Tag Archive | fiction

From Literary Titan!!!

Jul29

From Literary Titan

Mary L. Schmidt’s latest children’s book follows young Horace, who is no ordinary pig. He’s a dreamer with his snout pointed firmly toward the stars. His greatest ambition? To venture into space. Yet, despite his lofty hopes, he quietly doubts that his dream will ever lift off. Until, unexpectedly, it does. A formal invitation arrives, and Horace is headed to the International Space Station.

Horace in Space is a delightful children’s book that effortlessly blends whimsical storytelling with factual space education. Tailored for children aged 1 to 8, this charming tale is brief in length, fitting for young attention spans, but rich in imagination and heart. The book’s vibrant illustrations serve as both emotional cues and narrative anchors, helping children see what Horace feels, thinks, and experiences.

Schmidt captures Horace’s sense of awe with genuine warmth. His naive excitement, so relatable for young readers, evolves into a more grounded understanding as his fantasy meets the real-world challenges of space. In doing so, Schmidt crafts a gentle lesson: reality might differ from dreams, but that doesn’t make it any less extraordinary.

The book strikes a thoughtful balance between imaginative adventure and educational value. Without ever sacrificing the fun, it introduces children to life in orbit, from the thrill of liftoff to the peculiarities of floating in microgravity. Facts are woven naturally into the narrative, ensuring that learning feels organic rather than instructional.

While Schmidt’s prose may not echo the playful cadences of Dr. Seuss or the clever wordplay of Shel Silverstein, Horace in Space still stands as a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection. Horace himself is an endearing protagonist, one whose journey feels ripe for expansion. It’s easy to envision this story as the launchpad for a larger series.

Horace in Space delivers more than just a tale about a pig in orbit; it offers young readers a chance to explore, imagine, and discover alongside a character who is every bit as curious and wide-eyed as they are.

Book Link

Meet Francis Powell

Jul11

Please welcome Francis H Powell to my blog. Good Morning! Shall we chat and visit?  

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

I am writer and an artist amongst other things

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

I went to Art school, so for a long time I set my sights on being an artist. I had some false starts as a writer, but when I was living in Paris, I began writing short stories and getting them published.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

It was hard, when it got to editing,  in that I am from the UK and the publisher/editor was from the states so there was a culture clash. Also I wasn’t familiar with the editin process.

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

I think you put in a lot more than you get out, if you are struggling writer.

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

There was a man I knew who was very appreciative of my work and who published in a “homemade” magazine.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Yes indeed. I helped put together an anthology. It’s the second anthology I have helped put together. It’s called We All Live Under the same Sky. It’s part of a series called How to Save the world and it’s published as an E book by Compassiviste Publishing. It’s theme is loosely about “humanity”.

I was influenced to start the project, having watched the news and the suffering children in Palestine were going through, due to the war. I reached out to frends and poets from around the world. Some people declined to send me work, which is their perogative.  Some were worried it was a political book, where as in fact it is purely humanitarian.  The money raised by the book will go to a project called “Road to Recovery” an organization that transports injured or sick Palestinians to hospitals.

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

With the anthology, I would love it if people feel the need to be more compassionate, think about the people who are the victims of a war.

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

As the book is part of a series, a graphic designer appointed by the publisher did the artwork and I was happy with the result. With my other books I liked to do or influence the covers, but this anthology I was fine to leave it in the hands of another person.

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

A time traveller who travells from 1968 to the present day, to see how things have evolved, only to find the same political turmoil.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

Please take a look at We All Live Under he Same Sky. Even if you don’t like poetry, there are also some short stories and a few illustration and more than anything else the book is aiming to raise money for an urgent humanitarian cause.

LINK FOR THE BOOK We All Live Under the Same Sky

We All Live Under the Same Sky eBook by Compassiviste Authors’ Collective – EPUB | Rakuten Kobo Australia

Born in 1961, in Reading. Francis H Powell currently lives in Moret sur Loing, France writing both prose and poetry. He’s had four  books published as well as  poems published in anthologies, for both adults and children.  His first book was entitled  Flight of Destiny, a book full of short stories.  His second published book was called Adventures of Death, Reincarnation and Annihilation. Other books include “The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts,” a children’s story which included illustrations. He’s done poetry readings for Paris Lit up as well as other events.  He also has done poetry workshops and visits to schools.

