. Laura’s life was shaped by a restless movement westward while Sadie lived until adulthood in Missouri. The Civil War appears to have had little impact upon Laura’s story and the opposite is true of Sadie. As the daughter of a Union soldier, she lived in Missouri, where supporters of both sides kept mixed feelings. Attitudes were also mixed toward the Dunkards, a group that included the Mohlers. They were similar to the Amish with plain clothes and strict ways. While this novel is written as fiction, it includes the facts and stories from Sadie Carter’s life.
My Review:
Life is hard for many people and the main character in this story lived a hard life that became a good life. Things were tough in the 1880s and post civil war pitted neighbor against neighbor due to the side one’s family fought for. Sadie is representative of many children during that time, of the ones who had their mother pass away and their dad sick with tuberculosis. A hateful stepmother didn’t help. Yet Sadie thrived, for real, as evidenced by the fact she grew in size for shoes and clothing. Living in one extreme of very little to eat to being in another where food was plentiful, especially when raised by a family who worked hard to preserve foods grown for the coming winter. Sadie realizes that being with a family unlike any she’d known, was the best thing for her.
A Divided Nation A Deadly Plot A Man Caught Between Two Worlds
Will Manley is a rising star in the U.S. Government’s clandestine services–an undercover agent tasked with stopping a domestic terror group bent on reshaping America. But as he immerses himself in their radical ideology, he faces a battle more personal than he ever anticipated: a choice between his government career and the legacy of his Native American roots.
At the heart of the struggle is Elias McArdle, a brilliant and ruthless former U.S. Army commander. With a clear vision for a new world order–one where white supremacy reigns–McArdle manipulates powerful forces, orchestrating a series of calculated events to bring the U.S. Government to its knees.
But Will isn’t the only one with a stake in this fight.
Ron Shortridge, a highly respected FBI agent, works tirelessly to counter the threat, unraveling a complex web of hate, lies, and hidden agendas to brace for an impending act of terror that would change America forever.
Meanwhile, Rebecca Hurney, a wise Lenape elder, offers a path of healing through ancient wisdom, but time is running out.
A mysterious red fox, secretive and resourceful, who may be more than he appears to be.
Can Will find the strength to stop McArdle before it is too late? Or will darkness consume them all?
Filled with suspense, mystery, and political intrigue, RIGHTEOUS ALLEGIANCE is a gripping work of thriller fiction with complex characters and thought-provoking action that will appeal to young adult and mature audiences alike. Fans of Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp, Lee Child’s Jack Reacher, and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan will be hooked from the first page.
My Review:
This thriller/espionage book by George Yuhasz takes the reader into the deep world of spies and times of planning strategy withing and outside of one’s unit. Politics and survival draw the characters into a myriad of feelings and decisions. Great pace and the characters are written such that you feel what they feel.
Surviving in Rookfall depends on rank or thievery, and no one can be trusted.
Genevieve is a master thief: one of the renowned Shadows, instilling fear into the elites. One night, an easy job to steal an automaton ends in confusion.
Waking three years later in the presence of Matthew Tilcott, a lesser, in a city turned unfamiliar, she sets out to discover what happened that night and why she can see things others can’t. As she searches for answers, she unearths a conspiracy to find and use the powerful Star. When Genevieve learns of why the elites and the lessers seek it and its corruptive nature, she determines no one should wield such power. It should be destroyed. But to do so, she must eliminate the last personal connection to her old life.
Will she help this corrupt city and start a new life with Matthew, or only look out for herself?
If you like a strong female lead, Gaslamp adventure, and the Victorian era, you’ll love this steampunk mystery thriller standalone novel.
My Review:
I found Thieving Shadows to be an exceptional steampunk thriller. Something was always going on and this story showcases elite versus lessers (poor people), the class system, and a ton of gadgets that worked in ways I’d never thought of. And not just gadgets, there are automatons of most any type and the characters are strong and decisive. Suspense was happening in every single chapter in more ways than one and this is my first steampunk novel to read. I loved it. The female protagonist is strong and witty, nimble and great at thieving. Yet she has a soft side, a side with anguish and fear, sorrow and love. It’s rather hard to fight love. The world in this book is interesting and not all are who they portray to be.
Please welcome D. E. Fox to my blog. Good morning. Shall we have a chat?
Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
Hello my name is Deborah Fox, my pen name is D E Fox. I wrote my first book after the passing of my dog Jake to honour him. It’s a horror called Second Hand Rose and it’s about a small town called Friendship which on the surface seems perfect unfortunately it has a very dark secret. My second book is a young/adult, children’s book called Where is all the Grass Going? It’s about a secret detective agency run by dogs who solve mysteries the human police don’t know about. But when the grass from all over the planet starts being stolen the dogs are the only ones who can solve it and save the human race. Writing is my hobby, I work full time in a warehouse in the returns department of a global electrical wholesaler during the day, I push pallets sometimes twice the size of me! I open all the boxes of returns from customers and determine if they can be re-sold or scrapped. I live with my partner of 26 years, Paul, in the North of England. In the county of Yorkshire, I am a keen gardener and I grow various different fruits and vegetables. I enjoy walking, especially around gardens of stately homes. We are avid movie goers and we go to the cinema every week without fail and watch anything/everything. I’m also part of a film podcast where we talk about films old and new.
Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?
I didn’t start writing until my late forties, my dog Jake sadly passed away suddenly and I didn’t cope very well with his loss. We tried to keep busy after his passing and decided to go to the cinema to escape in a film. Unfortunately the film was awful. I turned to my partner and said “I’m going to write a book to honour Jake” he thought it was just a passing statement and I would never actually write it. But he was glad I was even thinking about it. Second Hand Rose was born. It had to be a horror as I love horror/supernatural movies and stories. Writing the book really helped with the grieving process and actually made me feel better. Writing about Jake and focusing on positive thoughts was the therapy I needed.
How difficult was it writing your first book?
I didn’t find writing hard at all, I suppose because this is my hobby I have no pressure to write. I have a full time job as well. I write when I feel like it, and when I feel like it just flows out of me.
Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
I never thought I’d be a writer. I wrote Second Hand Rose purely for therapy. I didn’t send it to a publisher until I was 50. When they told me how much they enjoyed it and published it. I started book number 2, which is completely different from the first. It’s a young adult/childrens book called Where is all the Grass Going? A spy/crime mystery where the detectives are dogs.
Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
Definitely my partner Paul, my friends call him my manager for fun. He takes me to all the book readings I organize. Videos them so I can watch them back and work on my reading. I have social anxiety about reading aloud. He contacts reading groups to try to find book interviews, blogs, written interviews to promote both my books. We are very much a team, and because we both work full time it helps to split the marketing.
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
When I wrote Where is all the Grass Going? I didn’t think about who this book was aimed at. I had so much fun writing it, I sat laughing while I typed. It wasn’t until people started reading it and contacting me that I realised this book was for anyone. 50 something readers telling me how my book helped them escape after a bad day at work. It made them laugh, cheer and maybe shed a little tear. I am so happy that readers feel exactly what I felt when I wrote it. I literally poured love into it, the love I felt for Jake.
What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
Keep writing, someday you’ll be someone’s favorite author. Another indie author called Katherine Black. Who is part of a huge group of authors on social media who support other authors. We’re like a big family.
What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
Where is all the grass going? Is for any age I learned that very quickly from the readers/reviewers who contacted me. My book deals with being the underdog and overcoming obstacles to solve what seems an impossible problem. When we work together we can solve anything. It’s a very relevant message.
Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
With both books I knew exactly what the cover should be, my publisher has an amazing team and the cover designer literally took the image I had in my head and designed it. I think she can read minds, because both my covers firstly made me cry. They were so good and secondly they captured my image perfectly. I suppose that’s the job of a designer but I’d never dealt with someone like that. The fact that she completely understood the brief blew me away.
What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
Again this is something completely different and unexpected. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in March and had to have an operation to remove a lump. When they removed my lymph nodes it had spread to my spine. I made the decision I would write a book and write down all the bits I’d picked up/learned for myself about cancer. The quirky, and I know it sounds strange to say but the funny things about cancer because there are. I’ve had 6 cycles of chemotherapy and the treatment takes 4 hours. The nurses on the chemo suite and the other patients make the whole process fun. Being positive and dare I say happy helps you firstly cope and secondly feel stronger. I start the next phase in a few weeks which takes about a year. So I will piece together my notes and start writing an A-Z of weird and wonderful facts I’ve picked up on this new journey I’ve found myself on. I’ve been given cancer for a reason and I believe it’s to help others, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
Any last words before we wrap things up?
