Tag Archive | fiction

Meet Robin Burnage

May13

Please welcome Robin Burnage to my blog.

Hello Robin. It’s so nice to have you on my blog today. Shall we sit and have a chat about what’s going on in your writing life?

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi, my name is Robin Burnage, I live in Wales, UK and am delighted to have been asked to discuss my first novel ‘The Threat in the Atlantic’ which is book number eight in the series ‘The Merriman Chronicles’.

I know that sounds a bit weird, so probably need to clarify that the series was originally written by my late Father. He managed to write nine novels in total which I originally published for him. Sadly, he died in 2015 leaving some unfinished works and a plan for the series. Shortly before he passed, he asked me to continue the series.  

That brings back some difficult memories for sure, maybe for another interview.

2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

Honestly no unless you can count business plans and marketing blurb for property sales and rentals. I always ‘knew’ I was destined to be self-employed, so writing that sort of thing just sort of flowed. That was in a previous professional life before I quit the rat race and bought a boat to live aboard.

There was a period when I was living on the yacht, that I passed some time writing the start of a crime series – about a nearly retired Police Inspector in The Metropolitan Police in London. I’ve got a few novels underway and a serious lead character with a grudge against the system. But to be fair, cruising around the Mediterranean, popping into Tavernas and mingling with yachties took up a lot of time and I was never that serious about getting them finished.  They are on the back burner whilst I concentrate on The Merriman Chronicles.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

It’s certainly been a long process. Just getting into the right place psychologically after my dad passed away was difficult enough. It took until the end of 2022 to get his last novel ‘The Fateful Voyage’ published.  I’m glad I did though, because it rekindled interest in the series, plus helped boost sales beyond anything we could have expected. I think this was a bit of a catalyst for me – a kick in the butt if you like – to get on with the next book.

The starting point was always obvious – pick up where Dad intended the next novel to start. From that point of view, I already had a subject matter and a protagonist in Captain Sir James Abel Merriman.  I also had his crew, a ship and a period of history already mapped out to start the next novel.

There were certainly difficulties in getting the feel of the book right. Like Dad’s but also maybe adding my own flavour. There are some new characters and hopefully a bit of fleshing out of existing ones, adding some more dimensions. I hope so anyway, that’s what I was aiming for.

4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

Many times… next question!

5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

Uncomfortable question, sorry but can we move on?

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Probably this book can be read as a standalone novel, but it’s much better to be acquainted with the series. Start with ‘A Certain Threat’ and work your way through it.

If you want a flavour of my Dad’s writing without committing to a series, then try ‘The Fateful Voyage’ which is currently not connected with the rest, other than the name Merriman. I’ve set it as book 38 in the series, so it will link up one day. But that means I have a lot of work to do!

7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

Oh gosh, just general stuff, I guess. Read lots, write lots. If you want to be an author, then you need to stuff your head with other people’s work.

Wear sunscreen – I forgot a couple of times when I was sailing and seriously burnt my nose. Being severely “tutted” at by an elderly French Pharmacist in Brittany was an experience I don’t want to repeat.

8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

OK, this should be obvious – Dad’s old readership audience. There are quite a few reviews on Amazon stating that the reader was sad the series ended. Well, guess what…. Merriman is back!  Hopefully I can gain my own following if – and it’s a big if – that ‘The Threat in the Atlantic’ hits the spot.

9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

The cover? You mean the book cover?  Well, I worked with an amazing chap called Colin Baxter, a Marine Artist from the south of England.  I have followed his work for quite some time as he does beautiful paintings of the exact era the book is set. Think of HMS Victory and Admiral Nelson.  Anyway, I had messed around with AI which was a huge mistake, so decided that this next cover needed to be extra special.

We started with a scene from the book. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but it features HMS Thunder and The Hercule engaging in battle. I’ve now got the original painting hanging at home and limited edition signed prints are available which makes it so much more special.

Colin is on social media if you want to check out his other work:-

@ColinMBaxter

10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I have a plan for the next book, but not ready to share too much yet. Besides it might spoil the ending of ‘The Threat in the Atlantic’.

