Connections eMagazine November 2025 Edition

Connections eMagazine

Message from the Editor

The Purpose of this eMagazine is to connect readers and bloggers with authors. This is a FREE eMagazine that is produced quarterly. It’s that time of year again cold winter nights, cozy fires and relaxing with a good book. Our final issue this year brings you amazing authors, great stories, exciting new releases and so much more. I hope you’ll take the time to look around.

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty. It should be offered as a gift.” – Kate DiCamillo

While you’re here, don’t forget to subscribe. You’ll receive an automatic email with a link to each new edition. Just click the box below and fill out the form. Be sure to include all required information. Don’t worry, your information will never be shared or sold.

FEATURE

Suzanne Downes… Author and loyal friend, Suzanne Downes was larger than life and her stories will live on forever. (Pg. 6)

Read more...

Author Interviews

…

In this issue exclusive interviews with critically acclaimed authors (Page 20), Kristine Jensen (Page 56), Liisa Kovala (Page 78), and Tara Hodgson (Page 112)

“Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or a duty. It should be offered as a gift.”

- Kate DiCamillo

A Picture is Worth 1000

Words — Multiple Authors

Book Reviews

Author Tips and Tricks

• In Memory of Damien Czar by Adrian Czarnecki

• First Chapters by Melanie P. Smith

• Diversity Doodles by Briony Kay

• A Day of Reckoning by Tom Benson

• The Mouse Family That Live by the Brambles by Gez Robinson

• 77 1/2 Herbs — Silver Birch by Ronesa Aveela

• Protection From Fairies By Lyssa Medana

• Illustrated Idioms by Susan Faw

Editorial Team

PUBLISHER MPSmith Publishing

EDITOR –IN– CHIEF

Melanie P. Smith

https://melaniepsmith.com

CONTENT EDITOR

Sylva Fae

https://www.facebook.com/SylvaFae

COPY EDITOR

LaPriel Dye

https://dyenamicsediting.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Emalee Jensen

CONTENT MANAGER

Lyssa Medana https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk

REVIEWS..

Sassy Reads — https://sassyreviews.data.blog/category/book-reviews/

The AR Critique https://elarcritique.wordpress.com/free-book-reviews-for-authors

Author Anthony Avina’s Blog https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/reviews

Always another Chapter https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk/category/book-review Reader’s Choice https://passionduniya.wordpress.com/category/education/book-reviews/

PARTNERS

Creative Edge Publicity https://www.creative-edge.services

MPSmith Publishing and Connections eMagazine does not endorse any information contained in the articles or advertisements throughout this magazine. All contents are Copyright © by the individual authors and used with their permission. All rights reserved.

 Aspire Book Covers

 Dye-Namics Editing

 DC Gomez  Sylva Fae  Melanie P. Smith

Larry Correia

Amanda Cook

LM Kimblin

Glen Sorestad

Diann Floyd Boehm

Jonni Jordyn

Kim Lengling

by Sylva Fae and Friends

An historical murder mystery set in the 1820's.

When C. H. Underwood arrives in the village of Bracken Tor in the spring of 1820, he intends only to visit his brother, the vicar, and take a long rest from his work as a Classics tutor at Cambridge University. However, almost as soon as he arrives he finds himself intrigued by an unsolved murder, committed the year before.

The Underwood Mysteries Series

https://relinks.me/B00HWFEVRE

A few months ago, I lost my best friend. Suzanne Downes was not only my friend; she was my writing buddy and one of my favourite authors. Suzanne was also a contributor to the magazine, having taken part in the 1000-word picture prompt challenges (and won one), contributing short stories, and competing in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. I wanted to write something for her; but she always maintained that she hated anything sentimental and mushy. So instead, I would like to celebrate her writing career. (She did always love to be centre of attention; so, she would approve of this.)

Suzanne was passionate about her writing, proudly sending word count updates when she’d had a good writing day, and chatting about what the characters were getting up to, as if they were real people. I’d started out as a beta reader for my friend, but quickly fell in love with her books, and was as invested in the lives of the characters as she was. Anyone listening in to our coffee shop chats would have wondered what was going on, given that some of her books were set in the 1820s, and others were about a tortoise. Our meet ups would always involve a good gossip while browsing around the charity shops –she loved a bargain, especially if it was leopard print. Then, she’d pick up a bag of Midget Gems, her favourite treat to reward herself while writing.

But back to the beginning… I first met Suzanne when I was teaching at a college. I was very young, and new to the job, and the college had mistakenly timetabled a class of competent, qualified, professional women, into one of my English classes. Quite rightly, they were annoyed but it was part of the course and they had to do it. They turned up, angry and determined to do the bare minimum just to get through it as quickly as possible, and to make my life difficult. As if that wasn’t bad enough, sitting front and centre was Suzanne, a published author! I was intimidated from the start, and when she called me, ‘Kiddo’, it only added to my discomfort. But that class turned out to be a lot of fun and I later learned that ‘Kiddo’ was a term of endearment from Suzanne.

She’d recognised that the timetabling mishap was not my faultand she worked hard to turn her classmates around. Suzanne later got a job at the college, working in the library and teaching writing classes, and we soon became good friends. I may have started out as her teacher, but she quickly became mine.

Suzanne was not only passionate about her own writing; she actively encouraged her children and friends to write, and even got her husband and grandson involved in the publishing process. Writing can be a solitary affair, but to be a published author, it requires a team, and Suzanne pulled us together as a supportive group, helping one another with cover designing, formatting and editing. She was the driving force that kept us going, forming several writers’ groups, and organising book launches, school visits with our children’s books, readings and book stalls at fairs.

"If it hadn't been for Suzanne, I would never have completed the Pond Life trilogy.

When I first met Suzanne at North Area College, I had done little more than think about it. Suzanne encouraged me, invited me to her book club, Writers' Block, and before I knew it, I was writing.

But it wasn't just me. Suzanne had done the same for many more people over the years- taking them under her wing and encouraging their writing and creativity. What a legacy!"

Patricia M Ahern – author and friend

“I met Suzanne for the first time in 2012, having been passed her details by a mutual acquaintance. I was wanting to start a crime writing group locally having just retired. We hit it off immediately and that first meeting triggered off a lasting friendship. Together we started the Bramhall Crime Writing Group, meeting firstly in the local library, then at my house and eventually in the local pub. The group ran for eight years and produced a collection of short stories and flash fiction, entitled, Booked for Crime. We met for lunch before most meetings or she stayed on afterwards. I was also part of her Writers Block group which also met for a number of years.

I was honoured to be asked by her to contribute sessions to her Creative Writing course which she ran at local colleges and we became beta readers for each other’s books. Her love of storytelling was at the heart of what she did and telling stories was her forte. Together we sorted getting our books on to Amazon as e-books and she later also created paperbacks. I watched as her readership grew nationally and internationally and was so pleased that she was discovered by so many. I was a huge fan of her different series and never hesitated when asked to read a new offering. I fell in love with Mr Underwood, Lazarus and Stonier and Thora Scattergood and their various and varied investigations. Her writing was captivating.

But mostly, I will remember her as a friend, someone always cheerful in person or on the phone, never daunted by what life threw at her and keen to take advantage of new opportunities. It often felt like we were sisters in another life, bonded by a mutual love of writing and sharing stories, supporting each other through each new blank page on the computer screen through to the ending of another book.”

Barbara Fagan Speake – author and friend

“Suzanne and I met in 2000 at the BBC TV studios in London - at the time, she was being fussed over by production assistants attaching microphones and offering endless cups of coffee. We had both successfully auditioned for a Saturday night game show (Whatever You Want with Gaby Roslin - the prize was to be published in the Independent newspaper. A column was promised but it was actually just a one-off article, so somewhat underwhelming!). We had such a laugh that day, but we agreed the best thing to come out of the programme was our firm friendship of 25 years. I watched Suzanne use the TV opportunity as a springboard - she went from frustrated writer to successful novelist of thrillers, murder mysteries and children's books: the lady in leopard print with the killer instinct...but only in, er, print! Suzanne was fun, feisty and fabulous, a real force of nature. I can still hear her throaty laugh and I can still feel her zest for life. It was a privilege to have danced in your orbit dearest pal, go girl, our lovely memories and your books are an amazing legacy.”

Suzanne Downes’ Books

I love all of Suzanne’s characters, being a fan of detective novels and murder mysteries, and I was initially drawn to her Matt Piper series.

Rachel, writing as Rae Reynolds – author and friend

I’d never been a fan of historical novels though, so when Suzanne asked me to beta read and proofread her Underwood Mysteries series, initially I did so only as support for a friend. I soon changed my mind about historical stories and grew to love Underwood. Suzanne’s writing study doubled as a library, containing all her research. She was very keen to keep the settings, language and actions of the characters accurate to the period. This series gained her an international fanbase, and the first book, ‘A Noble Pair of Brothers’ remains her bestseller.

Having read and loved the Underwood Mysteries, I was then keen to read the other historical novels, set in a different time period, but within the same settings. I was even a character in ‘A Troublesome Woman’, the first book in the Inspector Lazarus series – can you guess which one?

Suzanne took a break away from her historical novels to write a children’s series: Cassie’s Quests. Although these are aimed at children, they contain the same complex plots and meticulous research of her adult books

https://relinks.me/B00UC9R1EM

https://relinks.me/B09PW15TR3

When I first told her I had written a few stories for my children, Suzanne was overjoyed and became my biggest supporter. Years later, she wrote her own children’s series, ‘Bold Brian’s Adventures’, about her daughter’s tortoise, that lived with her. I enjoyed working with Suzanne on this series, doing the illustrations. We did several school visits together, where Suzanne did readings and talked about Bold Brian. Brian came with us and of course stole the show! How can two authors compete against a cute tortoise?

Our Friend

Suzanne also wrote many short stories, as part of the challenges she set within her book groups. Some of these are shared in Connections eMagazine. She had a confession though, she actually hated reading short stories, preferring to read complex novels. So, when she compiled an anthology of her shorts, she had the perfect title. While searching for the link, I discovered that Amazon is listing this as Suzanne’s most popular book –she would have found that so amusing.

https://relinks.me/B077VGCDGT

“Suzanne became my friend when we met at night school. Over the years our friendship blossomed and we never had a falling out, although on one occasion I sailed close to the wind! In lots of ways, we were chalk and cheese — although we both did love a game of Scrabble, what I’d give to have another game with her. Now I’m not a big reader (sorry) and historic novels are not really my thing. I always attended Suzanne’s book launches and bought a signed copy of her latest novel. Fast forward to her first online book launching on Amazon — Suzanne had an Amazon voucher which she generously gave me to buy a copy. I did go online to buy the said copy — Amazon kindly asked did I want to download a sample; I accepted the offer and put the voucher towards a pair of boots! Of course, I had to confess my audacity when I showed Suzanne the sample on my phone, or was it the boots! Now there are very few others, if any, who could get away with this! However, our friendship was so strong that not even this dreadful crime came between us and we had a good laugh! I loved to watch people’s faces when Suzanne told them what I had done; I could see them go pale with shock, disbelief and confusion as to why we were still such good friends. I shall always be grateful that fate made us both decide to start learning Italian that September. Miss you so much my ‘Italian Friend’”.

Zoe Smith – friend

I intended to not be sentimental, but this last bit is impossible to write without being a – sorry, Suzanne! In the last conversation we had, Suzanne told me she was relieved to have finished her last book, before her circumstances prevented her from writing. Her last request was that I help her daughter, to get her final book published. Of course, I agreed and I will be proud to do this last favour for my best friend, who supported my writing career from the very beginning. Who knows, we may even get Zoe to buy a copy, instead of boots!

s family and friends are very proud of her many writing accomplishments, but to us, she was not just an author, she was our larger than life, kind and loyal friend. While her book characters live on for her readers, our memories of our time together will live on, and we all feel richer for having known her. And for me, she’ll always be that little voice in the back of my mind saying, “You got this, Kiddo!”

Continue reading to enjoy Suzanne’s winning “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words” story — Look In Here.

A Reasonable Man (The Inspector Lazarus Mysteries Book 4)

Suzanne’s most popular book according to Amazon

Inspector Lazarus does not much care for London, but when his wife, Constance, is asked to accompany her cousin Arabella Allingham to the Metropolis in preparation for the birth of her first child, he has no choice but to go with the ladies. He soon regrets his decision to leave Braxton. During his absence Superintendent Gregson manages to cause all manner of chaos. There has been a spate of fake coins being passed in the roughest area of town and instead of sending Lazarus and Stonier to investigate, whose plain clothes would have hidden their purpose, he sends in a horde of uniformed constables and nearly causes a riot.

When Gregson is shot on his own doorstep, Lazarus is happy to hear his old friend, Superintendent Tiplady of the Stockport Police has been asked to step into Gregson’s role. The two men are soon faced with an ever-growing list of those who wanted the man dead. What other secrets was Gregson hiding? And will Lazarus ever discover which of the many suspects actually pulled the trigger?

Look In Here

By Suzanne Downes

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037757172678

“Look In Here”

“So, how did you end up at the police station?” Mrs Barnes was tight-lipped with fury and her mood was not helped by the deafening silence which greeted her question. The four fifteen-yearold girls were rarely this quiet - in fact never. The interior of the car would usually resound with giggles, chatter, arguments and the never-ending chime of mobile phone messages.

“Well?”

“It was all Tiffany’s fault,” muttered her daughter Davina, sinking further down into the front seat and scowling.

“Was not!” came the protest from the middle of the back seat. “It was Layla who thought of it.” Layla’s response was simply to gasp in shock at suddenly being thrust into the centre of the row. Marnie, who always stuck up for her twin sister, was moved to add, “That’s not fair!”

Mrs Barnes gritted her teeth, I don’t care about fair, I don’t want to know who was to blame, I just want to know what the hell happened tonight!” The policeman who had escorted the girls out of the station had been very obviously trying to hide a grin and was less than forthcoming. “I hope you ladies have learned a lesson,” he had said gravely, “and I’ll leave it to you to explain to your parents.”

She should have known better than to ask for an explanation without specifying a single narrator. All the girls suddenly re-found their power of speech and began to talk over each other, getting louder and louder in an effort to be heard.

“One at a time!” she yelled, and they were instantly silenced. Mrs Barnes rarely shouted - well, not at her daughter’s friends, anyway. Davina was a different matter.

“You tell me, Davina,” she said, after taking a deep breath to calm herself. She was still suffering from the embarrassment of having to collect the girls, and was wondering how she was going to explain the way this sleepover had turned out.

“Ok, but you have to promise not to freak out again,” said Davina, wondering what the odd noise was that she could hear. It was her mother grinding her teeth.

“Just talk,” said Mrs Barnes when she had sufficient self control not to scream.

“So you know about the lads who used to go to our school, the four gorgeous sixth formers, who left a couple of years ago and now have a band?”

“Three gorgeous, one just passable,” interrupted Layla.

“Oh, which one do you think is only okay?” asked Marnie.