Twitter (X)  Francis H Powell

@Dreamheadz

Instagram @francis_h_powell_writer

Francis H Powell author – Flight of Destiny book (wordpress.com)

Francis H. Powell (Author of Flight of Destiny) (goodreads.com)

Bluesky @fhpowellwriter.bsky.social

FRANCIS H POWELL AUTHOR OF FLIGHT OF DESTINY AND OTHER STORIES – Home page

Amazon.fr: Francis H Powell: livres, biographie, dernière mise à jour

Meet Anthony DiAngelo

Jul6

Welcome to my blog. Good morning. Shall we get started?

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hello everyone, my name is Anthony DiAngelo, and I am an aspiring author from a small town in British Columbia, Canada. My hope, and goal, is to make writing my full-time career as I continue to pursue representation from a literary agent.

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

I have always had a love of storytelling and creating characters since early childhood. I had never taken it seriously as I doubted my own skill and believed I wasn’t good enough. For an assignment given to me by one of my teachers, I had to write an essay discussing an event that changed my life. I wrote, for my subject, about my near-death experience when I nearly perished from an illness that forever changed my life. The resulting material brought my teacher to tears and she suggested I consider writing as a vocation. It wasn’t until over a decade later that I had the inclination to write my first novel. I “knew” it was time to write my first book after an incredibly detailed dream that wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote down the notes.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

Actually, writing the book wasn’t difficult for me, it was editing. When I started work on the first book, I wasn’t aware of the structure of a novel and basically just poured my thoughts out onto the page. There was a rudimentary plotline, but it was a long, continuous storyline. I read about creating a structure and a formula for driving the plot. As a result, I chopped the book nearly in half through the editing process and saved the cut material stored away for a potential sequel.

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

I, like so many creatives out there, suffer from self-doubt. I have had many moments where I have felt as though I am fooling myself and that my work isn’t good enough. The rejection from agents and criticism from critics make it difficult at times to keep going. Marketing and getting my work out to the world is my greatest challenge and having been scammed by the predators on social media has also made me skeptical. The love for the craft of storytelling is what stopped me and continues to keep me forging ahead.

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

My mother and my girlfriend. Both are the first to read my work and are not afraid to hit me with the negative feedback when it arises. Their belief in my talent helps me pick myself up when I fall and keep moving.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Simply I hope you enjoy my work. My goal is to entertain and take your mind off the stresses of everyday life if only for a short while.

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

I don’t recall where the quote originates but I often repeat to myself: “You are the only person who can tell your story.”

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

This one is difficult to answer as my available titles are each written in a different genre and therefore have a different audience. I would say the aspect of my writing would be how I develop the atmosphere of each scene. I am a visual writer and what the reader to experience the scene as if they’re right next to the character.

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

I designed my covers myself and were what I imagined as I built the plot for each book. It was essential to me that the covers act as a teaser to what will be read within the pages that follow.

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

I am working on a fantasy series that could potentially be up to six books. Unfortunately, I do not have an excerpt at this time, but I describe it as Game of Thrones meets Star Wars.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

Not really, I would simply like to thank you for the opportunity to promote my work and also thank those who have taken the time to read my work.

Required Links:

Website: https://novelsbydiangelo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14DTJGYbK1j/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Twitter: https://x.com/a_diangelo?s=21

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonydi.angelo/profilecard/?igsh=MW56M3o5c2gyc3k4ZA==

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@a_diangelo6783?_t=ZM-8xkH6ehjXIG&_r=1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/126163042

My Amazon book links:

DESCENT INTO THE HALLWAY OF MADNESS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JDYXPX7

A HAUNTING FOR CHRISTMAS: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M8DGKYW

SICILIAN ROULETTE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XLNTJPB

When Secrets Bloom

Jul5

Book Spotlight: When Secrets Bloom, an Enchanting Transylvanian Historical Fiction Novel by Patricia Furstenberg

Book Title: When Secrets Bloom

Series: Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows, Book #1

Author Name: Patricia Furstenberg

Publication Date: June 27, 2025

Publisher: Independently Published

Pages: 493

Genre: Historical Fiction / Mystery / Women’s Crime Fiction / Romanian Literature & Fiction

Any Triggers: n/a

Blurb:

Transylvania, 1463

Some secrets heal. Others kill.

Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has long walked the line between reverence and suspicion. Trained in the healing arts under the guidance of Lord Vlad Dracula, she has learned that skill alone cannot protect a woman in a city ruled by fear. Her marriage to the powerful but secretive Magyar promised stability, yet left her silenced and watched. On a bitter Advent night, when a mother and her newborn face death, Kate defies her husband’s command and steps into danger — for life, not reputation.