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

I think I would like to give encouragement to indie authors. It’s tough having to do everything – writing, editing, proofreading, publishing, promoting…… you know the list goes on. But…. I also know that it can be rewarding. Being “published” with an agent and traditional publisher isn’t always the best route to market. At least as a self-published author, you control your own destiny… sort of!

Bio:

Robin Burnage is a first-time author taking on the challenge of continuing his late father’s series “The Merriman Chronicles”. His debut novel “The Threat In The Atlantic” picks up the story of Captain James Merriman on his return from his mission in the Adriatic in 1810.

Previously a property professional (for which he does actually have recognised qualifications), sailing and travelling always had a greater pull than accounting and spreadsheets.

He sold his business in 2012, bought a yacht and headed off on a five-year adventure as a full time liveaboard sailor. He also then travelled through Europe in an old Land Rover and then a motorhome before settling back in bricks and mortar.

He currently lives in Wales overlooking sand dunes and the Irish Sea As always he is dreaming about his next adventure.

Links:

Amazon author pages: 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Robin-Burnage/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Robin-Burnage

Website:

https://www.merriman-chronicles.com/

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7419857.Robin_Burnage

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/MerrimanChronicles/

Twitter:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/merriman1792/





West of Santillane

May8

Please welcome Brook Allen to my blog. Hello Brook. Please come and sit down for a chat this morning.

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post. It’s such a pleasure to be here, Mary! I write historical fiction and my goal with a novel is to immerse the reader within the period and create believable characters. I still have a day-job (sigh), but I hope to retire soon and devote myself to full-time WRITING! I love traveling, reading, and researching my next project, and snuggling with my black Labrador, Jak.

How difficult was it writing your first book? It took fifteen years to write the Antonius Trilogy. First off, I didn’t know what I was doing. Second, during that time, my aging parents needed caregiving, so Antonius took a backburner to everything. They were so supportive, and my dad read many of my drafts for Son of Rome. However, they passed on before I was ever able to publish the complete Trilogy.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you? Not getting traditionally pubbed has certainly given me pause, and lately, it seems that marketing a new book has become so much more difficult and frustrating. However, I believe in my work and I’m a stubborn old woman who refuses to give in.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer? Naturally, my husband has been SO supportive and even helps me problem-solve when I have plot-holes. However, NYT bestselling novelist Margaret George has become a very dear friend and has cheered me on every step of the way. She sees the positives in self-publishing when so many traditionally published authors do not. And more importantly, she doesn’t consider my work “less” than her own just because I am self-published. We have such a great relationship. I treasure her.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom? A scholarly man once told me, “Knowledge is never wasted.”. I’ve really taken that to heart with my researching process. I start researching six months ahead of starting to write, letting ideas and possibilities tumble through my mind. Then, once I begin writing, I’m STILL researching as I go. I find myself able to include jewels of information that pops up in certain scenes that I’d never considered adding. Knowing your stuff about the subject-matter associated with a project is integral to its success.

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience? I write for adult audiences who want to know something more about a historical character, or who might be fascinated by my book’s cover or back-cover blurb.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt? I’ve just completed a new work: WEST OF SANTILLANE, the untold story of Julia Hancock. Julia married William Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Most of the story takes place after the men return from the Pacific, and most people aren’t aware of what took place once they came home. Honestly, there was just as much drama going on as when they were traveling west. What’s more—Julia was in the middle of much of that drama. It was fascinating, getting to sort through letters and documents of Lewis & Clark—getting to handle them. There was a glut of fine information, and my heartfelt prayer is that I did the project justice. So far, it’s gotten rave reviews.

Any last words before we wrap things up? Go pick up WEST OF SANTILLANE! It will have its first promo during the week of May 13th, and the Kindle version will only be .99. It’s Julia’s story of adventure, forgiveness, and self-discovery.