Mrs Barnes had no idea what they were talking about. She wouldn’t dream of listening when Davina went off on one of her extremely passionate, but deeply tedious, stories about her latest crush. She loved the notion that her daughter talked to her about these things, but she never really took in any of the information. For the first time she was regretting her disinterest. Evidently there was something going on and she knew nothing about it.

“Okay, back to the boy band,” she said testily, before the debate could become the main focus of the girls’attention. “What about them?”

“We found out they were playing in the local pub, so we went to see them,” admitted Davina, sliding as far away from her mother as the car door and her seat belt would allow.

Mrs Barnes drew in a deep breath. “So you were picked up for underage drinking,” she said as calmly as she could.

“Of course not,” said Davina scornfully. “We’re not stupid enough to get caught doing that.” This sounded as though it was a little too regular to be comfortable for Mrs Barnes, and she made a mental note to ground her daughter for the next five years - but that could wait until she had the full story. Best not to go off at a tangent now.

“So, it wasn’t booze, so what was it?” she asked.

“Well, when the gig was over, we decided to follow the boys and see if we could find out where they live.”

How Mrs Barnes managed to restrain the cry of “Oh, my God!” she would never know.

“That wasn’t very bright, girls.”

“Why not? We know the lads. Well, we practically know them. They must have passed us in the corridor when they were still at school.”

Now was not the time to explain why that might not necessarily be any protection, though Mrs Barnes was keeping a tally of the subjects upon which Davina was going to require a lecture.

“What happened next?” she asked, panic bubbling just below the surface. Only the fact that the police allowed all the girls to come home with her stopped her from thinking the worst.

“We found out they live in that old converted mill where we used to play when we were kids.”

“You did what?”

Davina realised she had made a major error in admitting this so she moved hastily on. “We didn’t know which flat they lived in, so I showed the girls how you get up to the roof using the old back staircase.”

The old back staircase which used to be a cast iron death trap when she was a girl, so must be in an even worse state now! Mrs Barnes silently prayed that the developer who converted the mill into residential had taken care to fix it.

“Go on,” she said, though a big part of her really didn

“The roof has loads of skylights, to save money on lighting bills for the mill owner, I guess,” said Davina.

“That’s what Miss Simister, our history teacher, said anyway,

“So we looked down into the skylights until we found the one for the flat that the lads share.”

“And no one would have known we were there if Tiffany hadn t screamed when she saw Tom with his shirt off,

Suzanne Downes Copyright 2023

Ann Charles is a USA Today Best-Selling author who writes spicy, award-winning mysteries full of mayhem, adventure, comedy, and suspense. She writes the Deadwood Mystery Series, Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series, Dig Site Mystery Series, Deadwood Undertaker Series (with her husband, Sam Lucky), and AC Silly Circus Mystery Series. Her Deadwood Mystery Series has won multiple national awards, including the Daphne du Maurier for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington and is a member of Sisters in Crime and Western Writers of America. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and a book in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats.

Interview by Melanie P. Smith

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a fulltime author (and have been since 2013) who currently writes five different fiction series that include mystery, humor, adventure, supernatural elements, and a bit of romance. When I’m not writing, I’m working on marketing, bookkeeping, selling books, and brainstorming new stories. And when I’m not doing any of those non-writing tasks, I’m hanging out with my husband and kids and sassy cats.

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? How did you decide what types of book you would write?

I’m a multi-genre author and love mixing things up on the pages. I started out aiming to write romances, but discovered that I have more fun including mystery, adventure, and supernatural elements, plus some romance plot lines.

Do you have a favorite, or is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why?

I love humor. Laughing in the midst of suspense, romance, and action is what I enjoy and aim for when it comes to entertaining the readers. I think we all need laughter in our lives, especially when things aren’t going well and the weight on our shoulders grows heavy. When I started writing, giving readers something to smile about was at the top of my goal list.

Is there one person past or present you would like to meet and why?

I’d like to meet Groucho Marx. He can make me laugh with just his eyebrows.

When did you start writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

I started writing when I was in my early twenties because I kept reading books with endings I didn’t enjoy. I wanted more to the ending, so I decided to write a book with an ending that made me feel fulfilled. The writing bug started then and I realized that telling stories was what I wanted to do. It took me about fifteen years to make that happen, but I was determined to succeed.

How / where do you find the plots you write about?

I find inspiration from everyday people going about their business, trying to keep pushing onward and upward in spite of the obstacles being thrown their way. I work to make my characters feel like someone you’d sit down next to at a bar with whom you might share a drink and a laugh.

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research; or, do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

I’m a mix a plotser ... or maybe a pantter. I will briefly plan out a story at a high level just to make sure I have a solid structure, and then I will start writing and typically stray off course by the first turning point. Then I let my right brain run with the tale and follow along, enjoying the ride (and if I don’t enjoy what is happening, I change things on the page). I do a lot of research for each book. Some stories take more research than others, especially my Dig Site Mystery series in which I focus on Maya history and mythology and create my own archaeology dig sites to explore along with my characters.

What books have influenced your life the most?

There are so many. I grew up reading a mix of horror, romance, western, and adventure. This is probably why my stories are mixedgenre. I loved them all, along with a good mystery, and especially anything with humor in it.

Do you have a mentor that helped or encouraged you to follow your dream of writing?

No. I took many creative writing classes in college, but the teachers were more focused on literature there and didn’t love that my homework assignments usually were genre fiction. I stumbled into this writing gig and enjoyed it so much I just kept working at it, practicing my craft, learning marketing, polishing whatever I wrote. I think I was too stubborn to give up, so here I am writing for a living.

What are your current projects?

I’m starting the seventh book in my Jackrabbit Junction Mystery series while promoting the release of my newest Dig Site series book. I cowrite the Deadwood Undertaker series with my husband, and we are in the midst of writing the sixth book in that series at the moment, too.

Tell us your latest news.

I just released the third book in my Dig Site Mystery series titled, Chewed Up by the Jungle. This story stars many of the same characters from the first two books in the series, but is set at a mysterious, ancient Maya site.

Here is the back cover copy:

Whatever lies in wait in the jungle isn’t just history ... it’s hungry!

Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula sits a long forgotten, mysterious site lost to time, swallowed by the jungle, haunted by ancient secrets.

Archaeologist Dr. Angélica García is chasing clues, and she will stop at nothing to uncover the site’s history. Was it a sacred center? A place of long-forgotten rituals? Or something far more sinister?

Quint Parker, a sharp-eyed photojournalist, is chasing Angélica. He never signed up for old curses, creepy whispers in the shadows, or man-eating mosquitoes. He just wants to make sure his girlfriend makes it out of the jungle alive.

The deeper they dig into the past, the more they must confront a deadly truth: Some places should never be disturbed!

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

My message is the same in every book I write persevere no matter what life throws at you and find the humor, even in the dark times.

How much of the book is realistic?

I do a lot of work to make readers feel like they are in the Mexican jungle, from the heat and humidity to the bugs, plants, and animals. Much of my research is spent making sure the setting feels as real as possible. The story has elements of Maya mythology and religion, which some believe to be real and others don’t, so that is up to the reader to decide.

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

Here is a short excerpt from Chewed Up by the Jungle:

“You packed your earplugs, right?” Juan asked.

“Yep,” Quint said.

“I hope you brought your cojones along, too.” Quint grinned. “I packed an extra pair of those.”

“Good. I have a feeling you’re going to need them.”

“Ann Charles packs a punch in this exciting, smart, and sexy jungle romp that combines three of my favorite things: action, mystery, and things that go bump in the night. This series might be her best yet!” ~Renee George, USA Today Bestselling Author of Nora Black Midlife Psychic Mysteries

“Why? What do you think is going to happen here?” Quint had some unsettling ideas of his own, but maybe Juan’s notions were less nut-shriveling. After all, Juan hadn’t ended up in a terror-inciting tomb at the last site, unlike Quint and Angélica.

“Besides a lot of sweating, swatting, and swearing?”

“Don’t forget swinging a machete.” Quint grimaced. “I’m probably going to lean hard into the swearing bit.”

“So will my daughter.” Juan sat up, resting his elbows on his knees as he stared into the fire. “I wish you two had escaped on your secret getaway before INAH had interfered.” That made two of them.

“I have a bad feeling about this place, Quint.”

He studied Juan’s profile, trying to figure out if the jokester was being serious. “Don’t you have a bad feeling about every site?” Angélica was often bemoaning her father’s superstitious nature.

“Not all.” Juan puffed his cheeks and then blew out a sigh. “But certainly the ones that come with armed guards.”

Whatever lies in wait in the jungle isn’t just history ... it’s hungry!

Deep in the Yucatán Peninsula sits a long forgotten, mysterious site lost to time, swallowed by the jungle, haunted by ancient secrets. Archaeologist Dr. Angélica Garcia is chasing clues, and she will stop at nothing to uncover the site’s history. Was it a sacred center? A place of long-forgotten rituals? Or something far more sinister? Quint Parker, a sharp-eyed photojournalist, is chasing Angélica. He never signed up for old curses, creepy whispers in the shadows, or man-eating mosquitoes. He just wants to make sure his girlfriend makes it out of the jungle alive. The deeper they dig into the past, the more they must confront a deadly truth: Some places should never be disturbed!

Pick one of your characters and share some of their backstory that didn’t make it into the novel.

I actually have written several novellas to share backstory on characters in my Deadwood Mystery and Jackrabbit Junction mystery series. I think novellas are a great way to add backstory details without slowing down the pacing in the novels within the series. My readers know that if they want to dig deeper into my characters’ lives, to grab one of my novellas and sink into their histories.

What do you want written on your headstone and why?

Here Lies Ann She’s still smiling and laughing. (Why? Because I will be.)

Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

I used to be an avid book reader. Now I’m an avid book writer without any time for much else. I do like to watch the clouds pass overhead when given the chance.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

You have to have perseverance to make it in this business. I’ve been a fulltime author for almost 13 years now, and I am constantly pivoting in order to stay in the game, especially on the marketing front.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Find the humor in life. It will carry you through the hard and sad darker times, and make the easy and joyful times even more sunny.

If money was no issue would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

Rustic cabin in the mountains, definitely!

What kind of music do you enjoy?

I listen to all sorts of music, including a lot of ambient music while writing. I grew up listening to country music and heavy metal, pop and alternative. I also enjoy folk music and acoustic guitar.

Can you share something personal with your readers? Do you have any holiday traditions?

My books are full of personal bits about me hidden within the characters dialogue and actions. If you read my books, you’ll understand more about who I am and what I enjoy.

As for holiday traditions, we try to mix things up food-wise all of the time. For example, we’ve been known to have dim sum for Thanksgiving, and we often travel over Christmas to somewhere new to see what the holiday is like in that neck of the woods.

What kind of movies do you prefer?

Oh, man, I love all sorts of movies—science fiction, adventure, action, romantic comedy, suspense/ horror, and historical. I’m not into drama too much, and I prefer a happy ending.

Do you have a favorite author?

No. There are so many great writers out there both dead and alive. Same as music and movies, I enjoy a variety of genres by a wide range of authors and am always looking for new books into which I can escape.

One final question...Do you have a blog/website? If so, what is it? Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

Website: http://www.anncharles.com

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AnnCharlesAuthor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anncharlesbooks

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anncharles

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AnnWCharles

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Charles/e/B004JLYPFW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4605878.Ann_Charles

D.C. Gomez is an awardwinning USA Today Bestselling Author, podcaster, motivational speaker, and coach. Born in the Dominican Republic, she grew up in Salem, Massachusetts. D. C.studied film and television at New York University. After college she joined the US Army, and proudly served for four years.

D.C. has a Master’s Degree in Science Administration from the Central Michigan University, as well as a Master in Adult Education from Texas A&M- Texarkana University. She is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker and coach, and a certified meditation instructor from the Chopra Center.

One of D. C. passions is helping those around her overcome their self-limiting beliefs. She writes both non-fiction and fiction books, ranging from Urban Fantasy to Children’s Books. To learn more about her books and her passion, you can find her at www.dcgomez-author.com

In this hilarious, fast-paced urban fantasy adventure, Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern proves that sometimes, the real danger comes from the family you never asked for—and the enemies you never saw coming.

Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern A new Urban Fantasy Adventure by

USA Today Bestselling Author DC Gomez

What’s the worst way to spend a weekend with your quirky, magical team?

A team-building retreat, of course. When Constantine drags the crew to Hochatown, OK, for some "bonding," no one’s thrilled. Bob’s only focus is the bake-off, which is already shaping up to be a recipe for disaster. But when a group of thieves launches a high-stakes heist in the middle of their supposed downtime, things go south faster than you can say “sugar plums.”

Now, it’s not just about surviving each other’s company it’s about surviving in a town where the dead have a nasty habit of showing up, and everyone has a secret. Between eccentric family reunions, a string of bodies dropping like flies, and a magical showdown that’s anything but ordinary, the team will have to navigate the chaos or risk becoming part of the mess themselves.

https://bit.ly/420qfwh

Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern is book nine in The Enchanted Woods Cottagecore Series.

This book is set in the Reapers Universe. A standalone misadventure from the Intern Diaries. You don’t need the full files to survive this story. If you enjoy Supernatural and True Blood, the crew of Sugar Plums and Death’s Intern will keep you turning pages while wishing you were in your own cottage sipping tea.

1 A Picture is Worth A

Words

We had some great entries for our last challenge. If you didn’t get a chance to read them, you should take a minute to check them out. Congratulations to our top winners for getting the most reader votes on their submission. You can read the winning story as well as the other entries here…

https://view.publitas.com/mpsmith-publishing/ connections-emagazine-3rd-quarter-2025/page/24

1st Place Morticia Tom Benson

2nd Place Twenty-One Sylva Fae

3rd Place House Beneath the Weeping Elm Val Tobin

The Imagebehindthe story...

Everyone has heard the saying A Picture is Worth 1000 Words. Well, this is where we put that saying to the test. In each edition, we post an image and ask authors to tell a story in approximately 1000 words. Each story is unique, compelling and interesting. It just goes to show, while the picture might be worth a thousand words those words can be as diverse as the authors writing them

Keep reading to discover new authors and their stories based on the picture provided. And be sure to visit our Facebook page to vote for your favorite.

https://www.facebook.com/ConnectionsEMagazine

By Sylva Fae

Spy Date

https://www.facebook.com/SylvaFae

I’d dressed the part, as requested, with the classic spy mac and hat, but I wasn’t feeling it. The whole spy-themed blind date had seemed a fun idea, but I was too anxious to enjoy it. I hurried to the bridge, staring at every man I passed, wondering if he could be SpyGuy57. We’d connected in an online, classic films group, and his profile picture, a suave Cary Grant, taken from the film, Notorious, had drawn me into a private chat with him but I’d no idea what he actually looked like. ‘It’ll be more fun this way, add some mystery and intrigue, just like our favourite movies…’he’d messaged. I’d agreed with him at the time but I wasn’t so sure now. Standing on the park bridge, I felt incredibly vulnerable. I reread the first instruction in my messenger app: ‘Stand on the bridge at noon, and look for me. I’ll be wearing a red carnation.’

