Tag Archive | fiction

Heart of Evergreen!

Jan27

Book Link

New Review From Literary Titan

Heart of Evergreen by Mary L. Schmidt is a psychological thriller that masterfully delves into the unraveling life of Kim Dailey. A devoted wife, Kim’s seemingly perfect marriage takes a chilling turn when she discovers her name linked to a hit list on her husband Steve’s laptop. This revelation propels her into a whirlwind of doubt and fear, where every moment becomes a high-stakes journey to uncover the truth. As Kim confronts the possibility that her husband may be a covert assassin, the narrative explores themes of deception, resilience, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.

One of the novel’s standout strengths is its seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and romance. Schmidt crafts a deeply personal and intimate story, grounding the tension with the raw, emotional depth of her protagonist. Kim’s love for Steve, even amidst her mounting suspicion, and her compassionate observations of him as a father figure to her children, create a poignant duality that resonates. A particularly haunting moment arises when Dmitry’s death is contemplated—a scene so viscerally portrayed that it lingers long after reading. Schmidt juxtaposes the brutal finality of loss with the tenderness of grief, making it both heartrending and unforgettable. The story’s backdrop is a festive celebration overshadowed by the threat of an unseen assassin that creates gripping tension, while the richly layered characters bring authenticity and nuance to the narrative. The novel’s exploration of human relationships is deeply resonant, capturing moments of heartbreak, love, and hope with equal finesse. A notable strength lies in its portrayal of women’s resilience. Whether navigating life-altering choices or enduring harrowing trials, the women in Heart of Evergreen shine as embodiments of strength and grace. Balancing its weighty emotional themes are heartwarming glimpses of Kim’s moments of joy, particularly with her children. These scenes lend a warmth that counterbalances the darker aspects of the plot, offering moments of reprieve amidst the tension. The crescendo of the narrative, the poignant demise of Dmitry stands out as a masterfully written moment, weaving hope and heartbreak into an unforgettable climax.

Heart of Evergreen is an evocative tale that will captivate readers who enjoy romantic family sagas infused with elements of crime, desire, and emotional complexity. Fans of Ian McEwan’s Atonement will be drawn to its layered storytelling and profound exploration of the human spirit. This is a novel that lingers in the mind, leaving readers both moved and reflective.

Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0DR69LRC2 ~ Literary Titan

Meet JP MacDougall

Jan27

Please welcome JP MacDougall to my blog. Hello James. James wrote the Pangean Chronicles series. Shall we chat about this series?

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi, I’m James MacDougall from the UK and I am the author of the Pangean Chronicles series. Over the past twenty years I’ve written the Pangean Chronicles series which is made up of five books: A main trilogy and then two prequels.

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 creative writing as a child and it was always a strength of mine at school. It wasn’t until I was about 19 and I was going through a bad patch and went off the rails a little – the writing really kicked in then and it acted as a coping mechanism. To begin with I just wrote poetry (really badly!) but then this idea started to form and I just started writing what would later become Awakenings, which is the first of the Pangean Chronicles. For the past 20 years I have dipped in and out of the story, adding things, changing things and it became a hobby that never left. I don’t think I was aware that this was going to be my first book and I certainly never imagined that it would be published!

How difficult was it writing your first book?

I didn’t find it difficult – or maybe I did – it took twenty years for the main trilogy to be in any state where I was happy for other people to read them. I think I would have moments when I just ran out of ideas and so I’d park it and sit on it for a few years before coming back to it again. But really, the whole writing process is so pleasurable and rewarding and as I said it also helped with times when my mental health was not as good as it should have been.

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

No, I’ve never wanted to give up writing. Even when I got to a point where the ideas weren’t flowing, I always knew that something would come to me eventually – I was never in a rush to get it finished.

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

My wife is amazing and it was she who told me a few years ago that I should get my stories published. She is very patient as well – I tend to disappear off into my own little world and she handles that very well. My dad has also been an incredible supporter, he has read all my books and always gives me very honest feedback!

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

Be patient! I am the most impatient and knee jerky person and the whole publishing game is designed for very patient people. I made some silly mistakes at the beginning of this whole thing purely down to my impulsiveness, but I think I have learnt some lessons and have accepted that things just don’t happen overnight!