       WEST OF SANTILLANE PRESS KIT

ISBN: 9781732958579

***For bulk retail shipments of books/print on demand: Ingram-Spark:

https://www.ingramspark.com/

CONTACT INFO:

            Brook Allen, Historical Fiction Author

            133 Piper Glen

            Blue Ridge, Virginia 24064

            (540)520-3479

            1brook.allen@gmail.com

                                                   CONNECT WITH BROOK

EMAIL: 1brook.allen@gmail.com

WEBSITE: https://www.brookallenauthor.com/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/1BrookAllen

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Historical.FictionWriter/photos/a.1921073788134240/274856848538 4762/

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard?ref=nav_profile_authordash

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/brookallen54/

                                                            Brook Allen Bio

Author Brook Allen has a passion for history. Her newest project, West of Santillane spotlights history from a little closer to home. It’s the story of Julia Hancock, who married famed explorer, William Clark. Each character of this thrilling, adventurous period was researched throughout southwest Virginia and into Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Idaho, and North Dakota. It launches in March of 2024.

Brook belongs to the Historical Novel Society and attends conferences as often as possible to study craft and meet fellow authors. In 2019, her novel Antonius: Son of Rome won the Coffee Pot Book Club Book of the Year Award. In 2020, it was honored with a silver medal in the international Reader’s Favorite Book Reviewers Book Awards and then won First Place in the prestigious Chaucer Division in the Chanticleer International Book Awards, 2020.

Though she graduated from Asbury University with a B.A. in Music Education, Brook has always loved writing. She completed a Masters program at Hollins University with an emphasis in Ancient Roman studies, which helped prepare her for authoring her Antonius Trilogy. Brook teaches full-time as a Music Educator and works in a rural public-school district near Roanoke, Virginia. Her personal interests include travel, cycling, hiking in the woods, reading, and spending downtime with her husband and big, black dog, Jak. She lives in the heart of southwest Virginia in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

                                    West of Santillane Back Cover Blurb

Desperate to escape a mundane future as a Virginia planter’s wife, Julia Hancock seizes her chance for adventure when she wins the heart of American hero William Clark. Though her husband is the famed explorer, Julia embarks on her own thrilling and perilous journey of self-discovery.

With her gaze ever westward, Julia possesses a hunger for knowledge and a passion for helping others. She falls in love with Will’s strength and generous manner, but, like her parents, he is a slave owner, and Julia harbors strong opinions against slavery. Still, her love for Will wins out, though he remains unaware of her beliefs.

Julia finds St. Louis to be a rough town with few of the luxuries to which she is accustomed, harboring scandalous politicians and miscreants of all types. As her husband and his best friend, Meriwether Lewis, work to establish an American government and plan to publish their highly anticipated memoirs, Julia struggles to assume the roles of both wife and mother. She is also drawn into the plight of an Indian family desperate to return to their own lands and becomes an advocate for Will’s enslaved.

When political rivals cause trouble, Julia’s clandestine aid to the Indians and enslaved of St. Louis draws unwanted attention, placing her at odds with her husband. Danger cloaks itself in far too many ways, leading her to embrace the courage to save herself and others through a challenge of forgiveness that will either restore the love she shares with Will or end it forever.

                                                Where to buy the book

                          *Print copies are now on sale for $19.99.

Amazon.com

amzn.to/48KZn3N

Book No Further (Roanoke Market)

Botetourt County Historical Society & Museum

***For bulk shipments of books/print on demand: Ingram-Spark:

https://www.ingramspark.com/

I Just Found Out!

Apr22

PenCraft’s Spring Seasonal Book Awards

We are proud to announce that your book Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen, has been selected as a winner of the 2024 PenCraft Seasonal Book Award Spring Competition. We hope this award inspires you to keep writing and helps you reach new heights in your career. The PenCraft Seasonal Book Awards recognizes books of remarkable literary quality, artistic excellence, and popularity with readers. Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen exemplified these criteria as a winner in the Fiction – Drama genre. We hope receiving this award will contribute to your ongoing writing success.

A complete list of winners is posted on the PenCraft Book Award site, and all winners will also be listed in a national press release within the next couple of weeks.

Each Seasonal category winner receives a personalized award certificate.

Each winner also receives a sheet of 24 Seasonal Best Book award seals for the PenCraft Spring Seasonal Best Book Award.

A National Press Release announcement of all winners.

All Seasonal Award winners are also invited to our Annual PenCraft Book Award Ceremony. The event will consist of Dinner and the awarding of personalized plaques to all “attending” winners. The award ceremony and Dinner will probably take place in Las Vegas in February or March of 2025.  You will be notified of the actual date and place after the announcement of the Annual Winners in October of this year.