I scanned the people nearby but most wore long coats and scarves to keep out the autumn chill –no carnations. Maybe he’s running late, I mused. I watched the children feeding the ducks, their bright coats a splash of colour against the brown foliage.And then I noticed it, an incongruous splash of red in a rhododendron bush. I hurried down and plucked the carnation; it had a note curled around the stem:

‘Take the train to the playground and await further instructions.’

I took the long route to the station booth, along an open path. It felt like the safer route, the short route being through a patch of woodland. The dangers of meeting up with a stranger had played on my mind, but a busy public park seemed a reasonably non-threatening venue. Still, it was better to be cautious. I studied each person I passed: the old man on the bench, reading his newspaper, a couple sauntering hand in hand, a weary-looking mum herding two giggling toddlers, and a businessman walking briskly past. None of them seemed likely candidates for my blind date.

I joined the queue for the little train, conscious that, other than the guy selling tickets, I was the only adult here without a child. I stood in the queue as children excitedly jostled about, and eventually, we filed into the open carriages.

“Tickets, please!” called the guard, as he made his way down the track. I reached into my pocket for the ticket, and a piece of paper fluttered to the floor. Quickly, I grabbed it – another note –and waved my ticket at the guard. I spun around, searching for my date, but the station was already empty. I cursed myself for not paying proper attention, then shuddered. SpyGuy57 had been close enough to slip the note in my pocket. How could I have not noticed?

‘On playground bench, a classic dead drop.’

As the little train trundled along at barely more than walking pace, I assessed the people wandering around the park. The old man had put his newspaper aside to eat a sandwich, a group of teenagers sat huddled together, and adults walked their dogs.At this stage, I couldn’t discount any of them, old or young.

Finally, we reached the end of the line and I followed the families as they surged into the playground.Aquick scan round showed three benches. One was occupied by a mum rocking a sleeping child, the next was empty, but the third looked to have something on it. I rushed over to claim the third bench and picked up the newspaper that had been left – this had to be the dead drop. No notes fell out when I shook it, so I turned back to the front cover. Nothing significant stood out.As I flicked through the pages, I spotted it – certain words had been underlined. head to the trees café

Trees café? The café in the park is called, ‘Maples’. I guessed that must be the right place, and hoped it was the destination for the meet up. While I admired the planning of this spy-themed date, I was anxious to get it over with now. The café wasn’t far, thankfully. Other than a couple and a lady who occupied the two tables outside, I hadn’t seen anyone else around. I headed inside. The old man from the park bench was being served a coffee at the counter, he nodded to me as I queued behind him.

The waiter turned to serve me, and smiled, “are you, ‘Spy Girl’?”

“Spy Girl? Er, yes. I suppose I am.”

“Phew! That would have been embarrassing if I’d got the wrong person,” he said, laughing. He looked familiar but I couldn’t place where I’d seen him before.

“Your date came in just before you got here. He said to prepare you a hazelnut latte.” The waiter handed over a cup with ‘Spy Girl’written on it. “It’s been paid for. Take a seat. He’ll be back in a minute.”

“Thank you…wait, aren’t you the ticket guy?”

“Yep, we changed shifts ten minutes ago. Enjoy your coffee!”

I sat down on the table next to the old man, facing the door so I could look out for SpyGuy57. Something felt off about the exchange with the waiter/ticket guy. I reached for my coffee as I tried to work out what was wrong. The old guy fumbled with his walking stick, it fell knocking into me, sending my coffee splashing onto the table.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. Here, let me help you mop that up,” he apologised and leant across with a paper napkin. “Don’t drink the coffee!” he whispered as I leaned in to take the napkin. “It’s spiked. We’ve got him!”

The next few seconds were a flurry of noise and activity. The old guy stood up, barking orders, people I’d passed in the park rushed in, and soon the waiter, aka SpyGuy57, was led away in handcuffs.

Operation Spy Date was a success, and SpyGuy57 would soon be locked up on charges of abducting five local women.

Sylva Fae is a married mum of three from Lancashire, England. She has spent twenty years teaching literacy to adults with learning difficulties and disabilities, and now works from home as a children’s writer and illustrator.

New Release by

Sylva Fae

– Scary Monsters

"Oh no, oh dear, what's that noise?"

The monsters cry in fear. There's something scary in the woods And Blue has disappeared.

Dare you creep through the spooky woods with the Rainbow Monsters as they search for their friends, and discover Blue's secret? Scary Monsters is book four in the award-winning Rainbow Monsters series.

Available on ebook and paperback.

https://mybook.to/ScaryMonsters3

By Melanie P. Smith

Assets, Lies & Videotapes

https://melaniepsmith.com

Darion Pike glanced up in anticipation when the door clanked shut and grinned. How many times hadAshford complained about that rickety old thing. Too many to count, but he had no intention of repairing the door. It was the best kind of alert, especially when he was thoroughly engrossed in the secret lives of potential clients, as he was now.

Footsteps echoed across the tile, and he exited out of the report he was reading. Seconds later, a timid, clearly nervous woman hesitated in his doorway.

“Oh, um… I,” she paused to clear her throat. “I’m uh, I’m here to see Mr. Pike.”

“You found me,” his eyes sparkled in anticipation. This was going to be so easy. He slowly moved around the desk and settled into one of his enormous black visitor chairs. “Ms. Marybelle Channing, I presume?”

“Um, yes,” she glanced nervously around the room.

“Do have a seat,” Darion motioned to the chair at his side. “We have so much to talk about.”

“I well,” she settled into the chair and swallowed hard.

“You said you have assets that you need to protect, is that correct?” Darion offered.

“Right,” Marybelle’s hands began to fidget in her lap. “I know it’s wrong, but my husband, well he scares me and I need the money to get away. It’s mine,” she rushed on. “I mean, it’s my inheritance.All of it, it’s mine. But he knows people and I just know I’d never be able to fight him. Then Sally said you helped her and I thought ”

“Sally?’Darion logged that. He’d owe Sally another bonus. She was his best recruiter.

“Um, she said ” Marybelle looked away.

“I know what you need,” Darion reached out and patted her hands. “I’ll just need access to all of your accounts.” He scribbled a dollar amount one that was larger than usual on a notepad. “This is my fee. If you agree, this unfortunate situation should be resolved by the end of the week. I’ll need half of that before you leave and the balance when the job is finished.”

“That much?” she focused on the man, who just stared at her and waited. “Alright.” She stood, pulled an envelope from her purse, added three additional hundred dollar bills, shoved it at him, then rushed out the door.

Cassidy strolled confidently up the drive, practically jumped onto the front porch, and rang the bell. Moments later, the door swung open to reveal Eleanor Sterling.

“Cassidy,” a genuine smile spread across her face. “Come in, dear. I was so sorry to hear about your dad. That man was amazing. It’s not fair, and a stroke of all things. I can only imagine how unexpected and devastating that was for you.”

“Yes,” Cassidy agreed. “That’s sort of why I’m here. I mean, he had a few cases he was working on and I’ve decided to remain here, in the city, and see what I can do to resolve them.”

Eleanor’s face fell. “I hated to call him. I mean, it’s embarrassing but that man took nearly everything I have. I confronted him, of course. I swore he’d rue the day he messed with me, but then your father… Well, I didn’t want to ask, but if there’s anything you can do, anything at all, I would truly be grateful. Jesse Holt was the best PI around. If anyone could have brought that man down, it was your father.”

“I assure you,” Cassidy settled back. “I’m going to do everything in my power to make this right. Now, let’s go over your financials and tell me how that no good scoundrel managed to lie his way into your bank account.”

Cassidy was parked in the shadows, video camera in hand, watching Darion Pike break into the apartment leased toAndrewArchibald Channing and his wife of four years, Marybelle Channing. Once Pike slid through the window, she rushed forward and pointed the lens of her dad’s best camera through the opening. Darion didn’t disappoint. He was in and out, incriminating evidence planted in all the usual places, in less than ten minutes.

But she was better. She got it all on tape and was now back in her car waiting for him to leave. Adrenaline surged through her entire body, and she finally understood why her dad loved this job. The instant Darion’s car sped by, she shifted into gear and headed in the opposite direction she had a little B&E of her own to perform. She grinned, eager to see what the records would reveal.

“Ms Channing,” Darion settled back in his chair, smiling. “I’m calling to let you know that I was able to transfer those funds we discussed. Unfortunately, I ran into a small snag and I’m afraid the price has gone up significantly.”

“What do you mean?” Marybelle’s voice shook.

“I’ve transferred the account balance to an off-shore account,” Darion explained. “I’ll be holding that money until your divorce is finalized.At that time, I’ll return exactly half of the money to an account of your choosing.”

“You can’t do that,” Marybelle let out a sob. “I trusted you.”

“Yes,” Darion mocked. “And I’m so glad you did. It’s truly been a pleasure doing business with you. Oh, and one more thing no police. I’ve taken out a small insurance policy, the police will target you, and I don’t think you’d fare well in prison.”

“You can’t do this,” she insisted.

“I already have,” Darion shrugged. “I do need to go now, but I’ll be watching so don’t do anything stupid. Oh, and please don’t forget to send me that check. You know, the remaining balance you still owe for services rendered.”

“You expect me to pay you more than you already stole?” Marybelle choked out.

“Of course,” Darion laughed. “I do have a business to run and a reputation to uphold. Have a nice day, Marybelle. I’ll need those funds by the end of the month.”

“Ms. Channing, this envelope appears to be short a few hundred,” Darion gave her his most intimidating glare. It didn’t matter, not really. He’d taken nearly everything she had in her account and stashed it away in his secret retirement fund. Still, he couldn’t let a client renege on their contract. Let one slide, and word would get out, then he’d be forced to hire an enforcer. He cringed, the idea was so barbaric.

“Oh, that’s not payment for the job,” she smiled. “It’s restitution, for the damages.And, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should probably admit that my name is not Marybelle it’s Cassidy. Cassidy Holt.”

“What damages,” Darion frowned and his eyes darted toward the file room. But, no, that was impossible. This timid, spoiled debutant wouldn’t dare break into his office and steal his life’s work. She wouldn’t know how. But what was this about using a fake name? Something was seriously wrong here and he didn’t like it. “I don’t know what game you’re playing ”

“Restitution for the damages,” Cassidy repeated and took a step forward. “Oh, and you’ll want to check out that hidden compartment in the back of the file cabinet. I left you a little gift or, I guess, more to the point, a warning.” “But ” Darion stuttered.

“Do have a nice day,” Cassidy strolled across the room but paused in the doorway. “Oh, and Eleanor Sterling sends her regards. She asked me to remind you that she did warn you what would happen if you tried to steal her money. She knew you wouldn’t listen, but she did warn you.”

Darion’s face paled, his eyes widened and he lunged behind his desk and began to violently punch his keyboard. He fumbled, typed in the wrong password, then finally logged into his bank account. “Nooo,” he roared the instant his balance appeared in the top right corner. “No,” he swiped his hand over his desk, knocking the contents to the floor. Fury engulfed him and he darted to the window just in time to see the sleek sports car pull out of his lot. He grabbed a pen and wrote the license plate number onto his hand, then stumbled back to his desk.

Moments later he stared at the screen in shock. That woman wasn’t Marybelle Channing, it was Cassidy Holt, daughter of Jesse Holt.And Cassidy Holt was not a timid, naïve rich kid. She was the only child of the best private detective in the city. He jumped to his feet and rushed into the file room, yanked the door off his hidden compartment and stared at the flash drive taunting him from the tiny space. Resigned, he retrieved the annoying device and headed back to his office.

Moments later, he watched in horror as a professional quality video of his latest crime danced over his computer screen. His lies had finally caught up to him and life as he knew it was over. Cassidy Holt held his future in the palm of her hand and something told him; she wouldn’t be as forgiving as her late father.

Cassidy strolled into the park and stopped at her favorite spot on the bridge overlooking the crisp, blue lake. Her dad’s sleek brown trenchcoat and his dapper black hat may have been a bit much, but she couldn’t help herself. It felt serendipitous somehow. “I did it, Dad,” she whispered as a gentle breeze flittered through her soft brown hair. “Now, you can rest in peace, I’ll take it from here.”

Melanie P. Smith Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office; working with SWAT, Search and Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations, and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not penning her next adventure, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.

https://books2read.com/ConiferCreek

Montana’s mountains promised healing. What Lexie found was a hunter stalking her every move.

With a deadly countdown ticking, a stoic cowboy becomes her shield and her unexpected second chance at love.

But can they outrun a predator who always knows where she is?

One woman. One protector. One obsession. Escape is no longer the goal survival is.

https://books2read.com/Mount-Haven

https://geni.us/MountHavenAudio

https://books2read.com/Moondance-Ridge

https://geni.us/MoondanceAudio

https://books2read.com/Subterfuge

https://geni.us/SubterfugeAudio

by Adrian Czarnecki

Just recently my beloved boy Siberian Husky Damien Czar crossed the Rainbow Bridge. To say it was a shock is an understatement. That morning, he seemed a little under the weather-no signs of distress or pain-simply not being himself. By 10:00 p.m. that same evening, he had passed.

To say I was devastated is an understatement as when I left Viking Veterinary Hospital 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Care rooms after initial tests in the early evening, though things didn’t look good, I fully expected to be bringing him home to recoup the following morning. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when I fussed and cuddled him that would be the last time I would see him.

Prior to the surgery, the veterinary phoned us to tell us what was

happening and that based on the results of ultrasounds, x-rays and sonograms etc. the chances he’d be one of the lucky ones and survive was practically zero. Despite the odds, if there was the very, very smallest of chances we’d have a miracle we asked them to proceed with the surgery. Sadly, Damien Czar wasn’t to be one of the lucky ones.

Less than an hour later, the veterinary phoned us telling us that the cancer was everywhere; lungs, heart, liver, and they couldn’t stem the bleeding. He asked if we wanted them to bring Damien round so I could say a final goodbye but, though it broke my heart, we said as he was under anesthetic to let him pass peacefully.

The last time he’d seen me I was fussing and loving him thinking I would see him the following morning so I didn’t want him to be revived and likely be groggy only to see me crying and so upset.

What took Damien Czar so quickly you ask? The answer, Splenic Hemangiosarcoma (HSA). It’s often referred to as ‘The Silent Killer’ as it happens so quickly all too often, an accurate diagnosis occurs too late for any effective treatment. Also, because there is still very little known about it as very little research has been done simply because, even though there is a human form, it’s very, very rare. In addition, being a particularly malignant form of blood cancer it spreads rapidly to other organs; from the spleen, it can reach the liver or the lungs or even the brain and the heart taking down a seemingly healthy dog literally in hours. Thankfully, it’s widely understood that this condition is typically painless which, can explain why there’s a lack of clinical signs. I can testify to that as Damien Czar never showed even the smallest sign of pain, discomfort or anxiety.

In a 2024 article by Kelly Pebworth, a veterinary technician, she says, “About 2/3 of dogs having pathological growth in the spleen will develop cancer on this organ, and in 2/3 of those dogs, this will be HSA. Since this type of cancer is highly aggressive, there’s an 80% chance it will spread from the moment the primary tumor occurs to the time it is diagnosed.”