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

My writing is quite fast paced and there is always something going on. I’ve always felt that it would appeal to tweens and teens but I know a number of older readers who have also very much enjoyed the stories.

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

For Awakenings I had a cover designer working with me to come up with the front cover and it was her idea to have a character on the front cover. I’m really pleased with the result people say it is quite an enticing front cover. I think I only began thinking about the front cover when I was close to publishing – it’s a bit corny but the writing has always been my priority.

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

Having now finished the Pangean Chronicles series, I am now working on an origins series. Throughout the five books, there are loads of references and back stories to my version of the time of Pangea and I thought it would be great to write that story. So, I’m beginning from the very beginning and am planning to chart the story of the Dark Lord’s first rise and the fall of Pangea into Darkness. I’m about three quarters of the way through the first one at the moment and hopefully will have that complete by March. There is a second part as well which I am scribbling away on my note pad!

Any last words before we wrap things up?

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to say hello! If you are ever considering writing a book… Do it and do it for yourself above everything else. I am not sure where I would be without my writing, it certainly picked me up when I was in some very dark places.

BIO:

James started writing at the age of 19, just 3 years after his dyslexia diagnosis. Refusing to allow his dyslexia to define him, James always had a great imagination for stories and found an endless source of inspiration through the works of J.R. Tolkein, Ian Fleming and Stephen King. It has been a 20 year labour of love to combine these genres in his own series of books, ‘The Pangean Chronicles’, which were written while working as a full time teacher in the south east. As a devoted father to three young children, James also enjoys practicing the skill of oral storytelling, a skill he credits to helping him overcome the challenges of being a dyslexic author. When he is not writing, teaching or telling stories, James loves to be outdoors, promoting outdoor learning, working in his own garden or walking on the Ashdown Forest with his family.

Author Page: www.thepangeanchronicles.com

Twitter: https://x.com/PangeanChrons

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095127045157&locale=en_GB

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

BlueSky: @pangeanchronicles.bsky.social

Tiktok: @pangeanchronicles

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/48899277.JP_MacDougall

Global Book Awards!

Dec28

Hello Mary,

Congratulations on your book Her Alibi achieving BRONZE in the Global Book Awards, in the category Biographical Memoir. In the coming days, we’ll send you details of how to get hold of your digital medal and certificate, but for now, we just wanted to pass on the good news.

Book Link

From Amazon:

Visions of her Cherokeegrandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfathershot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no!

No! This can’t be! Not after the joking around at my home last night. NO!!!!Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat child. No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people,and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? 

Yet, here I was, and I had to tell the police that, yes, my mother was at my home all evening and into the night. How despicable that my mother connived her way into using me as her alibi.

This book is a true memoir drawing upon the locals and inspiration of the areas in which the author lives and works. Names of towns, places, facilities, and people are real except for three men. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not coincidental in nature and places where events take place are from her life growing up.

And Then You Were Gone

Dec21

Book Link

From Amazon:

And Then You Were Gone

Nina, a popular fantasy author, maintains a reclusive existence. Aside from Nina’s work, her primary focus is her daughter, Sophie.

Incessant bullying at school and a public, mortifying falling out with another girl sparks a downward spiral in Sophie’s emotional state.

Nina watches helplessly as her daughter appears to be unable to move past this unfortunate event. Nina grows so consumed with Sophie’s suffering that she loses her desire to write. How does one help a teenage daughter in torment?

But then Nina has an idea—an unorthodox method to help her daughter. She is going to write a story—bringing in a special character into Sophie’s life. As the author, Nina can control the outcome of the story. Or can she?

As fiction and reality blur, Nina realizes that things have gotten out of hand. Is her story the blessing she hoped for or a curse she never expected?

Read this riveting and hauntingly poignant tale to find out more.

My Review:

Life… This was an insightful read into the complex lives of a mother, a daughter, friends, and a bully. Adolescence can be a tough time for many, and with that comes differences between a mother and her daughter. No child should be bullied. Many bullied kids don’t tell anyone about being bullied, and some kids take their own lives as they are desperate in how they feel. The bullied teen in this story did not take her own life. This story has all the feels, both good and bad. Coping mechanisms such as forgetting what one did happened. The story is short and read easily.