We hope you and your significant other or friend can join us to celebrate and help honor you and all the talented authors whose books won.

David Hearne, Editor In Chief, PenCraft Book Awards

Murder on Pointe

Mar15

Book Link

From Amazon:

Fiona can’t wait to attend the performance of Coppelia at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. Her old friend, Silja Ramsay, is dancing the principal role. They have dinner after the show, but when they return Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is down one dancer! Ballerina, Alexis Cartwright, has been found dead in the dressing room. Is this murder a result of hot tempers among the cast members? Or is it a random act of violence? Will there be more murders? Homicide Detective, Nathan Landry, isn’t taking any chances. After finding out Fiona has a strong background in ballet he recruits her to go undercover among the cast of Coppelia. Can Fiona help catch a killer, or will she be the next victim?

My Review:

First off, I’ve not read any of the books in this series in order. I’m okay with that. Reading book one was perfect since the last in this series was book twelve. Anyway, Fiona has a grandmother, now deceased, who starts fresh coffee for Fiona. That’s sweet. As in the other books I’ve read, this one involves murder and laughter both. Not that murder is funny since it isn’t, but being this is fiction, the humor is nice to have. Fiona goes undercover as a ballerina to help catch the one responsible for another ballerina’s death. The shenanigans go from there. Fiona lives to tell this story, and she’s in book 12 as well, so never fear, she lives.

Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza

Mar2

Please welcome Garland, to my blog. Shall we have a chat?

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hello everybody! My name’s Garland Redvine! I’m a pseudonymous self-published author who specializes in fantasy, science-fiction, and adventure books.

2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

I always loved to read and write. I learned to read quickly when I was young. As for writing and storytelling, that came equally as natural to me. Even though I was pretty shy, I used to tell and write stories to entertain my family and friends. To me, hearing, telling, or writing a great story was just magical.

I’ve been practicing writing my first book ever since I knew how to write (I’m not kidding!). I knew I wanted a career in literature, movies, or video games. I had dreams of writing a successful book or series.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

If I’m going to be honest, calling it “difficult” would be the understatement of the century.

For the past few years, life has been stressful. I was stuck in a struggling dead-end job that hardly paid any bills. I didn’t have any connections or network. Not even an online presence. And I was totally alone.

Basically, I had little money, no friends, and virtually no control over my life.

All these things overwhelmed me and I sank into a deep, dark depression. I felt invisible and helpless. I even felt like all the pressure was making me physically sick! It was horrible.

But if I ever had anything I could rely on, it was that I loved to write. So I did.

4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

The stress of my situation definitely wore on me and there were times where all I wanted to do was lay there on the ground and rot. But my will was strong. I wasn’t about to let the unforgiving world stop me from doing what I loved.

I motivated myself and wrote that fantasy story that had been sitting around in my head for years. I knew that if there was anything I wanted to do in this life, it was to publish a book. I got inspiration from Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (the creators of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Amanda Hocking. Their stories of success in self-publishing inspired me to try my hand at it. 

5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

My parents generally gave me moral support. My father in particular really nurtured my love of reading and storytelling. My parents were ecstatic to see that I managed to self-publish a novel given my circumstances. 

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I believe a story should not just be well-written, but exciting, emotional, and keep you turning the page. The first book in my fantasy series, Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza, is available on Amazon! Kindly leave a rating and review to support your new favorite fantasy author! 🙂

7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

“Success is a planned event.” – a random fortune cookie.

8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

My target audience is adult fans of fantasy, science-fiction, and adventure. The aspect of my writing that I feel targets the audience is the sense of adventure, wonder, and nostalgia while also exploring complex, unique characters.

I also believe in writing a story that is never boring. I want my books to feel like a movie in your head.

If you like Legend of Zelda or Final Fantasy, you’ll enjoy my work too.

9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

When making the cover, I remember I had a specific image in mind: That of my  two main characters, Deronis Narpaz and Greenstar, fighting a monster (the Chimera as its known in the story). I wanted the cover to be eye-catching so I requested my cover artist to make it vibrant. I also wanted readers to feel like they were behind the characters as if preparing to fight the monster too. It would look both ominous and interesting.