So, what are the signs to look out for? Typically unusual lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid breathing or seeming as if breathing is difficult i.e. gasping for breath, pale gums all of which Damien Czar exhibited BUT the final straw was when my wife suggested I take him outside to play ball. In explanation, when Damien Czar knew we were going out to play ball he’d be running up the wall and across the ceiling in excitement. So, outside and threw his ball …….. nothing …….. fussed and loved him and used all the key words and threw the ball ……. again, nothing, he just lay down, tail wagging and looked tired. Five (5) minutes later I was in the car on the way to Viking

Veterinary Hospital, 6 hours later my beloved Damien Czar crossed the Rainbow Bridge. That quick.

The TELL ALL, he wasn’t interested in his very favorite activity.

I cannot thank everyone at Viking Veterinary Hospital enough for everything. I was so upset that Damien Czar was scared when I left but, it’s pretty clear from the card they sent me, that in such a short time he captured their hearts and was perfectly happy but then, Damien Czar was expert at captivating people.

Though I miss him so much every single day, I’m not looking for sympathy. All I ask is that if your dog exhibits any similar symptons you consult your veterinary asap. If one, JUST ONE life is saved because someone read this that would make me very happy; Damien Czar too as he’s up there watching over us all.

This is my personal story. I AM NOT a veterinary, I am not qualified to offer any medical diagnoses or veterinary advice whatsoever, this is simply about my personal experience with the ‘Silent Killer” Splenic Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) that took my beloved Damien Czar.

Doing research, I have learned that there are TWO versions. Hemangioma and Hemangiosarcoma which my beloved Damien Czar had. The former are 'benign tumors', the latter malignant. You can learn about both here https://www.nahf.org/article/hemangioma-vs-hemangiosarcoma by author Heather Murphy published in October 2024. I urge everyone to visit the links below. One is an article by Richard R. Riney, Canine Health Center, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine where he looks into the issues of Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs and the other an informative piece by the American Kennel Club (AKC)

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/caninehealth-information/hemangiosarcoma-dogs

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hemangiosarcoma-in-dogs/

Country Christmas by Melanie

P. Smith

First Chapters

Chapter One https://books2read.com/CountryChristmas

Tea stood at the large window, staring out at the city below. Less than twenty-four hours ago, she was blissfully happy confident she’d be unwrapping an engagement ring on Christmas morning. How had her life become such a mess over the course of one day? She took a sip of coffee but didn’t really taste it. None of her senses seemed to be working at the moment. She wondered if they ever would again.

“I am not going to cry,” she whispered. “I’m not going to cry.” Life could be worse. She had an amazing job and an amazing family in fact, her two favorite relatives just stepped into the room. Apparently, one of her senses did still work after all.

“Of course, you’re going to cry,” Serena said casually. “You’re a woman, that’s what we do. It’s our natural-born right to confound the male gender with our terrifying tears. You dedicated three years to that idiot. You deserve a good cry. But you’re not going to do it here, at the office, in front of the staff. You are going to pull yourself together, walk out the door head held high, and smile. Then, you can go home and fall apart.”

“Home?” Tea closed her eyes; she was not going to cry. “Apparently, you’ve been briefed on the mortifying situation at my so-called home. I take it Finn called you.” She expected them to come, knew they would be there for her the instant they heard what happened. And, she knew Finn would try to play offense, try to spin things in his favor, focus on selfpreservation and damage control. She didn’t know he would act this quickly. Knowing their intentions were good, didn’t make the situation any less humiliating.

Teodora — her mother was eccentric — Serena, and Matthew were cousins and they were closer than the three musketeers. They grew up together, played together, worked together and suffered together. All of them started working in the family business immediately after graduation. Each rose up through ranks in their respective fields, competing with each other as much as they supported one another. They were basically in charge of the large family empire. Each one a VP of marketing, sales, and technology. The only person they answered to now was the CEO, Morgan Hunter Serena’s mother, Tea and Matthew’s aunt.

“Tea,” Serena stepped up beside her. “I know it was a shock, but you should consider it all a huge blessing.”

“Really?” Tea turned to face her cousin. “A blessing? You think finding my boyfriend of nearly three years the man I love and have dedicated my life to in bed with another woman just before the holidays is somehow a joyous occasion that I should celebrate? Break out the champagne.” She raised her hand in the air in mock celebration.

“I’ll pop the cork,” Matt settled onto the large, comfortable leather couch. “Because I never liked that peckerhead. I knew there was something off about that man the first time I met him, but I could never put my finger on it. Apparently, the inability to keep his pants zipped isn’t as blatantly obvious as one might think. I should have throat punched the slime ball when I had the chance.”

“When did you have the chance?” Tea sighed. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter. Don’t harass Finn over this, either one of you. This was my mistake. I have nobody to blame for this mess but myself. That will teach me to be spontaneous. The first time in my life I decide to surprise someone, and wham! the surprise was on me. I was stupid, naïve and foolish to believe I could have what you have,” she turned to address her cousin, Matt. “I hope you realize just how lucky you are. You’ve got it all, great job, two cousins who are also amazing friends so we have to love you, and the most incredible woman in the world speaking of your better half, when are you going to put a ring on that?” “Different topic for a different day and I love you, too.” Matt smiled and gave her a quick wink. “Seriously, though — this isn’t about you, Tea,” Matt frowned. “And you’re the least foolish person to ever walk the earth. This is about Honey Broner and Finn,” Matt smirked. “Sounds like a bad sex video, but I digress.”

“Yes!” Serena pointed at Matt. “And, the fact he decided to hook up with the fake double D should tell you it’s about him and not you.”

“It won’t last,” Matt continued. “You know it won’t. The man is shallow, stupid and shortsighted. He’s a lackluster employee at best and that’s his only redeeming attribute. Forget him. Take a break, go to the spa, spend a fortune on new shoes, whatever ”

“Actually,” Serena interrupted slowly. “I think you should head out to your family cabin and hide for a week or two. Spend some time away from the city, the family, and your irritating ex-boyfriend. You can shop when you get back.”

“Just ditch the family and head to Montana?” Tea laughed. “Right, my favorite aunt and your mother would love that.”

“She’ll understand,” Serena pushed.

“She won’t like it,” Matt agreed. “But she’ll understand. In fact, it will give her time to deal with the issue at hand. Well, if she’s not standing trial for homicide by the time you return. She did like that idiot Ex of yours and there’s nobody scarier than Morgan Hunter when she’s disappointed.”

“She can’t do anything,” Tea said immediately. “He’ll retaliate. He’ll file a lawsuit for wrongful termination and emotional trauma or some nonsense if you guys do anything to make his life miserable over this. Just let it go.” “And in the meantime,” Matt pushed. “You’ll be cross-country skiing in Montana?”

“I don’t know,” Tea turned back to stare out the window again. “Maybe.”

“Yay!” Serena pulled her in for a hug. “For you, that means yes. Just go, Tea. Don’t think about it. Don’t talk yourself out of it. Just book the next flight, rent a car, and head for the hills. I’ll take care of Mom and I’ll deal with Finn.”

“You can’t fire him for dumping me,” Tea pushed.

“Technically, I think you dumped him; but I won’t,” Serena shrugged, then glanced at Matt. “We’ve got this under control. Trust us.”

“What does that mean?” Tea wondered. “What haven’t you told me?”

“There have been… issues,” Matt said carefully.

Tea dropped into her chair and let her head collide with the large antique desk. “I told myself the relationship was over, but I still had work. I’m good at my job. I love this company and I thought I was able to keep it all separate. He worked in marketing, not tech. I fooled myself into believing I compartmentalized the personal and kept it isolated from the professional.”

“You did,” Matt moved forward and forced her chair around. “We didn’t. We — ”

“We let a few things slide,” Serena admitted. “But we documented them.”

“Why?” Tea was honestly confused by that. “If you were going to let them slide, why the documentation?”

“Because the guy’s a peckerhead,” Matt shrugged.

“Tell me what he did,” Tea sighed, resigned to her new reality. “How bad is it?”

“He nearly lost the Cobbett and Faine account,” Matt admitted. “I smoothed it over, gave them a bottle of our best Chevel Blanc. Dustin Cobbett went away elated. In fact, he made a referral. That’s how we got the Montoro account. I fixed it; I promise.”

“He also royally screwed up the Botts Optical account, but Shannon brought it to my attention early enough to avoid any permanent damage,” Serena admitted. “I moved him off the team and it solved the problem.”

“He should have been fired,” Tea stood and began to pace. “You should have told me, and you should have fired him. Why didn’t you? It had to cause morale issues — in both departments.”

“Somehow,” Matt grinned. “I think that may have caused a little tension at the dinner table. We ”

“You worked around it because he was my boyfriend and we were living together?” Tea sat back down in the executive chair. “You let my personal life interfere with our business. You can’t do that. Don’t ever do that again. My personal problems are just that personal. Who I date not that I’m ever going to date again but, that’s personal and it has no place here at the office.”

“We’ve got it covered, Tea,” Serena assured her. “You want to know why we documented it? I’ll tell you why. I did it because I knew this thing wouldn’t last. Not forever.”

“We both knew,” Matt said softly.

“You never liked Finn,” Tea realized. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“We talk about everything,” Serena grew serious. “We have always been open and honest with each other, but we can’t choose what men you date, Tea. We have to draw the line somewhere. You wanted to be with him, we accepted it knowing it would be temporary.” “You didn’t think you could talk to me about that?” Tea was a little uneasy at the revelation.

“You and Serena talked about Harley,” Matt pointed out. “I knew you were discussing her behind my back. I knew you were trying to figure out if she was okay and if we could make a life together. But you never said anything to me. You let me figure things out on my own. You had my back, and I knew it, but you took a step away and let me make my own choices. That’s all we were doing for you. We knew it couldn’t last because the egotistical, shysty, poop chute, backdoor bandit, scumbag — ”

Tea did laugh now. “Matt, I really don’t think that’s what Morgan had in mind when she dropped the hammer on cussing around here.” “By all means,” Morgan stepped into the room. “Don’t stop on my account.”

“Aunt Morgan,” Tea exclaimed in surprise, Matt tried to look remorseful but failed, and Serena just smirked.

“Maybe someone could tell me what’s going on around here,” Morgan moved forward, settled into one of Tea’s visitor chairs, and crossed her elegant legs. “Because I just got a frantic call from Finn Caldwell. He is under the impression my daughter is out of control and is about to fire him without cause. He advised me that any employment action we take must go through his attorney.”

“Ballsy,” Matt smiled.

“If you break into another litany of synonyms, Matthew Hunter, I swear I will fire you instead of Finn,” Morgan threatened.

“I went home about an hour ago,” Tea sighed but decided it best to get the whole mortifying story out in the open. “I thought I’d surprise him. Turns out, I was the one that got surprised.”

“What did he do?” Morgan’s face was void of emotion, but her eyes her eyes betrayed her effort to remain objective. There was a massive storm brewing behind those clear blue orbs.

“He was having a nooner,” Tea admitted. “I believe it’s still called that — apparently, he’s been sneaking off to have an illicit affair with Honey Broner.”

“If you say one word about an afternoon bootie call, Matthew, I swear I will slap you silly,” Morgan warned.

“Since we’re talking about Honey,” Matt grinned. “I was actually going to say something about a boobie ”

“Enough!” Morgan cut him off.

Tea was trying not to laugh, but she couldn’t help it. She also knew that was Matt’s intent. He couldn’t make this better for her, but he could help her laugh about it.

“He made a point of telling me he was on his day off,” Morgan considered. “He wanted me to acknowledge —officially — his personal time has nothing to do with his job.”

“Yeah,” Serena crossed her legs and focused on her mother. “He did the same with me. Told me what he does on his own time has nothing to do with the job; and if we make it an issue, he’ll sue us for harassment and wrongful termination. He also floated the idea of sexual harassment because Tea is a VP with the company.”

“What?” Tea jumped from her chair.

The others ignored her.

“There’s more than one way to drown a rat,” Morgan said slowly.

“What are you thinking, mother?” Serena asked.

“Actually,” Morgan straightened. “Let’s leave the Finn Caldwell issue for another time. I was already on my way in to speak with you, Serena. I’ve been informed by accounting there are some discrepancies in your books. We need to schedule a time to go over everything very carefully.”

“What’s wrong with the books?” Serena asked, offended. “I ” “We won’t know until we look,” Morgan cut her off. “I’d like to get started tomorrow, will afternoon work for you? Say around two?”

Serena was still scowling but she nodded in agreement.

“We think it’s best if Tea takes a little vacation for a few days, maybe a couple weeks,” Matt offered. “I know that means she’ll miss Christmas; but under the circumstances, I think she should head out to Montana. She can also stop in and check on the satellite office out there make sure we’re on track for the holidays.

“We can handle things here,” Serena assured her mother. “It’s slow because of the holidays and our last marketing campaign is now up and running. A few simple tweaks are all it needs, and Brad can do that.

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Morgan decided. She was formulating a plan in her mind to deal with Finn Caldwell and she wanted Tea far away from the company and in the dark when she initiated her first strike.

“You do?” Tea frowned.

“Yes, dear,” Morgan stood and moved to pull Tea into a motherly hug. “Go spend some time at that forest cabin of yours; and, when you feel ready, drop down into Missoula and check in with the managers there. I know you’re in contact by phone, but I keep meaning to get out there in person. Unfortunately, something always seems to come up.”

“I’ll take my computer with me,” Tea decided. “If anything comes up in tech, I can troubleshoot from the cabin. The connection is still slow as molasses, but it works well enough to deal with anything that pops up unexpectedly.”

“Nothing will pop up,” Serena assured her. “But if it makes you feel better, we promise to call if we need you. That’s need, Tea. Don’t check in with your team, don’t pester them, don’t try to manage long distance, don’t spend the next two weeks at the office in Missoula. We’ve got this.”

Tea studied her aunt and her two cousins; the two best friends she had in the world and knew her department was in good hands. She could take off for a couple weeks, put her life back together, and return rejuvenated and ready to move forward. So, Finn was a jerk who cheated. Better to find out now rather than later, right? The disappointment threatened to swamp her, but she forced a fake smile and headed for the door. She didn’t need a romantic Christmas Eve proposal. She had chocolate, amazing friends, and the perfect job. Plus, in a few days, she’d have an isolated cabin where she could wallow in her misery. The rest would sort itself out. So, why did she have this massive, heavy ball of goo sitting on her stomach like a two-ton bomb of dread just waiting to explode?

Tea slid her luggage into the back of the SUV and quickly made her way to the driver’s door. She caught the weather report while she was waiting in line for her rental and a huge storm was blowing in from the west. If she was lucky, which wasn’t something she counted on these days, she might make it to the cabin before the worst of it hit. Then, she could hunker down for two full weeks and regroup. She needed the time alone to get her life back on track.

She was smiling when she pulled onto the highway, grateful she’d thought to call ahead and ask Monty to stock the essentials for her. He had sent a confirmation text while she was still on the plane informing her the cabin was stocked, the wood was replenished, and the pantry was full. She had everything she could possibly need to survive two weeks in the wilderness. Well, the cabin wasn’t exactly the wilderness, but she would be on her own — especially during the storm.