When Kate succeeds, the city notices. Some with awe. Others with fury. The town physician, threatened by her talent and humiliated by her success, seizes his moment. And as rumors flare into accusations, old alliances stir. Iancu, Kate’s childhood friend and now captain of the Militia, comes to her aid during the perilous birth — rekindling memories of freedom, laughter, and trust, before marriage shackled her to duty.

Back in her workshop, a girl appears, pleading for a love potion. But Margit brings more than need. She leads a mob. Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, notices a cloaked figure drifting across the square: a Shaman whose presence draws whispers of Magyar’s hidden dealings. When a rare manuscript disappears from the press Moise begins to uncover a darker purpose: a sought-after book. On the day of execution Kate performs a final act of defiance, she saves another child, while Moise is framed for more than he could have ever imagined.

Kate and Moise’s fates, as well as the map’s legacy, unfold as some secrets must be read not in books, but in the hearts of those who hide them.

Kate is a fictional character, yet through her eyes When Secrets Bloom offers a vivid, textured glimpse into 15th-century life in Kronstadt (today Brasov), Transylvania. From the daily rhythms of a fortress ruled by Saxon and Szekler men to the endearing hopes of Vlach and Jewish communities; from the quiet power women wield behind closed doors to the looming shadow of the Church and to whispered fears of plague and heresy, this novel immerses the reader fully in a world both beautiful and brutal.

The presence of Vlad the Impaler’s memory — observed not through myth but through Kate’s wary, intimate lens — adds a haunting tension to the tale. It’s the kind of historical fiction that doesn’t just tell a story, it transports you into its bones.

Fans of rousing historical fiction with a feminist bent will find much to love in When Secrets Bloom.

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/wsb

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Author Bio:

Patricia Furstenberg is a multi-genre writer inspired by the forgotten corners of the past, where truth and legend entwine. With a medical degree and a heart rooted in her native Transylvania, her stories often explore resilience, hidden truths, and the quiet strength of women. She is best known for her geopolitical fiction Silent Heroes and WW2 historical fiction Joyful Trouble. Part of an upcoming book series, When Secrets Bloom is her latest release. Today, Patricia lives in sunny South Africa with her family.

For more information about Patricia’s books please visit her website or find her on social media.

Author links:

Author website: https://alluringcreations.co.za/wp/

X / Twitter: https://x.com/PatFurstenberg

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

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

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/patfurstenberg.bsky.social

Amazon Author Page: https://author.to/PatFurstenberg

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/237060534-when-secrets-bloom

Wonder of Light

Jun29

Book Link

From Amazon:

Wonder of Light is officially a Trilogy. The title Wonder of Light is book 1 in the series. It is recommended to read them in order, but each novel can be read as a standalone.

I was inspired by true events to write this book; however, the story line and characters are fictional. It is a young adult romance, set in high school. It is a high school bully/adversaries-to-lovers style romance. There are depictions of violence, nothing too graphic, and profanity has been censored due to the spiritual nature of the book.

Sarah

There’s just something about Evan Simes that keeps drawing me to him. Even though he’s the opposite of me in almost every way and avoids me at every turn. He mostly keeps to himself. Especially when I’m in his presence. I don’t know what makes him so angry or resistant to my efforts to break down his walls, but he seems to want nothing to do with me. Yet I can’t help continuing to try to get through.

Evan

Belton’s bible queen, Sarah Warner, thinks she can fool me with her fake graciousness. I see through the facade. She and her popular crew are vapid pretenders hiding behind their trust funds and holier-than-thou images while looking down on those of they think are beneath them. Well enough is enough. They’re all going to pay for their sins. It’s only a matter of time before my best friend Tyler and I get our revenge.

My Review:

This novel is totally heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Older teenagers can relate to this novel as most characters are in their senior year of high school. Cheesy love stories? One or two. Abusive parental figures? Toss that into the mix. Serious illness? Fold that in gently with issues of being bullied and being saved by Jesus Christ is beautiful.

A Year in the Life of Belinda Brand

Jun23

Book Link

From Amazon:

Belinda Brand becomes an overnight sensation when Hollywood offers to make a film of her runaway bestseller. A confident, modern woman, she has the world at her feet – and a secret she is convinced no one will ever discover. Leah, her gentle and long-suffering stepmother will guess, but she would never betray her, or would she? When menacing notes appear after the Awards ceremony in London and then follow her across the Atlantic, Belinda realizes someone is threatening to expose her.As she struggles to stay calm, her best friend disappears, Belinda’s celebrity life turns into a nightmare and there is no one she can trust.If the Brand family thought they could lead a quiet, normal life, they were wrong. Danger continues to lurk in the shadows. A fast-paced, page-turning psychological thriller, full of surprises, twists, and turns. For fans of Karin Slaughter, Claire McGowan, Valerie Keogh, and Liane Moriarty.