10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

The next book in the Nova Terra series is called The Crystals of Order.

The following excerpt is a monologue spoken by Sivaldion, the God of Order to his team called the Defenders of Order:

“We have tasked ourselves with locating the six Crystals that hold my divinity. So far, we have been successful in doing that. They are in six different areas of Nova Terra: Tamas, Miktlan, the Mechanisarria, Midgard, and Ybardia.

To combat the plans of  the Tribe of Insanity and their mad god, we have carefully selected five capable, honorable warriors to get back the Crystals and restore Order to Nova Terra. Those warriors, dear friends, are all of you.”

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

Writing a book, whether traditionally-published or self-published, is anything but easy. It requires money, commitment, passion, and creativity. My goal is to give readers a literary experience they’ll never forget. Any and all support is welcome and appreciated! Also, feel free to follow me on any of my socials!

Links needed for:  Blog, author page, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon, Tumblr, Barnes & Noble, Instagram, etc. Give them in list form, thanks.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nova-Terra-Galeeza-Garland-Redvine/dp/B0C9S9QBW2

Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/garlandredvine

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

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

Masked Intent : A Modern-Day Morality Play

Feb16

Book Link

From Amazon:

CAN YOU TAKE SOMEONE AT FACE VALUE?
OR IS THERE A DEEPER STORY BENEATH THE MASK?

Masked Intent is a debut novel that takes a taut, complex look at how we hide behind inauthenticity to guide us through interpersonal relationships. Through a series of detailed, interconnected storylines, the novel takes a timely look at our relationship with the truth and how it drives our actions and motivations.

Where do you draw lines in a world where authenticity takes back seat to the power and seduction of influence?

“An excellent romance novel (complete with several steamy scenes) that is also literary, intelligent, and partly inspired by ancient Greek plays.”

From being denied by her birth parents to marrying the wrong man, Alexa Winston has learned to cope with disappointment and heartache by masking her true self from the world.

Divorced and finally living on her own terms, she shrouds herself in half-truths and bravado, content to live her quiet, predictable life – until she finds the job and the man of her dreams.

As she falls deeper into both, and into a world ruled by powerful players jockeying for influence and dominance at all costs, she’s forced to weigh her truths against reality.

Trouble is, though she’s a master at detecting self-deception in others, she’s slow to recognize it in herself.

My Review:

This book is a true epic read. One can not help but feel the emotions except when cloaked and shut off to the world. This love story is different from others I’ve read and unique. Alexa must protect her heart. Mateo brings out deep emotions. Do you hide your heart, or are you an open book? I’ve been an open book all my life. The pain is devastating to relate my life to that of Alexa. Regardless, pain and doubt are dominant in this novel, but so is love. The characters are realistic and that’s not found in many books. Definitely a deep novel.

Taking Notes on Murder

Feb12

Book Link

From Amazon:

Mysterious notes are showing up in Fiona’s kindergarten classroom claiming a suicide from 2005 was actually a homicide. Detective Landry maintains the messages are too vague, possess no integrity, and do not warrant a review of the old case. Fiona’s not convinced. She’s determined to find the author of the enigmatic notes and uncover the truth about a man who had many secrets and countless enemies, including Fiona’s mother and former suspect—Nancy Quinn! Can Fiona crack this cold case and what will it take to get Detective Landry involved? Don’t miss taking notes on this murder!

My Review:

Murder plus one. Whoever heard of an old murder and a plus one? Well, me for one. There can be actually plus two or three. Who knows? That’s the key. One never knows what’s around the corner when your main couple are peeking into an old cold case and it stirs up problems for quite a few others in town. Never mind a precocious little sassy kindergarten pupil, garulous other, and plenty of kind folks as well. The icing? How about long dead Grandma Ev showing herself? That would be a kicker if it even happens. Grandma Ev’s spirit does let everyone know her thoughts as coffee cups and more float along in mid-air.