Tea had made it less than a mile when the storm hit. It was a full-on blizzard that came in hard and fast. Visibility was minimal and the roads were already getting slick and hazardous. At least, she would have four-wheel drive to help navigate the mountainous terrain once she hit the canyon. Thank goodness for small favors.

Two hours later, she was headed up the canyon, slowly making her way around a slight bend when she spotted the headlights of an on-coming vehicle. Tea tried to slow down even more, but immediately realized the car was in her lane and she had nowhere to go. She braced for the collision, but it didn’t come. Instead, the other vehicle suddenly righted itself and moved back into their own lane just as her car was sent into chaos. The instant she hit the large patch of ice, her tires spun out, the vehicle began to spin, and as hard as she tried, she could not regain control of her vehicle.

Tea only had a second to regret her decision to visit the mountains in the wintertime before her car slid sideways, crossed into the oncoming traffic lane, and hit the guardrail. The sound of metal scraping along metal was eerie and unnerving. Just when she thought

things couldn’t get worse, the vehicle broke through the rail and careened over the cliff. Tea screamed as the rental tumbled and rolled out of control. Every few seconds, it would hit what she believed must be a tree or a large rock. She braced for another blow, worried the car would jerk with even more force the next time it struck another immovable object. She was right. It collided with a large pine tree. The vehicle’s momentum stopped abruptly, and Tea’s head collided with the side door. Pain radiated through her skull just before her world went black.

Holiday stories of love and healing.

Unwrap the enchantment and get lost in the holiday spirit with these three festive adventures. The weather outside may be frightful, but inside the hearts of three amazing couples — the fire of love burns bright. In this triple dose of family, holiday cheer, follow the journey of three strong women and the sexy men who love them. From cozy cabins to rustic fields nestled against majestic mountain ranges, these stories will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Will the Hunter cousins find love and happiness in the midst of the holiday chaos? Find out in these heartwarming tales. Grab your hot cocoa, snuggle up by the fire, and immerse yourself in the magic of the holiday season. Each is a standalone story; all have a happy ending. This box set includes:

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Aspire Book Covers is a website that offers inspirational book covers and formatting services at affordable prices. The website, located at aspirebookcovers.com, is run by Sharon Brownlie, who warmly welcomes authors to her site. Whether you have finished your book or are in the final stages, Aspire Book Covers provides customized covers to meet your specific requirements. Prices for pre-made covers are listed on the website, and keep a lookout because occasionally, some covers may be on sale!

For custom book covers, Sharon Brownlie will work closely with you to ensure that your book's cover design reflects your vision accurately. She will collaborate with you closely, engaging in discussions about your book description and understanding your requirements.

Kristine Jensen

Kristine Jensen has spent her career shaping narratives, crafting voices, and distilling complex ideas into language that connects.

Kristine is a lifelong writer whose work has spanned scripts, screenplays, documentaries, and storytelling for brands and organizations. She has written hundreds of marketing scripts across industries ranging from technology to healthcare and education. Her scripts have earned multiple honors, including three Telly Awards and honors from the Columbus Film/Video Festival, the Houston International Film Festival, and the New York Film Festival.

Raised on a farm in South Dakota, Kristine drew inspiration for her debut novel, Wednesday Club, from the handwritten minutes of her grandmother’s real-life women’s club, which met faithfully for over sixty years. She now lives in Oregon, where she writes fiction that celebrates women’s inner lives, unlikely friendships, and the quiet power of small towns. Learn more about the real Wednesday Club at www.wednesday-club.com.

Interview by Melanie P. Smith

https://www.wednesday-

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born on a farm in South Dakota and, surprisingly, was drawn to a career in film and video production. Go figure! I lived in the Bay Area of California for many years, writing and producing documentaries and high-end marketing videos. When I reconnected with my college sweetheart in 2011, I moved to Oregon and began a different phase of my career copywriting for high-tech companies. It is here that I started writing my novel Wednesday Club.

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? How did you decide what types of books you would write?

I have written three screenplays and one novel, and I love how fiction lets me bring stories and characters to life. I also regularly write blogs about the creative process, prairie life, and how to find community with other women creating your own version of a Wednesday Club. The blogs give me a chance to share what’s happening in my life and what’s important to me.

Do you have a favorite, or is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why?

I like fiction, both screenplays and novels. In a way, my book is like an expanded form of a screenplay, as I tend to write in short chapters, like scenes in a movie, with cinematic descriptions to immerse the reader. My novel has a fast-paced plot like a movie, too.

When did you start writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

I can’t remember not writing. When you grow up on a farm as the only girl, you have a lot of time alone. I spent many hours perched in an elm tree, reading and writing. All my life, I’ve written letters, journals, scripts, poems, essays, and rhyming clues for scavenger hunts. Not to mention all those ‘to-do’ lists! I love words and the process of moving words from my brain to paper or screen.

How / where do you find the plots you write about?

I think I have an overactive brain, so plots and characters just come to me. It’s also why I suffer from insomnia. Ugh.

Mark Twain said, “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantser? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research, or do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

I like to know where I’m going, so I’m definitely a plotter. My novel, Wednesday Club, features multiple POVs, each with a corresponding character arc and ways in which the characters’ lives intersect. Without my detailed Excel spreadsheet, I’d still be writing and trying to figure out where the story was going.

Tell us your latest news

I just returned from the South Dakota Festival of Books. It was a great experience: I met so many passionate writers and equally passionate readers. It was a true celebration of the love of books.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

It’s crucial for women to support each other and lift each other up. We have more in common with the same dreams and hopes than some would have us believe. We all need a community we can belong to, where we feel at home.

How much of the book is realistic?

My grandmother’s real-life Wednesday Club inspired the book. When she passed away, I discovered the minutes from her club, which thrived for more than 60 years. I used elements from their minutes in my novel, including their roll call topics, food they served, and the current affairs they were discussing. Because the book takes place in 1963/64, I did a lot of research to ensure that all the details and dialogue were accurate to that time period.

What books have influenced your life the most?

I’ve been most influenced by authors who write about the Midwest, because I feel that’s a neglected area of the country in literature. I have been particularly inspired by writers like William Kent Krueger (Ordinary Grace), Kathleen Norris (Dakota), and Jane Smiley (A Thousand Acres).

A heartfelt coming-of-age novel set in 1963 South Dakota, Wednesday Club is a work of historical and women’s fiction that explores intergenerational friendship and the power of finding home where you least expect it.

https://relinks.me/B0FHVWGKSH

Ivy Hanson is pretty sure her life is over. At sixteen, she’s been dumped at her grandparents’ South Dakota farm while her mother chases Hollywood dreams. Stuck with a critical grandfather and a rural life she doesn’t understand, Ivy is isolated, friendless, and desperate to escape.

Then, her grandmother ropes her into the Wednesday Club, a group of six women who gather once a month to swap gossip, tackle community projects, and make sense of the turbulent world of 1963. Each of these women carries her own struggles, including Tillie, the aspiring artist stretched thin by motherhood; quirky Etola, desperate to find a husband; and Hattie, whose past holds painful secrets.

Over the months, Ivy navigates harsh realities romantic disappointment, small-town life, and a terrifying experience with a horse and through it all, the Wednesday Club women offer her something unexpected: a sense of home she’s never known. But when Ivy stumbles upon a shocking family secret, it threatens everything.

Told with humor and heart, here is proof that every woman needs a Wednesday Club.

What do you want written on your headstone and why?

“She was kind to people and living things.” The world needs more kindness.

Do you have a mentor who helped or encouraged you to follow your dream of writing?

I have attended two women’s writing retreats led by writer Jess Lourey. Though we write in different genres (Jess is a crime, magical realism, and YA writer), I have learned a lot from her about structuring and writing a compelling story, as well as about the publishing industry. She’s really been an inspiration to me as I have watched her success over the last few years. And she’s a Minnesotan!

I’m fortunate to be in two writing groups with women who are all encouraging and generous with their help.

What are your current projects?

I’m busy spreading the word about my novel, continuing to write blogs, and beginning a sequel to “Wednesday Club”.

Pick one of your characters and share some of their backstory that didn’t make it into the novel.

It wasn’t until the fifth draft that the character Hank showed up and demanded to be included in the story. I won’t give away what his relationship is to the protagonist, but let’s just say he ends up having a significant impact on her life. And to think I almost left him out.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Other than writing, do you have any hobbies?

I love to garden. Flowers make everything better.

I think it’s helpful to set aside a place to write (whether that’s a chair in the corner or your favorite coffeehouse) that you can own as your “writing spot”. It’s where you go to write and not do anything else. My place is a small recliner in my office with a cup of coffee in the wee early hours. I only write on a tablet with an attached keyboard. That keeps me off my laptop, which has too many other distractions like email and social media.

The other piece of advice I would give is to just plow through your ugly first draft. Don’t get too bogged down in editing in the early stages. Let the ideas flow you can always come back later to edit and polish

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Now, more than ever, books are a perfect way to bring more joy into our lives, help us escape into another world, and teach us about cultures different than our own. Time spent with books is critical for our mental health.

Is there one person, past or present, you would like to meet and why?

I’d like to meet Stevie Nicks so I could personally give her the screenplay I co-wrote called “Rhiannon”, inspired by her famous song.

Can you share something personal with your readers? Do you have any holiday traditions? What kind of music do you enjoy? What kind of movies do you prefer? Do you have a favorite author?

I have a border collie, and we do dog agility together. It’s harder than you might imagine, but it’s a great way to focus with your dog on the signals to run the course of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and other obstacles. It’s strangely meditative for me.

I go completely overboard decorating for Christmas. Every year, I say I’m going to scale back, and then I catch the spirit and can’t stop.

I love all kinds of music, but I especially love female vocalists. Their music is poetry to me.

I love sappy love story films, but not Hallmark movies. Something a little less formulaic.

I’m not sure I have a favorite author. I am inspired by so many talented writers, including Toni Morrison, Ann Patchett, Louise Erdrich, Alan Eskens, and Amor Towles. And that’s the tip of the iceberg.

If money were no issue, would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

I would definitely prefer a beach bungalow. The power of the ocean is both energizing and calming to me. It’s my happy place and an especially productive place for me to write. The best present my husband ever gave me was a getaway to a cabin at the ocean where I could write for a few days.

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

One final question...Do you have a blog/ website? If so, what is it? Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

My website is www.wednesday-club.com, and readers can sign up to get my blogs. I also have a Wednesday Club Novel page on Facebook and Instagram. I love to hear from readers!

Not quite yet. But subscribe to my mailing list at www.wednesday-club.com and you’ll be the first to preview what comes next

All Oz Carnavon ever wanted was to become a master mage.

Except, to do so requires the natural gifts or wealth necessary to secure an appointment to one of the prestigious magical academies in the Core City at the center of the seven realms. Oz had neither.

He was born without magical talent, serving in the elemental plane of fire, a nightmarish hellscape of treacherous lava and vicious monsters, where life is cheap, and escape is rare. But Carnavons never give up.

When Oz fakes his death to get out of his family’s contract and crosses the Nexus gate to sneak into the Core, everything seems to be going according to plan Until he gets blamed for an assassination attempt on the fire realm’s ambassador.

Now, Oz must become a fugitive in a vast magical city, while trying to earn a place among the magical academies which have nothing but disdain for his kind.

And the clock is ticking, because in one week, the most dangerous wizard in the realm of fire is coming to track him down and drag him back to hell.

Larry Correia is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five novels. He’s best known for his Monster Hunter International urban fantasy series, the Saga of the Forgotten Warrior epic fantasy series, the Grimnoir Chronicles alternate history trilogy, the Dead Six military thrillers, and the sci-fi Gun Runner. He’s also written over sixty pieces of shorter fiction, many of which are included in his Target Rich Environment collections, and he has edited three anthologies. He lives in Yard Moose Mountain, Utah with his wife, children, and fearsome Krasnovian Waffle Hound. More information can be found about Larry at:

https://monsterhunternation.com/about

Welcome to Diversity Doodles!

By Briony Kay

Well, I guess the first question to answer would be 'what is Diversity Doodles?' Diversity Doodles is an ever growing collection of hand drawn memes that contain important messages about neurodiversity. They were born out of desperation, as my primary school aged son struggled endlessly at school and eventually received his diagnosis of both autism and ADHD a year ago. Although my misplaced belief was that this diagnosis would be the key to unlocking the understanding, support and accommodations he so urgently needed, this was not the case. And despite thriving with support outside of school, at home, social gatherings and clubs he attends, the firm belief held by those overseeing his education were that he would just learn to fit in to mainstream education, without any further assistance on their part. My seemingly endless attempts at explanations as to why this wasn't working was falling on deaf ears and so, out of sheer desperation, I attempted to draw what I was clearly failing to describe in words. Diversity Doodles became the result.

So, here we are, now putting out these doodles on the internet and hoping that the messages they contain help as many people as possible to both give and receive information about what it is like to be neurodiverse and the challenges that are faced in our daily lives.

My son's diagnosis gave rise to the realization that I too am neurodiverse, and so these doodles are given from the perspective of someone who has faced such situations in my own life and now recognizes them in the lives of others. My only wish is that they play a small part in bridging the gap in understanding, acceptance and support for neurodiverse people in a neurotypical world.

It is my own late diagnosis, and those of so many others, that had consumed my thoughts recently, in this strive to be better understood.

It can be assumed by many, and I include a previous version of myself in this, that a diagnosis of either Autism or ADHD (or AuDHD), however late, should be nothing more than clarity. Explanation. Understanding. Both of yourself and from others.

And while this may actually be true for some of those late diagnosed, I, and so many others who I have spoken to or whose experiences I have both listened to and read about, this is way wide of the reality.

Having spent so much time (often a few decades) living a life in which you assumed so much about yourself, much of it pretty negatively, in a world of assumed bad habits, personality flaws and a constant need to try and fix yourself, the diagnosis (or self realisation) is not the end. It's only the beginning.

So long we’ve been told what we should feel. Who we ought to be. How we ought to interact. And these things became so ingrained in us that we are no longer certain if any of it is even us. Or just an externally voiced set of opinions that now speaks in our mind as though it is our own.

And for so many the seemingly straightforward idea of being your authentic self sounds simple. But what I came to realize is that it isn't something that can just be returned to if that reality has never actually existed in the first place. It's not a return. It's a becoming. And that means finding a whole new road to work out how to step onto before it can begin to be followed.

Of course there is often joy. Happiness in having an answer. A reason. A sense of a confusion set straight. But it also goes much deeper than that. For some it is grief. An injustice, perhaps, at what could have been. Especially for those whose trauma may have been lessened considerably, even if not erased completely, just by not spending the life they had believing they were just broken. For some it's the anger at that same injustice. Or a deeply felt, aching sadness. Mostly it's a combination.

And this is often coupled with feelings that arise given where it has all lead to, especially for those who find themselves surrounded by broken and twisted relationships, or deep in burnout. Or both. All that time spent trying to hate yourself into being someone who fit in. Was likeable. Even loveable. Trying to constantly fix yourself enough to make that possible. This can bring a feeling of devastation when you suddenly realize it was never even possible to change yourself, be anything other than the neurotype you actually are.