I just wanted to add that Where is all the Grass Going? Won the Golden Wizard Book Prize in the 8-12 year old category. I was not only surprised to win but also shocked. I wrote my book to honour Jake. I had no idea it could win an award. Winning something like that makes me realize I am an author and to keep going and importantly have fun writing. Writing for me isn’t work, it’s an escape and I suppose so is reading. We all need an escape.
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Bio:
Deborah Fox lives in Yorkshire with her partner Paul. She currently works for a large electrical distributor, as well as being a budding author. Like many children, Deborah spent her time inspired by stories from AA Milne to JM Barrie, and to this day her favourite story was and still is, Winnie the Pooh! Her writing talents didn’t materialise until later in life as most of her childhood was spent dancing and performing. Deborah’s passions are the outdoors, gardening, interior design, dogs and cinema. She has always been intrigued with all things supernatural and the time presented to her during COVID, and the inspiration from the sad passing of her dog Jake, was the start of her first novel ‘Second Hand Rose.’ With the support of family and friends and Blossom Spring agreeing to publish her story, it has fulfilled the dream to become a published author and has given the encouragement to write more stories.
Portobello, Scotland. Grace McKenna is just back from a hearty breakfast at The Espy seaside pub when a perplexing mystery arrives at her door. Glamorous widow Sylvia Gordon is determined to find the truth about the death of her husband, Paul. Once a local celebrity with supposed psychic abilities, Paul is now the talk of the town after a deadly fall from the tower at a nearby college. The locals believe it was a tragic accident, maybe even a consequence of dabbling too deep into the psychic realm? But Grace has a feeling there’s more than meets the eye…
With the help of Tobias Sloan – a dashing English journalist with a keen appetite for mysteries – Grace starts unravelling the puzzle of Paul’s last days. As she digs deeper, it becomes clear that plenty of people had reason to want Paul gone. Both his work and home life were rife with long-held grudges… was one of Paul’s trusted friends actually his murderer? Then, Grace’s search takes a frightening turn when another body is found – this time in the changing rooms of the posh local golf club.
Uncovering a shocking secret linking the two deaths, Grace finds her professional and personal boundaries beginning to blur. She is left to face not only the ghosts of her own past, but also the prospect of a killer stalking the cobbled lanes of Edinburgh. Can Grace uncover the truth before another innocent life is taken?
My Review:
This novel is the first in a trilogy by Baldwin. I felt many emotions, especially for the main protagonist who lost her son to suicide. The guilt a parent faces is tremendous. Many characters are not who they appear to be. Betrayal is a hard pill to swallow and betrayal hits most everyone in this novel one way or another. Too many people could have killed a man, or it may have been suicide. Undercover work us extremely dangerous and thus book has all things romance, hurt, betrayal and lies spring forth in copious amounts.
Please welcome George Yuhasz to my blog. Good morning, George. Shall we get started?
Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.
I’m George Yuhasz, author of the children’s book IMAGINE THAT: THE MAGIC OF THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS and most recently the thriller novel RIGHTEOUS ALLEGIANCE. Both books have won numerous awards and have received great reviews. Very grateful. My thanks to you for taking time to read about my writing and me.
Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?
I did not begin writing until after I retired. My professional career and family were my main focus and did not afford time for writing.
How difficult was it writing your first book?
It was a challenge to write a children’s story. However, I was inspired by my granddaughter, who is the protagonist in the book, and was driven to create a special story for her as a gift.
Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?
I never thought about giving up. Not an option.
Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?
I never dreamed to be a writer. It’s a self-motivating thing with me; I prefer to live being a writer and it’s a great life. Being creative, working with ideas and random thoughts, putting all the pieces together-exciting! As an added bonus, you meet wonderful readers and creatives like Mary Schmidt (I couldn’t resist, Mary). Much support has come to me in all shapes, sizes, and colors and has been most welcome.
Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Having the freedom to read and write what you desire is precious. Hold it dear, fight for it if you have to.
What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow-from his poem “The Builders.”
Nothing useless is or low
Each thing in its place is best
And what seems like idle show
Strengthens and supports the rest
What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?
My target audience are those readers who are looking for something beyond being entertained by a story. Life lessons. A new approach to solving a problem. Increased awareness and appreciation of our natural world. These are just some of the things that are important to me and I hope will resonate with my readers as well.
Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?
I worked with wonderful artists/illustrators for both books who understood my goals for writing each story.
What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?
I am working on another children’s story and also a sequel to RIGHTEOUS ALLEGIANCE. Both projects are in beginning stages at this time.
Any last words before we wrap things up?
Someone once asked me what I value as a writer. A heavy question. My response was in effect the following: I believe holding myself accountable in bringing my best efforts to creating meaningful, thought provoking and entertaining stories encouraging love, kindness, friendship, hope, and reverence for our natural world. My profound gratitude to all who continue to support and inspire me on this amazing journey.
George media photo 2
AUTHOR BIO
George Yuhasz is a former U.S. Government intelligence officer, special agent, and contractor. He has also worked in the private sector, owning and operating his own global security and investigative consultancy. RIGHTEOUS ALLEGIANCE, a Book Excellence Awards winner, is his first novel and was an Amazon #1 bestseller. Yuhasz is also the author of the multi-award-winning children’s book IMAGINE THAT: THE MAGIC OF THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS (Gold medalist Wishing Shelf Book Awards). He earned a B.A. degree with a double major in international service and government from American University, and holds a M.A. degree in psychology from the University of Northern Colorado. Yuhasz is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers and is a Certified Protection Professional Life Member of the American Society for Industrial Security. He lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.
In an idyllic suburb in Northern California, tragedy strikes the Sheppard family when Abby, the mother of three daughters and wife to Dalton, is killed in a car accident. Charlotte, the middle daughter, is in the car with her mother and survives without physical injury but remains deeply scarred on the inside.
Dalton tells Lily, his eldest daughter, that she must sacrifice long-awaited college plans and put her life on hold to take care of her sisters. Lily is torn between her devotion to family and an increasing need to find her place in the world — but how can she leave, knowing her family may crumble? Will her presence eventually cause more problems than it resolves?
The Sum of our Sorrows reveals how the aftermath of a family tragedy can precipitate sorrows never imagined. It is a tale of grief, hope, healing, coming-of-age, friendship, and survival. It is also a love story of two broken souls living through pain in search of better days and the renewal of one’s spirit.
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I write characters as I hear them speak to me. Some of these stories contain non-gratuitous expletives and sexual references. This book also contains some situations that may be triggering to some readers. If this is not to your liking, please don’t read this book. Thank you.
This book is profound, and the writing is superlative. We start with love and loss and how it affects loved ones still living. Let me say right now, everyone has their own vision of Loss and how they coped, healthy or not. The one constant in this story is family and family isn’t always blood. Family includes those you want in your life. The book is epic in length, but still an easy read. I do love how hope and love of family brings everyone together in a full circle. Alcohol is not the answer to huge loss, and making your daughter into a surrogate mother isn’t real. I have one trigger warning for those who could be affected and that is one scene of attempted rape, and one of rape. The monster who did this, the rape itself, are not a full read into the scene, but the character who was raped was verbal at the time, and in severe nightmares. The actual act is not in this book. So you may not be triggered. Overall, the psychology of each character is amazing to think about. I do love a good love story and this novel has several to say the least.
On August 23rd at the Bradley Fair Barnes and Noble in Wichita, Kansas, I had another successful SNOW: CURSED author signing. It was a pleasure to be at such a wonderful B&N book signing, with so many stellar authors there, along with making new connections with readers of all ages, genres, and interests. This is an event I will never forget and always cherish. The support of the individuals that attended blew me away. The thought that so many people are interested in my dreams and writing journey filled my heart with an indescribable joy. This signing motivated me in particular to give readers more of the SNOW SAGA, and other various novels that they have yet to experience. From each of the other writers, I learned something special. It was interesting to see how they all expressed themselves differently, yet in unique ways. Be on the lookout for upcoming author book signings from me, Willa R. Finnegan. Thanks again readers and authors for your amazing support! See you next time.
Not only was Willa at this book signing, but so was I, Mary L. Schmidt. I had four books for kids and it was a flurry of activity. Everyone was cordial, authors and buyers as well. I had the high honor of presenting Willa to a great friend of mine. She is a mom of four children, and she believes in literacy. Her children love to read. She bought all of my books, Willa’s and many other writers. Reading is so important and my friend has a heart of pure gold. She holds book reading groups in her home for kids! While I was introducing Willa, two members of Kansas Authors Club were at my table, and I wasn’t able to introduce Willa as by the time we were done taking photos with my friend and her children, they were gone. I’m sorry. Catch up next time?