My Review:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this

Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2025

Format: KindleVerified Purchase

What another great read by Ms. Clarke. I’ve read other books in any African setting, but this was the first one I’ve read in this series. This book can be read as a standalone book. As book two in the series, this one is rather awesome. I could relate to the character of Belinda and, to be honest, every page either had me sad for the protagonists or laughing at the absurdity of what has been woven into a tapestry worthy of a movie. Not just English humor, but if one can’t laugh in situations as they arise, they need more laughter in their life. The book starts in London, then goes to Los Angeles and finally the Mediterranean. Between all of that, the meat of this book is ripe for the next reader.

Betty Boop’s

May21

Book Link

From Amazon:

“Everybody’s favorite liberated cartoon woman.” 
—Elle

Classic and loveable Betty Boop is as fashionable, inspiring, and popular as ever!

If there’s one thing Betty knows, it’s how to make a lasting impression. For more than 80 years, the glamorous international icon has sung, sashayed, and “Boop-Oop-a-Dooped” past rules and conventions, unafraid to take risks or set trends, and proving time after time that she can do anything she sets her mind to! Betty is beloved by millions of fans around the world, who are enchanted not only by her adorable appearance and iconic phrase, but also by her wit, inspiring messages, and ahead-of-her-time wisdom. 

Here the authors take ten empowering and universally inspiring themes pulled directly from the classic Fleischer Studios Betty Boop cartoons and demonstrate why they’re more relevant than ever in today’s world by blending them with modern images and timeless wisdom and advice. All-encompassing topics include:

  • Self-confidence
  • Positive thinking
  • Independence
  • Kindness
  • Healthy living
  • And more!

Youthful, ambitious, sassy, and confident, Betty Boop seeks to make a positive change in the world around her. She is vibrant and magnetic—she inspires. Betty is stylish and sexy, but never to please anyone but herself. She’s got class. She’s proud of who she is and won’t apologize for it, approaching life with irrepressible moxie. And with her daring look, can-do attitude, and irresistible charm, Betty is ready for anything that comes her way.

My Review:

Betty Boop has been around for a very long time. In this book, Betty provides uplifting quotes from Susan Horan. The wisdom from Betty over the years still applies today. Horan focuses on the body, mind, spirit, physical, mental, health, wellness, independence, and how to become empowered in the process of reading. The graphics contained within are memorable and life-affirming. This is a book that anyone can refer to time and again for the insightful nuances and downright beautiful positivity that Horan delivers.

And The Gold Goes To…Willa R. Finnegan!

May18

Book Link

Gold from Literary Titan!

“Snow: Cursed takes a classic fairytale and shatters it like glass underfoot. We start with a familiar image: Snow White, pale as snow, hair black as night. But instead of dwarves singing in the mines, we get blood, betrayal, and wolves with names like Big Bad and Dummy. This story spins out into something entirely new, grittier, darker, and painfully human. At its heart, it’s about identity and control. Who are you when the world decides you’re evil before you even take your first breath?

What stood out most to me was the prologue. Finnegan immediately immerses the reader in a morally ambiguous space, blurring the lines between good and evil. The opening passage reads like a blend of philosophical reflection and personal testimony. Statements such as “no one is truly good, and no one is truly evil” are particularly striking, establishing the thematic foundation for the rest of the novel. Rather than presenting a simple fantasy, the prologue invites deeper reflection on the assumptions we make about people and the lasting impact of the roles society assigns them.

Snow herself is fascinating. She starts out fragile and frightened, learning that her own father plans to burn her alive because of a curse. That scene involving Merlin and the journal was particularly impactful and emotionally resonant. When she finds out about her supposed destiny and how her father lied to her for fifteen years, it’s devastating. And then she breaks out of the castle, climbs the wall, and everything flips. There’s this moment where she takes down Big Bad, the alpha wolf, and suddenly she’s “Red Riding Hood,” drenched in blood, leading a pack. That moment was striking, intense, and deeply affecting. It vividly conveyed her transformation, which felt palpable through the page.

While Finnegan’s writing occasionally leans toward directness in the dialogue, it’s balanced by a refreshingly original voice that brings a distinctive energy to the narrative. It’s dramatic and fast-paced, but it never takes itself too seriously, and I appreciated that. There’s a kind of campy magic in how she blends fairytale with modern sarcasm. When Snow throws a dagger near Dummy’s neck to shut everyone up, it’s brutal and hilarious. That blend of horror and humor works surprisingly well. The side characters are uniquely compelling, with Midnight the wolf standing out in particular. Her character arc is both surprising and dramatic, culminating in a plot twist that is as unexpected as it is effective.