The internalized shame of being broken isn't something that just vanishes. And as important as it is to try to bring understanding to others whose neurotypicality sees the world in an often entirely different manner, I have slowly come to realize that the relationship that I actually need to repair first is the one that I have with myself.

The realisation that I, myself, carry that same internalized ableism that used to guilt and shame myself is something that I need to be able to put down. And that is, I can assure you, is no easy feat. It's rooted deep. It's kept me going. In a sense it's ironically, probably the reason I kept on. Trying to metaphorically beat myself with my own shame to prove that I was worthy.

But beyond that it's also an acknowledgement of that there is nothing to return to, in any sense of sameness. The acceptance that the recurrent meltdowns, shutdowns and burnouts are not simply something to be gotten through and overcome, cyclically. They are the inevitable result of consistently trying to return to the state that lead me to them in the first place. Ergo something had to give. Something has to change. And maybe that cannot be back into something I never was. But maybe it can be into something that actually feels a little more like who I could become.

Diversity Doodles also has an Etsy shop: diversitydoodleprint.etsy.com

Briony is a single mum to an neurodiverse seven year old, whose experiences and struggles within the school system gave rise to her creation of Diversity Doodles. What began as a form of creative therapy and messages intended to help her son's school's understanding of both Autism and ADHD, has now become messages of hope, information and inspiration to help bridge the gap between the acceptance, understanding, and support of neurodiversity in a neurotypical world. She is in the process of creating both a book and resources that can be used in a broad range of settings to help achieve a better world for those struggling in it. Her doodles are also available printed on a mugs, t-shirts, stickers and more through her business partner at Diversity Doodle Print (see their Facebook page for more details)

You can connect with Briony through Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557677262825

By

TOM BENSON

West Berlin before reunification. He saw active service in Northern Ireland and the first Gulf War.Acareer in retail management followed and lasted 25 years. Since 2007 Tom has published novels, anthologies and poetry. https://tombensonauthor.com/

ADay of Reckoning

Monday 15th February 2010

Glasgow Scotland

Lei Me Bhe arrived at GlasgowAirport at 7 am and made her way into the city using the shuttle bus service. It was an impersonal transport, so she wouldn’t be noticed. She wore no makeup and maintained an impassive expression.

The thirty-year-old walked to Buchanan Street, where she found a busy early morning cafe. She ordered a traditional meal with tea and avoided making small talk.At her table, Lei used the map on her phone to locate her destination. It would take ten minutes by public transport or thirty minutes on foot. She walked.

Lei strolled along Sauchiehall Street and chose a department store where there would be a washroom. Unlike most international travellers, the bag she carried over her shoulder contained all her needs. It held makeup, underwear, changes of outfit, and travel documents.

As she left the store, both men and women gave her approving looks. Her long hair was centreparted and brushed, so it cascaded over her shoulders like a sheet of black silk. False lashes and makeup enhanced her natural beauty. She wore a bright yellow blouse and black miniskirt, complemented by black high heels.

It took her a further twenty minutes to reach her destination. She arrived in Cowcaddens and assessed the modern six-storey block as she approached.At a bus shelter less than fifty metres from the building, an old Chinaman in vibrant traditional dress waited alone. He had a straggly grey beard, and his long hair hung in a pigtail down his back.

Lei stepped into the bus shelter, glanced at the advertising posters, and then stared at the bus route timetable without reading.

Lei half-turned to the old man. “Do you use this route often, wise one?”

He stood in a regal pose, arms folded across his body, hands inside the wide cuffs of the opposite sleeves. “I walk I prefer the light, and do not act in the darkness.”

“On occasion, we are compelled to act in the darkness.”

The old man closed his eyes and nodded imperceptibly. He handed Lei a wrapped item, and in exchange accepted her shoulder bag.

Lei’s ruby lips twitched. She gave a slight bow, turned and walked away.

Half an hour later, Lei revisited the old man at the bus shelter.

His wrinkled face broke into a brief smile on her return. “Use the subway.” He returned her shoulder bag. “Stay strong and true, child of Me Bhe.”

*

Manchester England

Before boarding the train in Glasgow, Lei had removed her makeup and tied her hair back in a ponytail.Adrab, lightweight coat and stout shoes replaced the smart costume.

It was early evening, raining and chilly when she arrived in Manchester. Lei left Manchester

Piccadilly Station and made her way towards Chinatown.

In a small newsagent’s close to Faulkner Street, Lei met a Chinaman. He was similar to the man she’d met in Glasgow, but older, wearier and used a cane. He exchanged a small package for Lei’s shoulder bag.

He said, “Remain strong.”

Following her second meeting of the day, Lei was again greeted with a smile when she retrieved her bag.

“May honour guide you, child of Me Bhe.”

She smiled briefly, nodded, and was gone.

London England

Lei caught a late evening train from Manchester and ate on the journey. When she reached Soho, she was tired. She was wearing makeup again and had changed into an attractive outfit, as she had in Glasgow.

She left the meeting in Soho as a downpour began. Lei stopped at a late-night store to buy an umbrella. She used one hand to button her coat as she hurried to Tottenham Court Road tube station to retrieve her floral bag.

Aglance over her shoulder confirmed two figures following her, but she had difficulty walking faster in heels.

Tuesday 16th February 2010

New Scotland Yard

London England

Detective Chief Inspector Harry Flynn pulled on latex gloves to inspect a mysterious parcel delivered overnight. He placed the contents on his desk and lifted the envelope. Harry removed the two sheets of paper and read aloud.

‘DCI Flynn,

My father was Chief Inspector Me Bhe. He was your mentor during your attachment to the Hong Kong Police Department in 2008. One month ago, Me Bhe was kidnapped, tortured and left to die in an alleyway.

Three key Triad figures orchestrated the kidnapping and subsequent events. The perpetrators had been invited to Hong Kong from their operational bases in the UK.

You will find these men in Glasgow, Manchester, and London. I have executed them by cutting out the tongue and replacing it with the testicles. Each man bled to death.

I have provided you with relevant details to avoid lengthy investigations and enquiries. Before you, there will be a floral shoulder bag, and two sealed bags, each containing a blade with traces of a victim’s DNA.

Attached to this letter is a list of the dead men and their addresses. You will also have my three false passports and a list of airports used on my extended route from Hong Kong to the UK.

If I didn’t retrieve my bag following the third execution, it means I was unable to avoid detection, and there will be one weapon missing. These people contacted each other regularly for their own protection, so I had to deal with all three within 24 hours.

On the attached sheet is a band-aid which carries my DNA. I have no doubt my body will be left in a public place.

Anybody who touched my bag used the strap, which is now missing, so my assistants are untraceable. Please, do not waste resources looking for my murderers.

Lei Me Bhe, Detective Inspector

Hong Kong Police Department’ *

The intercom buzzed.

“Sir,” the assistant called. “A youngAsian woman’s body has been discovered in Soho.”

DCI Flynn closed his eyes. “Bastards!” ***The End***

Astory taken from: Temptation and other Stories

Acollection for readers who prefer a mixed genre.

I have featured vengeance, thriller, horror, paranormal, sci-fi, romance, contemporary, and sizzling romance.

We all get urges. Can you resist temptation?

https://relinks.me/B06XDWXLBC

Temptation and

other Multi -genre stories

The Mouse Family That Live By The Brambles

by Sylva Fae

Photography by Gez Robinson

Gez Robinson is a talented wildlife photographer from Yorkshire, England. For the last few years, I’ve been following the story of a family of mice, that live in an area of the garden dedicated to wildlife. It has been fascinating to watch the trust that has built up between the mice and Gez, as he patiently sits behind the camera. The photos are stunning, and show what characters wild mice are, whether it be their quirky antics in their natural environment, or their curiosity as they interact with the props left by Gez for the mice to explore.

Gez has been a wildlife photographer for around fifteen years, and has a passion for wildlife. During the first pandemic lockdown, craving his photography fix, he started taking photos of the birds and other wildlife in his garden.

“…and that’s when I spotted a little mouse on the old decking. It was looking at a blackberry on the blackberry bush and just stood there whilst I took photos of it. My passion with the mouse family was born.”

Since the early successes of the Mouse Family That Live by the Brambles facebook page, Gez has published a book of the same name and set up other social media accounts.

https://www.facebook.com/bramblemouse

https://www.gezrobinsonphotography.co.uk/

Instagram: gez_robinson_photography

TikTok: @mousefamilybythebrambles

Copyright @ Gez Robinson for all photos featured in this article.

Liisa Kovala

Liisa Kovala is a Finnish Canadian author, certified fiction and memoir book coach, and podcast host. Like Water for Weary Souls (2025) is her second historical novel. Her debut novel, Sisu’s Winter War, was released by Latitude 46 Publishing in 2022. Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017) was translated and published by Docendo in Finland and short-listed for a Northern Lit award. Liisa’s short stories and creative non-fiction have been published in a variety of anthologies and literary magazines, and she received first prize in Geist’s 18th Annual Literal Literary Postcard Short Story Contest. As a certified Author Accelerator fiction and memoir book coach, Liisa works with writers both in small group settings and individually. Liisa features fellow writers in her Women Writing newsletter, hosts the Women Writing Podcast and co-hosts Rekindle Creativity Women’s Writing Retreats. Learn more about Liisa at liisakovalabookcoach.com and visit liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am a hybrid author–both traditionally and self-published, and I’m an Author Accelerator certified fiction and memoir book coach. In my past life, I was a high school teacher, but I retired early in 2022 to pursue writing and coaching. I am the host of the Women Writing podcast, and I co-host Rekindle Creativity Women’s Writing retreats.

Interview by Melanie P. Smith

Lynda Monahan

Lynda Monahan

Are you a multi-genre author or a singlegenre author? How did you decide what types of book you would write?

I am a multi-genre author. I write creative non-fiction, short stories, historical fiction, and cozy mysteries. My first book, Surviving Stutthof: My Father’s Memories Behind the Death Gate (Latitude 46, 2017) is about my father’s experiences as a Finnish merchant marine sailor imprisoned by the Nazis in a concentration camp. The content dictated the genre. His stories of the Winter War led me to writing my debut novel, a historical fiction entitled Sisu’s Winter War. I love history and deep diving into historical events, so historical fiction drew me in. Lately, I’ve been writing cozy mysteries. I’ve always loved this genre and wanted the challenge of writing a puzzle set in contemporary times. My most recent book is historical fiction, entitled Like Water for Weary Souls. It’s a mystery set in a northern mining town during the Depression.

Do you have a favorite, or is one type of book easier for you to write than others, and why?

I enjoy writing in all genres. Every new project is a challenge. Of course, historical fiction requires a great deal of research, so the time involved can be longer than writing contemporary cozy mysteries, but mysteries require a puzzle that needs to be worked out and that can be both fun and intimidating.

Tell us your latest news.

I’m so excited that my latest historical novel, Like Water for Weary Souls, is now available and the official launch is scheduled for November 9. I’m also looking forward to releasing the first book in the Hygge House Cozy Mystery series, Hygge and Homicide, in March 2026.

When did you start writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

I started writing as a child and telling myself stories as soon as I could hold a crayon (probably before). I wrote a lot of short stories in high school and studied English at university, which led me to teaching English as a career. I got serious about writing again when I turned forty. My mother called me one afternoon to let me know a friend of my parents wanted to write my father’s war experience, but my mother said, “My daughter is going to do that.” So, that was the signal to get started.

How / where do you find the plots you write about?

For historical fiction, stories usually start with an interesting historical event I want to learn more about. Soon after, I’m imagining characters in different scenarios and the plot starts to emerge.

For cozy mysteries, I know the quaint northern town, the quirky characters, the main setting–Hygge House–and my protagonist and her friends and family. I imagine a key event, like a grand opening, or a wedding, at Hygge House and what kind of murder might take place there. Then, I work through the plot in detail to figure out who did it and why.

What do you want written on your headstone and why?

She had a kind heart.

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a panster? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research; or, do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

Mark Twain was partly right. “Write what you know” and what you want to know. I draw on my own history and experiences but love to delve into the past to better understand events and imagine my characters interacting with others in those times. When I write historical fiction, it takes a great deal of research into the time period and events, but when I write cozy mysteries, I’m creating my own town with all its quirky characters. I’ve moved away from pantsing and am solidly a plotter now, although I’m never so strict with my plan that I don’t allow myself to see where the characters take me. Having an outline saves so much time in the end, and can be as fun and creative as pantsing, but with less revision at the end of the draft.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Like Water for Weary Souls is set in a northern mining town during the Great Depression. It follows two Finnish immigrant sisters. When one of the sisters is found dead in Nolin Creek, the other is convinced it was not an accident and is compelled to find what happened. Every character has a dream for a better future, from the madame who runs the boarding house, the miners who frequent her brothel, the domestic workers, the young man who moves to Soviet Karelia, and the neighbourhood immigrant families. Like Water for Weary Souls is about the need to fulfill one’s dreams and the lengths one will go to do just that. It’s also a novel about love, family, sisterhood, and the search for the truth.

If money was no issue would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

I would absolutely choose a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake. That makes my heart sing!

How much of the book is realistic?

The initial seed of the novel was inspired by Varpu Lindström’s Defiant Sisters: A Social History of Finnish Immigrant Women in Canada. I was interested in Finnish women’s work as domestics in the 1930s, and in the women who ran brothels or worked as bootleggers. My research into Sudbury during that era informs the story from the movie theatres, the neighbourhoods, and even in the Finnish newspaper, and local restaurant. I was also interested in the exodus of North American Finns to Soviet Karelia with the promise of workers’ paradise. My research led me to first-hand accounts of Finns who experienced difficult living and working conditions, food shortages, and later, Stalin’s Purges. While the historical context is based on research, the characters are not. In addition to my central characters, I created a seedy socialist recruiter who is not based on anyone from the period, as well as police officers who are uniquely their own characters.

Do you have a mentor that helped or encouraged you to follow your dream of writing?

I’ve had several writing mentors over the years. At University of Toronto, I worked with Allyson Latta, an amazing teacher and editor who really taught me about writing scenes. I completed a draft of Surviving Stutthof (Latitude 46, 2017) under her mentorship. I also worked with Gail Anderson-Dargatz, an award-winning author who guided me through my first novel, Sisu’s Winter War (Latitude 46, 2022). I also worked with Marina Endicott, another award-winning Canadian author, in the Humber School for Writers program

Pick one of your characters and share some of their backstory that didn’t make it into the novel.

Martta is the youngest of the Kivi sisters. I saw her as inquisitive, precocious, joyful, and bright. I liked that she wanted her sisters’ attention but was also outgoing enough to wander off on her own. She is more outgoing than the protagonist, Essi, but less snobbish than their sister, Hanna. Martta is a little gem of a girl. I would have liked to have known her better.

What books have influenced your life the most?