The Countdown: The last breath

Feb2

Book Link

From Amazon:

Immerse yourself in the gripping crime suspense of “The Countdown,” a heart-pounding suspense/thriller that challenges everything you thought you knew. What if the reality you lived turned out to be a lie? What if every breath you took led you down a treacherous and dark path?

Justice, an innocent young woman, suffers a devastating loss as her parents fall victim to a twisted attack on their farm. Left with a heavy burden and a father who is confined to a wheelchair, she feels compelled to protect her family and her home. Little does she know that darkness lurks in the shadows, ready to reveal horrifying secrets.

When her father introduces Raymond Storm, an enigmatic ex-convict assigned to complete his community service, Justice’s distrust is palpable. How can she trust a man bound by chains? But as the layers of deception unfold, Justice realizes that her perception of reality has been shattered. Torn and confused by the unsettling truths staring her in the face, she descends into a chilling maze of deceit.

Secrets emerge, forcing Justice to confront the unthinkable and pushing her into a dangerous race against time. With each passing moment, her life hangs in the balance. As she grapples with the weight of regret, Storm and she grow close. He is determined to save her from the clutches of a malicious force. Together, they embark on an illicit journey, their souls soaring among the stars as they uncover the sinister underbelly of her father’s love.

In a heart-stopping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat, “The Countdown” delivers suspense, thrills, and unexpected twists. Brace yourself for a relentless pursuit of truth, a chase that leaves no room for second chances. Prepare to question everything as Justice fights to survive, knowing that each breath could be her last.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life is hardReviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024

Verified Purchase

Life is hard for Justice. Her work with the horses she loved was her only comfort for a long time. Her mother dead, or so her father said, and he was wheelchair bound, or so he wanted Justice to think he was. That gives a tiny speck of this novel away. In rides a newly freed from prison man to help out at the ranch. Was he going to kill or rape her? Would he be trouble? Why was mud on her father’s boots? What is Justice blocking out? Could the unimaginable happen more than once? This novel has all the feels and more.

Princess Smile

Jan26

Book Link

From Amazon:

Lovable but flawed Jane Mercer struggles with her self-image while reaching for the stars in the cutthroat world of Los Angeles marketing. As she claws her way up the ladder at the agency, Warren Mitchell & Associates, she is driven into fierce competition with her colleagues. When Jane is coerced to comply with a client’s unreasonable requests, she frantically seeks an escape.


Enter the handsome and wealthy Craig Keller, managing partner of rival agency Keller Whitman Group. Jane has admired him from afar, and he’s taken a sudden interest in her. Craig lures Jane into his corporate web, showing her a high-powered world beyond her wildest dreams. But what he has to offer comes with a high price—one Jane is not sure she can pay. A high stakes tale of ambition, friendship, secrets, brutality and desire, Princess Smile is a must-read for the contemporary woman.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a ride up and down in this bookReviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024

Verified Purchase

Royce nailed this novel completely. First of all, I’ve read the other two novels prior, so I knew characters. However, this is the first book in the trilogy. LA is a place of its own. I love fashion and this book is filled with fashion galore. The advertising world is extremely competitive and can be a bit seedy if you don’t check out your clients more thoroughly. The venues were richly described, and it’s a world I won’t ever be in, but it was great to read about it. Jane thought she was a plain Jane when, in fact, the opposite was true. The emotions Jane went through never let up. That’s the up and down ride in this novel.

The Poetry Mouse

Jan16

Book Link

From Amazon:

Evie believes there is more to life than taking care of her house and baking for her friends. She’s not like the other mice. She has a different path; her purpose is to write poetry.

Being a mouse, she longs for the simplicity of nature. So, every day she sneaks past the woods and into the meadow where she writes her inspired words. She might even find encouragement from a friend to submit her poems.

This is Evie’s story of finding her authentic self, becoming brave enough to do what she loves, and ultimately sharing her gift with the world as The Poetry Mouse.

My Review:

This was a lovely story to read. Evie, a mouse, works at her sewing and such to make a living in her pink house at the end of a lane. She yearns to write poetry and escapes for walks in the countryside. Her pen never stops, and everything she sees, she writes a poem. Mr Fox helps Evie to understand that she is a very good poet, giving Evie the boost she needed to take her poetry down to the post to send to a publisher. This book inspires.