The ideas in this book stick with you. Finnegan messes with traditional fantasy in a way that made me uncomfortable, but in a good way. There’s a recurring theme of rewriting your story instead of letting it be written for you. Snow literally goes from princess to fugitive to alpha to maybe something even darker. And that evolving identity is central to the whole thing. It’s not always clean or elegant, but it’s full of grit and soul.

Snow: Cursed is a fairytale for anyone who’s tired of black-and-white stories. It’s for readers who like a little bite with their magic. Readers are likely to find this story thoroughly engaging. It is intense, emotionally charged, and at times brutal, yet undeniably compelling. I found it difficult to put down.”

Broken Chances

May7

Book Link

From Amazon:

A young wife. A much older husband. Is it only the age gap that threatens to ruin their marriage?

When Margo marries Michael, she believes that her life will change forever. And it really does, only not in the way a young girl from a small country in Northern Europe thought it would.

Latvia, a dreamy land with rich historical heritage and endless beaches stretching for miles, for Margo, is a gloomy place where she would have to struggle for years to have a decent life. All she knows is her hometown – a depressing place built for the needs of the factory workers – dull commuting to the capital Riga, and a bar in the Old Town where she works, always full of loud and often unceremonious tourists.

Skipping a chance to explore her home country and the opportunities it might offer, Margo accepts Michael’s proposal and moves to a dramatically picturesque island in England.

A small, tightly-knit community, where everyone knows everyone and where nothing ever happens, is not particularly welcoming to a newcomer. Unfamiliar with local traditions and quirks, Margo often finds herself in awkward situations. Still, with each walk she takes along the coastal path on the small island she now calls home, Margo falls deeper in love with the stunning landscapes of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Alas, with each day she spends with Michael, she realises more clearly that her marriage is falling apart.

Margo keeps asking herself why what she thought was a chance of a lifetime turned into a disaster. Will she find the answer? And will she love again after having been bitterly disappointed in marriage and relationships?

Set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, “Broken Chances” is a self-discovery journey with a dash of cosy mystery and clean romance.

P.S. Expect to be smitten by charming dogs and majestic horses.

My Review:

Margo is young and dreams of having a new life away from Latvia. She marries an older man twice her age, and they move to an idyllic coastal town on an island in Dorset, England. Love didn’t rule Margo’s heart and she comes to realize quickly that the man she married does not love her. He only desires her cooking per his specifications, dinner on the table at exact times, household cleaner, anything he can get her to do. Yet he shows hatred and dissatisfaction with her cooking. A man who doesn’t love her, an island town with women who take a long time to make friends with. But she does succeed. Yet her life is empty. She looks forward to the days when her husband is not at home and out working. Along comes Finley, a young and handsome man who takes a shine on Margo. Margo’s husband becomes more abusive. Margo needs to get out of this marriage. Can she? Will Margo get out and away from her abusive husband? Will she ever find her own happily ever after? And what of her mother? Is she too old to marry again? Will anyone in Dorset have the dreams they dream of? This novel has a great plot with numerous subplots.

First Wives Reprisal: Book 1

May1

Book Link

From Amazon:

NOTE: Graphic Sexual relations trigger, Abused women trigger

This is book 1 of a 2 part book… not a series

Elaine Prescott may have been born into wealth and privilege, but she suffered as any other woman by a cheating husband. Stripping her of her self-worth, he left her devastated and humiliated. However, Elaine found the courage to fight back, and planned a reprisal, so intricate, her husband never saw it coming.

Once she dealt with her own husband, Elaine set her sights on gaining justice for her friends. Working together, these six women regain what their partners stole, and along the way formed lifelong friendships. They also discovered, that rebuilding their life in their fifties came with challenges. Love is on the horizon, but starting new romantic relationships after thirty years of being with the same man, they had to adapt to the current ways of dating.

Part 1 tells the story of Elaine’s, Alexia’s and Heather’s reprisals, and picking up the pieces of their broken lives. Enjoy the goings-on at Escapades, a women’s only club, and how love and betrayal, comes in many different forms.

My Review:

NOTE: Graphic Sexual relations trigger, Abused women triggers

Starting over in life when in your 50s is not easy. Starting over at any age is hard. The older you are, the harder it is. Betrayal is a bitter pill. In this book, vengeance is sought after and attained. Revenge comes at a cost, and that includes lives in danger, even lives lost! A vengeful ex goes back after a vengeful ex. The reprisals are wicked and truth hurts.