Meet Willa R. Finnegan

Dec8

Please welcome Willa R. Finnegan to my blog. Good morning, Willa. I’m so happy to have you here today. With hot cocoa in hand, shall we get down to chatting about your phenomenal writing story?  

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hello, everyone! I am an author, and writing has been my passion for a while now. I am thirteen years old; I began the publishing process when I was twelve, and I wrote Snow: Cursed when I was eleven. My message to other aspiring authors out there is to let nothing stop you.

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

I would say that storytelling has always been a part of my life I suppose but not always to the degree of a book. I remember when I was three or four and I would dictate to my mom what I wanted her to write on the page. I started writing stories when I was about nine years old, but on paper instead of on the computer. They were short stories of course, but I loved creating characters and worlds just the same. I started writing books on the computer when I was ten years old, and they began to grow in length. I would share my stories with my parents, friends, and family and write more and more, constantly trying to get better. Although Snow: Cursed isn’t the first book I’ve written, I wanted to put my best foot forward when publishing. I’ve always enjoyed entertaining people with my words.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

It was extremely hard to write my first book, and I don’t think that a single author in the world would say that it isn’t hard. There were times when I would pause in my writing and I would venture onto other ideas that I knew from the beginning I wouldn’t finish—I like to refer to those ideas as “flings”—but I eventually found my way, and just kept writing until I reached the end. Reading books has always been a passion of mine, and I think this helped additionally, because the better reader you are the better author you become.

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

I’ve never really wanted to give up before, and I think the fact that I love writing so much overshadowed all the doubt. Although writer’s block is a very serious thing, and has plagued me before, I’ll never let that stop me.

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

My parents and friends have been very supportive of my writing for quite a while, and really wanted me to get my first book published. They’re the ones who helped make this happen most of all. They believed in my dream from the beginning.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

If you are a child author like me, take a chance and go for it! You’ll never know what will happen if you never try. Never, ever let anything stop you, no matter what your goal is.

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

The best advice that has ever been given to me is from the “Wicked” Broadway musical. This must be my favorite line throughout the whole thing. Elphaba and the Wizard say several times that “everyone deserves the chance to fly.” I think that this line speaks to something bigger, and I think it is great advice for aspiring authors. Becoming an author was my chance to fly.

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

My target audience is probably middle school age children as well as high-schoolers and fantasy loving adults. I tried to embed little seeds of important philosophy throughout the book, and I think that younger children might not be able to grasp the true meaning of those philosophies, but I think my book is enjoyable for all ages.

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

I must give a shout out to the amazing cover design team at Page Publishing for creating such an epic cover to go along with my very first published book. I gave them a description of what I envisioned, and they turned that into an awesome reality that was exactly like I had pictured it.

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

I have finished writing the second book in the Snow Series and am currently on the third. I ended Snow: Cursed with a major cliffhanger so that all my readers will be dying to read my second book. I’m sorry, but no spoilers!

Any last words before we wrap things up?

Whether writing is your passion like mine, or if it’s something else, having faith, courage, determination, and perseverance will always take you one step closer to making your dream come true. It doesn’t matter whether you are a child or an adult. Goodbye, and remember that “everyone deserves the chance to fly!”

Willa had her first book signing…

Willa R. Finnegan is a thirteen-year-old reading and writing enthusiast and loves to tell thrilling tales through her books. She loves weaving familiar stories into a breathtaking tapestry that readers will be in awe of. At a young age, she realized that her passion was writing, and so she pursued that with everything she had.

Snow: Cursed: Finnegan, Willa R: 9798893155211: Amazon.com: Books

Snow: Cursed by Willa R Finnegan, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

Congratulations, Willa!

Aunt Sheila’s Pandemic Diary

Dec6

Book Link

From Amazon

‘It’s happened, a three-week lockdown has been imposed by the government. One walk a day for food or medicine. They’ve got the old retired medics back in to help the NHS and Wetherspoons are refusing to pay their staff. It wasn’t clear if all the old medics worked for Wetherspoons’. Dedicated to all the shopkeepers, and everyone who stayed home, played their part and followed the science … Follow Aunt Sheila as she scribbles down her secret thoughts from the small corner shop. Hilarious and everything you wanted to know about the outbreak from Boris the PM, the Chancellor’s new furlough scheme, school closures, panic buying and baking bread. Hilarious, no holds barred, from Wuhan to Yorkshire, follow Aunt Sheila’s itemised diary on the little Northern estate, it’s odd folk and the pub closures. The Diary contains a free copy of ‘The Magic Vodka Wardrobe’ series, Book 5.