I read widely in a variety of genres, but I do go back to Jane Austen’s books and reread them every few years, As far as more contemporary authors, I’m a fan of Kate Morton, Cecilia Eckbäck, Kate Quinn, Hilary Mantel, Madeleine Miller, and Hannah Kent, just to name a few. I could go on and on!

What are your current projects?

I’m currently working on the second book of the Hygge House Cozy Mystery series. The first book, Hygge and Homicide, will be released in March 2026 and the second, Midsummer, Marriage, and Murder will be released in June 2026. I also have another historical novel about a Finnish war child and I’m working on a draft of a book set in Sointula on Malcolm Island, British Columbia, a Finnish socialist utopian society in the early 1900s. I have a few other ideas floating around, but they’ll have to wait their turn.

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

Excerpt from Like Water for Weary Souls (Prologue):

My dreams of Karelia are buried with me, beneath a thin sheet of ice in a shallow creek. From where my body lies, frost paints the steel girders of the bridge above me, blending its footings with the snowcovered embankment. Dark clouds will soon obscure the slate sky, dotted with stars, and the snow will fall. It is the kind of Northern Ontario night that envelops one in its complete stillness. The kind of air that transforms one’s breath as it balloons and stretches, spirals, and dissipates. No one will see my body, nearly covered in water so cold I would be numb if I could feel it. My exposed face reveals eyes wide open, and so blue they are almost translucent. They see nothing, yet I see all.

With little will, I rise from the creek that has released my weary soul, from my heavy body, from the water tugging at my clothes. No signs of life within my empty shell, and yet everything is awake to me now. A cacophony surrounds me: creeping growth of frost, cracking of snow, colliding of water and ice, sighing of cold air, shifting of stars, scraping of snowflakes against sky. I am apart from it and yet a part of it all.

A low rumble, a tremor in the air the night train approaches. The light, a pinprick in the distance, expands toward me until it illuminates the scene below in blinding clarity. The clack and whine of wheels against steel tracks are enough to wake the dead, or so I’ve heard.

A gust awakens the trees, their branches cracking along the shore, and passes through me, threatening to drag me in every direction. I will myself to stay. For how long, I cannot tell. I only know I am tethered to this place, to this one lifeless body, to this one space in time, despite the powerful pull from some force wishing me away. Not yet. Not until.

Do you have any advice for other

writers?

Don’t wait until you are ready. Sharing your work with others can feel intimidating. It’s personal after all. Whatever is holding you back, know this is your resistance speaking. Your inner voice is trying to protect you. Hush it and let it know everything is okay. Then share your work. You will never feel completely ready, so there is never a better time than now.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I’m always astounded by the kind words of readers and how my work resonates with them. Readers bring as much to the book as writers. We form the story and the words, but readers enter the world we created, bringing with them their curiosity and own experiences. Every book is something different for every reader. And I love that so much. Thank you for reading

Is there one person past or present you would like to meet and why?

I would love to meet William Shakespeare and have a pint with him in a pub. I have so many questions about his early life, his education, his wife, his children, and what the heck he was doing during those so-called “lost years.” And of course we’d chat about the plays, especially my favourites, Hamlet and The Tempest and maybe get into the inspiration for his strong female characters.

Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

I’ve been a rhythmic gymnast since I was five and I’ve coached since I was sixteen. For many years, I had a ladies’ performing group, and we performed at National and International Gymnaestradas. I’m still participating in a weekly class and occasionally coach. During Covid, I also spent a few years learning tap dancing, although I was never very good at it. I also love to walk in nature with my puppy Emm. I love a hot sauna and a cool swim at camp on Lake Panache in Northern Ontario. And, of course, I read. A lot.

Can you share something personal with your readers? Do you have any holiday traditions? What kind of music do you enjoy? What kind of movies do you prefer? Do you have a favorite author?

My favourite holiday tradition is celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve along with others from Nordic countries. We have a family gathering and enjoy a meal with all the trimmings, too many desserts, and then we open gifts. Christmas Day tends to be a little quieter, with time to sleep in, read, and enjoy quiet company.

I love all kinds of movies and series, especially historical films based on novels, Nordic noir, and cozy mysteries, but I also have a strange fondness for disaster movies. They are my guilty pleasure.

One final question...Do you have a blog/website? If so, what is it? Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

Follow me at liisakovalawomenwriting.substack.com for Women Writing feature articles, the Women Writing Podcast, plus book coaching and authorly articles. Paid subscribers join us to write biweekly in the Women Writing Circle.

Maple Candy Christmas :

(Christmas In Quebec Book 1)

Evelyn is a Social Buzz influencer who specializes in Christmas event planning for charities. When she is hired to rescue a struggling Noelville, Quebec fundraiser for the homeless, she runs into a solid road block called Nicolas, who is the owner of the event's mansion and hates all things Christmas. She convinces him to allow her free rein of the estate, and while exploring comes across a long abandoned Christmas Village, centered around the original Maple Syrup shack, built to look like Santa's workshop. The gears start to turn and the most exciting, viral event blooms in her mind. But how can she get the mansion's grumpy owner to agree to reopening the village? Tender and complex, this heart warming happily ever after, with just a touch of french flair, will put you in the Christmas spirit and have you calling out "Joyeux Noel" at the top of your lungs.

Amanda Cook

REVIEWS

Of Yellow Shirts and Little Green Men

by Gene Rowe

Review by Lyssa Medana

https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk

The Review

One of the big reasons that I write reviews is to push me to read books that are out of my comfort zone. It's easy for me to get stuck on re-reading Essie Summers, Terry Pratchett and Georgette Heyer or dipping into romance novels and re-reading a swathe of those as well. Of Yellow Shirts and Little Green Men is not a romance novel. It's a wonderfully, offbeat, original story that is full of English eccentricity and wit.

This is a fantastic story that is labelled as a comedy on Amazon, but it’s much more than that. The main character, Tom, is a recently unemployed academic, drifting through life, indecisive and aimless. In the best traditions of Tom Holt and Douglas Adams, the hapless Tom is buffeted through ever more bewildering adventures as he navigates encounters with aliens, ghosts, fellow alien spotters, and the fortunes of Norwich City Football Club.

This is a good novel to settle down with and have a good read. The language is easy to read, very much in the British style, and draws you into the story. The characters are likeable, complex and interesting.

"If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book."

– J.K. Rowling

They are deftly written and have depth and strength, developing and reacting throughout the story. Their actions and reactions are believable and genuine, especially in the context of the story.

The story is… complicated. I don’t want to discuss too much as I don’t want to spoil any surprises, but the story starts when Tom is approached by an alien and told that there are many extraterrestrial creatures who regard Earth as something of a soap opera. Not only that, but various factions have been known to surreptitiously interfere in order to promote better stories. Tom is recruited to thwart those interferences, finds himself as part of a group who all have separate alien contacts in various guises and stumbles through the increasingly complex situations.

As interludes, glimpses are shown of ordinary characters caught up in the alien’s shenanigans, and the interaction and consequences rippling out. In this, Of Yellow Shirts and Little Green Men reminds me of the Illuminati Trinity by Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea with layers of clandestine organisations and confusion between their accidental and unknowing interactions, all well observed and showing insight into the strange ways ordinary human beings can act under pressure.

Finally, this story is something of a love letter to the city of Norwich. I’ve never visited Norwich, but now I feel that I have a sense of the place. The streets, the buildings and the shops are all described in loving detail. The history and people are shown as part of the story. When Tom meets his alien contact in St Peter Mancroft Church, the building is so lovingly described with just the right details, that I can almost feel the texture of the cool stone in the crypt. As Gene Rowe builds in the details of the city into the story, they’re always there to support the narrative rather than intrude as added on description that does nothing but add words to the page. I feel that the city of Norwich is as much of a character in this story as Tom, Ed or Amanda.

I am very happy to recommend this story.

For more entertaining blog posts by Lyssa Medana, check out her blog: https://alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk/

REVIEWS

To be a Fae Queen

by Tricia Copeland

“To Be a Fae Queen” by Tricia Copeland is the first installment in the Realm Chronicles series. The story begins years after Titania’s four brothers were killed in battle against the fierce kobold army. With their deaths and the loss of other warriors, Titania becomes the sole heir to the throne. Her father, burdened with too few soldiers, struggles to protect her, guard the Faerie Ring, and defend against the kobold threat.

As more magical crystals are taken, the Faerie Ring begins to weaken. Determined to act, Titania secretly discovers the kobolds’ entry point into their realm. At just fifteen, she is crowned queen—though many doubt her capability. But Titania is strongwilled and fearless, ready to do whatever it takes to protect her kingdom. As the realm’s first female monarch, she is determined to prove herself.

This is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy with well-crafted characters. Titania’s strength and resolve make her an inspiring figure, especially for young female readers. Tricia Copeland’s vivid imagination brings this magical world to life. If you’re a fan of young adult fantasy, this book is a mustread.

Review by Sassy Reads https://sassyreviews.data.blog/tag/to-be-a-fae-queen/ : 5/5

"The man who does not read good books is no better than the man who can’t."

Killswitch Overkill

by Mark Everglade

Killswitch Overkill by Mark Everglade reminds me a little of the movie titled, The Day After Tomorrow. This novel has the same devastating impact on the world but with much more doom and evil technology added. Mark Everglade writes in a unique way that instantly grabs the readers. He takes readers on a thrill ride unlike any Disney World experience. Epic, adventurous, fast-paced, and well-developed, Killswitch Overkill brings it all.

The main character is Sabrina Underfoot. She reminds me so much of my favorite character, Jason Bourne. Like him, he created devastating waves that rippled across the world. He too was hunted down like Sabrina. Sabrina is not good but she’s not evil like the AI that wants to kill humanity. The book is multilayered with dangerous plots that can go anywhere. Reading it, the book, can go from doom to worse. Or it could just maybe, survive. A strong theme of survival, society, humanity, evil versus good and etc can be found in this fascinating read.

Review by — by Danielle Urban, AR Critique

https://elarcritique.wordpress.com/2025/03/19/review-killswitch-overkill/

REVIEWS

The Dying of the Light: End

By Jason Kristopher

Jason Kristopher’s The Dying of the Light: End is a sharp, character-driven novel that masterfully weaves realism, emotion, and tension. Kristopher crafts his characters with such care that readers can’t help but become deeply invested in their fate.

At the center of the story is David Blake, whose life collapses when a sudden zombie outbreak wipes out 1,500 people including his fiancée in the quiet town of Fall Creek. His unlikely survival draws the attention of AEGIS, a covert ops unit that has been combating the undead since the 19th century. Members of AEGIS came from various units and services. AEGIS and its members are the front-line defense against the most fearsome enemy that their world has ever known. Tasked with dealing with walkers, the team plunges into a relentless battle where military precision meets pure survival instinct.

The novel truly shines in its believability. Kristopher anchors his apocalypse in logical realism and painstaking detail, making the horror feel chillingly possible. His prose is crisp and deliberate, and the emotional moments resonate—particularly as David’s grief and reluctant bravery echo universal fears of loss and endurance. Major Kimberly Barnes and her squad bring grit, complexity, and heart, while the camaraderie among characters provides an emotional anchor amid the chaos.

This is a story that lingers. Long after turning the final page, the characters, the tension, and the haunting world Kristopher has built stay vividly in your mind.

Review by — Reader’s Choice

https://passionduniya.wordpress.com/2025/10/05/end/

"Today a reader, tomorrow a leader."

Running with Roselle by Michael Hingson

As an eleven-year-old boy, I remember waking up on September 11th, in the hours before the rest of my family woke, and I watched from my home in Southern California as the attacks on the World Trade Center took place. The fear and anxiety that I felt at that moment, as well as the heartbreak at the people hurt or worse in those attacks being played over and over again on TV, broke my heart and made me cling to my family more than ever before. Yet I always have known that I could never hold a candle to the people who experienced that day firsthand or the families of those who were affected by that terrible day.

The authors did such an amazing job of finding the right balance between the grim reality of that day’s events with the more detailed backstory of both Mike and Roselle. The creative direction this nonfiction read took by sharing both Mike and Roselle’s perspectives and histories was great to read, as it gave a depth of character to the nonfiction events playing out over the narrative.

Yet what really struck me was the harmonic way the author shared multiple themes and stories with the audience. The overall theme of Mike and Roselle’s fight to survive that horrible attack was the prevailing story here, but the authors hone in on Mike and Roselle’s developing relationships, as well as the process of becoming a guide dog and the things that people born or made blind want the world to know and understand through Mike’s backstory, made this such a wellrounded narrative overall.

The Verdict

Haunting, chilling, and engaging, authors Michael Hingson and Jeanette Hanscome’s “Running with Roselle” is a must-read book. Terrifying yet inspiring, the authors not only highlight the pain, the struggle, and the horrors of that awful day, but show the camaraderie, strength, and courage it took for not only Mike and Roselle to survive the events but how they helped others and bonded with other survivors to get out of the building before it was too late.

Rating: 10/10

Review by — Anthony Avina

Shoes That Fit Her Soul (Workbook)

by Shamayne Olivia

One of the most challenging experiences a person can face in life is the feeling of not being seen or heard. Far too often in life, a person can reach a point where they feel their voice isn’t being listened to and their actions or words are ignored entirely. The contributions this makes to self-esteem and a person’s confidence are detrimental, and being able to find that voice again and make yourself known is so crucial to developing as a person. This is a problem encountered far too often by women, whether in the workplace or in society as a whole, and the authors’ workbook is the perfect guide that helps restore women’s confidence.

The author’s writing style is poignant, detailed, and to the point, and yet speaks in a voice that can relate to women on a personal level. The exploration of a person’s future through these eight steps (or shoes) and utilizing techniques that leverage positive affirmations, journal prompts, and even methods of meditation or selfreflection allows readers to feel a sense of accomplishment and engagement, with the book enabling them to put these steps into use actively. Another aspect of this workbook is the way the reader can return to it time and again, enhancing its readability and serving as a constant guide that can help readers whenever they feel this way.

Review by Anthony Avina

https://authoranthonyavina.com/2025/10/09/shoes-that-fit-her-soul-workbook-byshamayne-olivia-review/

"A book is a gift you can open again and again."

– Garrison Keillor

Inspiring, highly creative, and motivating, author Shamayne Olivia’s “Shoes That Fit Her Soul Workbook” is a must-read self-help and improvement guide for women and readers everywhere. The book is the perfect jumping-off point for anyone looking to change the direction they are heading in or start anew. The fast-paced narrative and easy-to-follow steps are both insightful and introspective as readers begin their work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by Readers Choice: https:// passionduniya.wordpress.com/2025/1 0/05/at-least-im-trying/

It’s a captivating read that hooked me from the very first page—I simply couldn’t put it down until I finished. The story follows Reese, who has been passionate about volleyball since the age of ten. When she moved to a new place four years ago, Gabe became a constant presence in her life.

For years, volleyball and Gabe have been at the center of Reese’s world, and she can’t imagine life without either. But now, Gabe is gone and her volleyball dream lies in pieces. Cassie, a girl who’s been part of the team for two years despite spending most of her time on the bench, unexpectedly enters Reese’s life. Through Cassie, Reese meets Liam—a guy who soon reveals a toxic side she never saw coming. Reese can’t help but think that Gabe was never like this.