Book link for Shadow, my best selling one at the signing.
Gabriella Carson had always believed that every grand adventure in life begins with a sealed envelope, a promise of mystery and discovery wrapped within layers of anticipation. However, nothing could have prepared her for the moment she pried open the tarnished, ornate locket left behind by her late mother—a small, delicate relic, its intricate filigree design whispering tales of the past. Accompanied by a cryptic diary entry filled with swirling emotions and half-revealed truths, the locket became the key to a world she never knew existed. She had no inkling that this path would lead her to unravel long-buried family secrets and place her life in grave danger.
The diary’s pages were alive with her mother’s vivid, almost poetic descriptions of a passionate first love, painting a portrait of youthful ardor and longing. Gabriella found herself irresistibly drawn to the piercing, soulful gaze of the young man immortalized within the locket’s delicate frame, his eyes holding secrets of their own.
Compelled by the weight of her mother’s final wish—to return the locket to its rightful owner—Gabriella embarked on a journey to Madrid, the city of her mother’s youth, a vibrant tapestry of cobblestone streets and sun-drenched plazas, with only the diary as her enigmatic guide. Little did she know, hidden within those pages lay a second, even more perilous request her mother had made, lurking like a shadow over the path she was yet to tread, threatening to unravel the very fabric of her existence.
My Review:
I’ve read many books by Prather, and this one took off in a different vein than those I’ve read before. Awesome romance is one theme. Diary pages could most likely bring a woman to orgasm if only a few more sentences were added. Who would want more than Spain, a castle, and a handsome man riding a stallion? I know…that psychopath that lives next door to the estate. I do wonder if she really can’t remember where she leaves people, or if that part is the devil inside her.
In this young adult mystery set in 1970, a family tragedy prompts Christi, a shy and studious teenager, and her mother to travel to rural Roselyn, Mississippi. Christi’s Uncle Bill, the county jailer and a deputy sheriff, is critically wounded while investigating a moonshine still that a local farmer found on his property. As the deputies approach the scene, they are ambushed by four assailants, resulting in the death of the farmer, then vanish without a trace.
Convinced the history of local mistrust of ATF federal agents will hinder the investigation, Lily, the jailer’s daredevil teenage daughter, is determined to find the culprits who shot her daddy. She just needs to persuade Christi, her scaredy-cat cousin, and her best friend Troy, the son of the investigating detective, to join the hunt. Living in a house connected to the jail, Lily thrives on excitement and pushing boundaries. Rule abiding Christi and Troy have been entangled in Lily’s misadventures before and suffered the consequences of lying, spying, and sneaking into forbidden place. With Uncle Bill’s life on the line, Lily manages to convince them this time will be different. What harm can a few questions and a little information gathering do?
Lily’s first assignment brings them face to face with a bootlegger brandishing a shotgun. Christi and Troy quickly realize Lily has once again left out critical details of her plan. When the trio meet Jake, the undaunted teenage son of the murdered farmer, he offers to take them to the location of the ambush. The horrifying scene they stumble upon has them running for their lives. The deeper the foursome digs to uncover the truth, the more the danger escalates, and the threats become personal. Will they back off and let the authorities handle it? Or will their stubborn doggedness result in another disaster?
This fast-paced southern mystery also has a coming-of-age theme. In their efforts to find justice, the four teens discovered the importance of loyalty, being their genuine selves, trust, and taking responsibility for their actions. There is also a sweet romantic first love theme to the story. Adult mystery lovers will enjoy the many twists, turns, and surprises that will keep them guessing. The historical elements of the 1970 setting will also give a nostalgic feel of a time past for some adult readers.
This book is a teenage murder, mystery, crime, moonshine novel set back in the day when many counties were dry. I remember some counties being dry as a young child, but never saw a still or moonshine being made. No one is the same at the end of the book as all lives are changed in many ways, some to death. Murdered actually, and the story weaves around a smallish town, and the countryside. Tack in some people from Chicago, bad men, dangerous men, and mix that with four teenagers and you have a plot in which the teenagers are in more danger than they realized.
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 