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious

Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2024

It was truly a hilarious read. I laughed at the nick names used and even at how this book managed to entwine Trump, Boris, the Queen and her family, Wuhan, and lots of vodka. Thanks, Sheila.

The Literary Hedgehog

Nov25

Book Link

From Amazon:

In The Literary Hedgehog, the charming sequel to The Poetry Mouse, readers follow the inspiring story of Miss Evie Mouse, a talented poet who defies societal norms to have her voice heard. When Mr. Hedgehog, editor of the prestigious City Magazine, receives her bold submission, he is initially skeptical. How could a small female mouse contribute something worthy of publication? But after a change of heart, driven by the wise words of those around him, Mr. Hedgehog realizes the true power of Evie’s poetry. With support from her friend Brayden Fox, Evie faces the excitement and anxiety of seeing her work in print for the first time.

This delightful tale teaches children the importance of believing in themselves, challenging outdated assumptions, and the value of friendship and encouragement. Evie Mouse’s journey shows that determination, courage, and the support of others can make dreams come true.

What this book can teach young children:

  • The importance of self-belief and following your passions.
  • Challenging stereotypes and societal expectations.
  • The value of encouragement and support from friends.
  • Courage in seizing opportunities and taking risks.

Introduce your young readers to The Literary Hedgehog, and let them discover how far self-confidence and the support of friends can take them. Spark their imaginations and inspire them to find their voice—just like Evie did. Add The Literary Hedgehog to your library today and join Evie on her literary adventure!

My Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet story

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2024

Verified Purchase

Children will love this sweet story about a mouse who writes beautiful poetry. Evie didn’t believe in herself and her abilities until it was pointed out to her by other characters. The publisher didn’t think women in general, let alone a girl mouse, could write. The publisher finally realized how valuable his secretary truly was, not just for pouring tea, but the business couldn’t run without her. Evie challenged the forces against her and became a hero in the process.

Meet Carolyn Summer Quinn

Nov18
Small plant live and grow on the rock

Please welcome Carolyn Summer Quinn to my blog. “Good morning, Carolyn! Please sit down. I’m thrilled to have you on my blog today. Carolyn is an award-winning Author of fifteen books.”

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Greetings from New York City!  I’m an Author and Photographer.  I grew up singing show tunes in the suburbs of New Jersey and particularly like anything to do with the 1920s, the clothes, cars, styles, music – everything!

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

I’ve been writing stories since I learned how to write in the first grade.  I loved it right from the start!

How difficult was it writing your first book?  

My first book was MAMA ROSE’S TURN.  It was a biography of Gypsy Rose Lee’s mother, Rose Hovick, whose unorthodox parenting style inspired the beloved Broadway musical GYPSY.  The writing wasn’t difficult, but the amount of research I had to do was enormous!  It took two and a half years of meticulous research in my spare time while working full time as well.  When all was said and done, it was well worth all that effort.  The musical was written by playwright Arthur Laurents, and it’s fantastic, but he freely admitted it was “75% fictionalized.”  I found an entirely different story by looking into old newspaper articles, official records like the census, the family’s archives, and interviewing people who knew Rose or were her relatives.

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

No, I’ve never wanted to give up.  I am writing because I enjoyed it.  If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t do it.  I’m always rather astounded at some of the authors who say it’s a chore for them to write because I must wonder what’s going on there. 

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

My parents were very supportive, and so was my godmother, but they’re all gone now.  It’s my friends and cousins who are my cheering section now!

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

If you enjoy writing and have an idea for a book, go for it!  Start to write and see where it goes.  To those who think they’re untrained, keep in mind that Dame Agatha Christie was one of the bestselling authors of all time – and she never went to school for a day in her life.

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

My father said the best attitude to have, especially in the face of any naysayers, is, “Hooray for me – to heck with you!”  And the lady who ran the musical theater I participated in during the summertime in my town used to say, “Don’t let the idiots get you down.”  In both cases I’ve cleaned up the language they used in those two phrases, tee hee!

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

I’ve written in three different genres, including two books for middle school students, but my main target audience is adults.  My favorite genre is cozy mysteries and historical fiction.  One of my most recent books, UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN, is about the Kindertransport and World War II, when Jewish children were sent to foster homes in the United Kingdom to escape persecution.  That one is historical fiction.  So far UNTIL THE STARS ALIGN has won eleven writing awards!  And a mystery I wrote, THERE’S NO CURE FOR IMPOSSIBLE, was the Cozy Mystery Award Winner at the American Fiction Awards this year, too.

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

I pick out all the images for the covers then work with an artist who puts them together for me.  Here’s how that evolved.  One of my first books was for middle-grade students and I needed a cover with a nice picture of a 12-year-old girl on it.  I was working with a different artist than the one I use now, and she found this utterly ridiculous picture of a girl who looked like a 15-year-old Lolita type!  It didn’t work.  From that point on I’ve had to insist on finding the images myself.  I found a better image for the cover of that book, NOW AND FOREVERMORE ARABELLA.

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

I’m working on THE MYSTERY FROM WAY BACK WHEN.  It’s set during the 1940s and 1980s in the Catholic neighborhood where my father grew up.  It isn’t finished yet, but it’s coming along.

Any last words before we wrap things up?

I’d just like to say to other writers when they’re first starting out, as the old song says, “Don’t give up the ship!”  Keep going!  Give it a whirl!

Book Link

https://www.carolynsummerquinn.com

https://www.instagram.com/sequinrosette

https://www.facebook.com/carolynquinnauthorhttps://www.twitter.com/carolynsummerq1

IAN Book Of The Year Finalist

Nov15

Book Link

I’m honored to annouce that Her Alibi was a Finalist in the IAN book Awards under Non-Fiction/Relationships. If you would like a copy of this impactful book of 69 pages, let me know.

Short Blurb:

No! This can’t be! Not after the joking around at my home last night. NO!!!!Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat child. No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people,and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? 

Editorial Review:

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers’ Favorite

As a child, Mary could not figure out why her mother’s behavior toward her tended to be either violent or angry. As she got older the relationship between them only got worse, so much so that she could not wait to get out of living under her mother’s control. Her siblings were not immune and even her mother’s partners bore their fair share of her vitriolic attacks. After she had moved out, got married, and started her own family, you would expect that Mary would be free of her mother’s machinations. Then she received a call about her stepfather’s death which coincided with her mother’s strange late-hour visit. Could it be that her mother somehow found a way to rope Mary into her fiendish scheme? One so unbelievable it could involve murder?

Mary L. Schmidt tells a compelling story in her book. Her accounts are detailed and graphic, leaving precious little to the imagination. She explains her family history thoroughly, making it easier to understand her story. It is difficult to believe that some of the events transpired in the way she recorded them, but the way the details come together in the latter stages gives the reader ample opportunity to draw conclusions as to the mental state of Mary’s mother and her capabilities. Her Alibi is another example of where reality trumps fiction and Schmidt must be commended for finding the courage to pen this book.

Thr 41st Disaster

Nov2

Book Link

From Amazon:

After forty disastrous dates, Elsie Goode decides she’s kissed her last frog and turns to focus on salvaging her business that’s close to bankruptcy.

New-to-town veterinarian, Dirk Lovett, prefers the company of animals—they don’t crush your heart by lying and skipping town with another man.

In a twist of fate, Mr. Purrfect veterinarian hires Elsie to plan a birthday party. Her hopes for a happily-ever-after spike, but her conniving business partner promises to sign over her half of the company—if Elsie helps her become Mrs. Dr. Lovett.

Sole ownership will save the business, so Elsie takes on a dubious matchmaking role requiring lies and deceit. Trouble is, the pet whisperer falls for Elsie.

Now she must make a choice: continue to lie and save her company or give up and tell Dirk the truth—which will destroy his heart all over again.

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Rom-com Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2024

Verified Purchase

This was a nice and funny, yet disastrous, yet sad, yet loving rom-com. The story lifted my spirits. Five shiny gold stars.