To find out what happens next, you’ll have to read the novel yourself. The storyline kept me on edge, and the characters lingered in my mind long after I turned the last page. The cover design is eyecatching, and the title fits perfectly. I truly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more from this author.

: 5/5

REVIEWS

Ironbound

by Andrew Givler

This was a compelling, gripping epic fantasy read. The worldbuilding here was top-notch, giving readers a magical system and a rich mythos that made this world feel real and tangible on the page. The use of Roman historical concepts and societal aspects of the Roman Empire in this narrative, and the ways this informed the main narrative and the significant plot developments, made this story engrossing, as readers found themselves lost in the world and invested in how these characters are pushed to their limits.

The character development was the heart of this story. Castor was a complex protagonist, showing his metamorphosis from a devoted and hopeful servant of the Empire to a revenge-fueled slave seeking justice for his people after a tragic accident spiraled into violence. The psychological and emotional toll this took on him, as well as the mounting losses he suffers throughout the book, give the novel a truly gripping, haunting tone that drives it significantly.

If readers were to imagine Gladiator mixed with Game of Thrones and the Thread of Souls series, they would recognize author Andrew Givler’s “Ironbound” as a must -read epic fantasy novel and a great start to a brand new fantasy series. The twists and turns the story takes, the rich imagery of the author’s writing that brings these gritty, brutal battles to life, and the narrative’s detailed pacing as a whole elevated the character development and mythos to all-new heights, leaving readers eager for book two in the series.

Review by — Anthony Avina

https://authoranthonyavina.com/2025/10/11/ironbound-ironbound-book-1-byandrew-givler-review/

NEW RELEASE

Alice's Awakening

By L.M. Kimblin

A compelling psychological narrative of lost innocence and candid truths. Poverty is such a cruel, cruel master, shackling and trapping its sorry victims. Alice Malone is one such victim, and this is her story… A harrowing and complex narrative, where L.M. Kimblin once again transports the reader on a journey outside of their emotional comfort zone.

First Light, Last Light

The first new poetry book in six years

by Glen Sorestad,

one of Canada’s elder literary icons, coming this month from Shadowpaw Press

Shadowpaw Press in Regina, Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce the release on September 23 of First Light, Last Light, the first new poetry collection in six years by Glen Sorestad, the first poet laureate of Saskatchewan (and first provincial poet laureate in Canada) and one of Canada’s elder literary icons.

“When I started my long journey to become a poet, I had no idea how long it would take,” Sorestad says. “Now, at 88 years of age, I am amazed to be still writing poems and that readers will actually read and enjoy them. I am so pleased that Shadowpaw Press is bringing my First Light, Last Light poems into the literary world.”

“I’m thrilled to be able to publish the Glen’s first poetry collection in six years,” says Edward Willett, publisher of Shadowpaw Press. “I’m thrilled because I’ve been aware of Glen’s work for many, many years, thrilled to expand the list of poetry books Shadowpaw Press has published, thrilled because I am a Saskatchewan author and Glen is a mainstay of Saskatchewan’s literary landscape, and most of all, thrilled that readers will have the opportunity to enjoy these warm, heart-felt, sharply observed poems as much as I have.”

More about First Light, Last Light

A new book of poetry from Glen Sorestad, one of Canada’s elder literary icons, is cause for celebration. First Light, Last Light is the first book in six years by Sorestad, who was Saskatchewan’s first poet laureate, serving two terms. As might be expected from a poet now in his 80s, the work in this volume is a mix of reflections on family, memories of youth and friends, and the not-always-pleasant aging process, all viewed with compassion, wisdom and, often, humour. Sorestad is also a keen observer of the wildlife around him, from the birds who come to the feeder outside his window – damn those bully crows! – to the foxes and other wildlife he and his wife sometimes encounter on their morning walks. First Light, Last Light is a book to read again and again, and treasure.

“Glen Sorestad first came to prominence back in the ’70s writing prairie pub poems. In 2000, he proved himself the perfect person to become Canada’s first provincial Poet Laureate, and since then he has continued crafting fine poems full of telling details and warm humanity. In First Light, Last Light, he writes with sensitivity about friends and family, the present and the past. He knows the human situation, where people often carom through relationships like discs in games of crokinole. He understands the power of nature as crows and catbirds, jays and juncos, waxwings and chickadees flutter through his poems. And who else could turn an annual medical check-up into a literary seminar covered by Medicare? Yes, Glen Sorestad is still writing poems that will delight readers.” Robert Currie, Saskatchewan’s second poet laureate

“Glen Sorestad’s poems range widely in time and space yet ground themselves in an attentive dedication to the local, to home’s dailiness: a red fox on the back lawn, ‘vocal tabernacle’ of robins, a snowy owl that causes a traffic jam in an urban mall’s entrance. Alongside loss and grief, lives wonder, joy. The snowy owl poem’s final lines aptly encapsulate Sorestad’s poetic vision: ‘hope manifests itself/in unexpected places, in wee but wondrous ways.’” —Jeanette Lynes, author of Bedlam Cowslip: The John Clare Poems

More about the author

NEW RELEASE

Glen Sorestad’s poems have been appearing in print now for more than fifty years. His poems have appeared in books, journals, reviews, and magazines across North America and in many other countries, while being translated into at least eight languages. Among his many poetry books are two bilingual volumes, one English/Spanish and one English/Italian. Sorestad was named Saskatchewan’s first Poet Laureate in 2000-2004, becoming Canada’s first provincially appointed Poet Laureate. He also spent twenty-five years as a co-founder and President of Thistledown Press, one of Canada’s premier literary presses. In 2010 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. Sorestad and his wife Sonia live in Saskatoon.

77 ½ Magical Healing Herbs

By Ronesa Aveela

Silver Birch

Venture into the magical, healing world of herbs and embrace the power of nature. This article is taken from the book 77 ½ Magical Healing Herbs, which is an introduction to herbs found in a special Midsummer’s wreath. This is an especially enchanting time of year. Among the Bulgarians, the day is called Eniovden. You may think herbs are only for spicing up food and healing the body and mind, but they have other uses, as well. This unique herbal book is an essential guide for tapping into the power of herbs. It highlights centuries of lore and historical facts about healing and magical uses of herbs from Slavic and other traditions.

Please see the medical and magical disclaimers before you try any of the recipes from the book.

Betula pendula

Silver birch

Description: The silver birch grows around 82 feet (25 meters) tall.

The tree’s thin, papery bark peels off in layers, its tender shoots are bumpy, and its triangular-shaped leaves are coarse and double-toothed. In autumn, the leaves turn yellow and fall off. The silver birch bears catkins, slim, cylindrical flowers that form in clusters and produce small winged seeds.

History and Traditions: The genus name is Latin for “birch,” and the specific name comes from the Latin pendere for “to hang.” The word “birch” derives from the Proto-IndoEuropean root bhereg-, which means “to shine, bright, white.” This definition appropriately defines the silver birch’s bark, which is bright white with black fissures. Betula pendula is often confused with the similar Betula alba (white birch), whose bark is a grayer color. Birch is called a pioneer species, because it’s often one of the first plants to re-grow in fire-ravaged locations and has been said to be among those that first repopulated rocky land when IceAge glaciers receded. The tree has an important role in many cultures. In Slavic folklore, it’s the tree of sorrow and new life. Ancient Romans, among others, worshipped the sacred tree as a goddess. During Samhain, Celts drove away the spirits of the old year with birch twigs. Other cultures thought of birch as the tree of the dead.

Habitat and Distribution: Native to Europe and Asia and introduced to North America. The tree is often found on mountains and along crags. In Bulgaria, you can find it in forests at the base of foothills.

Growth: Tree. The plant thrives in cool climates but requires plenty of sunlight. It has shallow roots, so it does best in dry, sandy soil.

Harvesting: Leaves and bark are used. Leaf buds are collected in April and May before they burst. Leaves are harvested in spring, both before the tree flowers and afterward, and the bark is gathered in early spring. All of its products should be stored in dry, ventilated areas.

Medical Use: Substances in birch bark have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-cancer properties and are being studied by medical professionals for possible treatment. In folk medicine, components of birch are remedies for many ailments, such as improving metabolism, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol. The leaves and sap help dissolve kidney stones, but this remedy also irritates the kidneys, so use it only under professional medical supervision. Ointments made from the sap treat skin problems (eczema, warts, psoriasis) but are likely to irritate dry skin. The bark, applied externally, is believed to ease muscle pain. Birch has also been used for rheumatism, gout, and leprosy. People drink an infusion made from young birch leaves to treat things such as nervous disorders and colic, and drink it as a stimulant, anti-inflammatory agent, antiseptic, and for vitamins.

Rituals and Magical Use: Since it is one of the first plants to come into leaf in spring, birch is symbolic of purification, innocence, and renewal of life as nature awakens. Many traditions use birch to ensure health, love, and happiness for those with new beginnings, such as births, weddings, and new home constructions. Birch is made into a dousing rod to find minerals, buried treasure, and water. Even more magical is the belief that birch energizes people and can prolong youth and slow aging. Merely being near a birch tree can make a sick person feel better. Birch protects people against physical and spiritual misfortunes. Its newly sprouted twigs are strong talismans that can not only cure diseases, but also break spells. People put babies in swings made of birch to protect the infants from evil charms. Having a birch grow near your home is welcome, because it will chase away nightmares.

Other Use: Sap from the tree is made into a drink, similar to the process of extracting sap from maples. Fragrant birch twigs are tools to lightly beat one’s body in Finnish saunas. Furniture, plywood, skis, window frames, broom handles, kitchen utensils, and more are made from the wood, and bast shoes from the bark. An extract from birch is found in bath oils, face creams, shampoos, and shaving creams. The bark is applied decoratively to floral bouquets. Ground birch bark was a staple in Sweden for making bread during famines.

Other Names: Warty birch, European white birch, East Asian white birch.

Aromatic: Ground leaf buds have a pleasant aroma but tart taste. The leaves have no smell and are slightly bitter. The bark also lacks an odor and is bitter.

CAUTION: Children or pregnant or lactating women should not use. Birch products can also hurt kidneys and irritate dry skin.

How to Make an Infusion

Chop 2 Tablespoons of birch leaves or 1 Tablespoon of birch buds and boil in 0.5 liter of water. Let the liquid stand for an hour before straining. Drink 150 ml before meals, four times a day. You can add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to alkalize the liquid (Petrova).

How to Make a Decoction

Boil 1 Tablespoon of birch bark for 10 minutes in 0.5 liter of water before straining. Drink 150 ml before meals four times a day.

You can also use the decoction in a bath to treat chronic skin rashes, eczema, and psoriasis. Or wash your hair with it to help prevent hair loss and dandruff (Petrova).

SOURCES

G., Jeanne. “Брезата пази от негативна енергия и депресия.” [Birch protects against negative energy and depression.] https://sanovnik.bg/n4-6088-Брезата

. Ivanov, Ivan Isaev, Prof.; Iliya Ivanov Landzhev, Dr. of Pharmacy; Geo Kirilov Neshev, Dr. of Medicine. Билките в България и използването им. [Herbs in Bulgaria and their use.] Zemizdat: Sofia, 1977. Petrova, Bilyana, Dr. “Бяла бреза, Метлика, Чупла, Ясика.” [White birch, Metlika, Chupla, Yasika.] March 18, 2010, updated on January 7, 2021. https://medpedia.framar.bg/ботаника/бяла-бреза-метликачупла-ясика.

StunPeace. “МАГИЧЕСКАТА СИЛА НА БРЕЗАТА.” [The magical power of the birch.] March 7, 2012. http://dobreedaznaete.blogspot.com/2012/03/blog-post_07.html.

Trees for Life. “Birch mythology and folklore.” https://treesforlife.org.uk/into-the-forest/trees-plantsanimals/trees/birch/birch-mythology-and-folklore/.

Sources for Silver Birch Pictures

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Betula_pendula_very_clean.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Betula_pendula_-_Friedrichsthal-Bildstock-FMT__20101001-01.jpeg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Betula_pendula_V-1.jpg

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Silver_Birch_Bark.JPG

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Birchwood_Slavnoe_2012_G1.jpg

Herbs are powerful, but they can also be dangerous.

MEDICAL LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: The information in this article, in the book and on our website is not intended to be medical advice, nor does it claim that the herbs listed are safe or effective to use in the manners described. It is not meant to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease. It is merely a brief summary of various herbal folk remedies and how they have been used in the past and may still be used today. With the exception of a few personal recipes, we have not tried any of these remedies and cannot verify their effectiveness or safety.

MAGICAL DISCLAIMER: Magical ingredients and spells are for entertainment only. We have not tried any of these remedies, nor do we make any claims as to their effectiveness or safety.

77 and a Half Herbs?

The wheels in your mind have probably been turning as you think, “77½ herbs is an odd number.” And you’re right. But it’s a special, magical number, referring to herbs gathered on Eniovden, June 24, when Bulgarians celebrate Midsummer’s Day. If you want to find out the secret of the half herb, you’ll have to read the book.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ronesa-aveela/77-1-2-magical-healing-herbsthe-secret-power-of-herbs

Ronesa Aveela is “the creative power of two.” Two authors that is. The main force behind the work, the creative genius, was born in Bulgaria and moved to the US in the 1990s. She grew up with stories of wild Samodivi, Kikimora, the dragons Zmey and Lamia, Baba Yaga, and much more. Her writing partner was born and raised in the New England area. She has a background in writing and editing, as well as having a love of all things from different cultures. She’s learned so much about Bulgarian culture, folklore, and rituals, and writes to share that knowledge with others.

BOOMER SEES THE TOWN

The Curious Bunny Book 1

The newest children’s book by acclaimed children’s author Diann Floyd Boehm

*** Written for children ages 3 to 9. These are delightful tales for parents, teachers, and caregivers to read with their kids or for young readers to enjoy.

Discover the first adventure in the Curious Bunny series!

New Release

In Boomer Sees the Town, Boomer leaves the forest to explore the wonders, sounds, and surprises of the big city. Perfect for curious minds and early readers, this heartwarming children’s story encourages imagination, discovery, and kindness. Written by award-winning author Diann Floyd Boehm and beautifully illustrated by Surya Ali Zaidan, this charming tale will delight children and parents alike. A must-have addition to any family’s bedtime bookshelf.

Diann Floyd Boehm is an award-winning international author. Diann writes children's books and young adult books. In addition, Diann writes books to inspire kids to be kind, like themselves, and to "Embrace Imagination”. You can find all her books on Amazon.

Diann's Story Garden YouTube Channel gives children the opportunity to hear different children authors read their stories.

Diann continues to be involved in various humanitarian projects with multiple organizations.

Diann was born to parents of George and Mabel Floyd in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but grew up in Texas with five brothers. She has traveled extensively to many parts of the world and has lived in the Philippines and Dubai.

Keep in touch with Diann by joining her newsletter: www.Diannfloydboehm.com.

Jonni Jordyn, critically acclaimed author and now Book Award Winner

Prima Donna Francesca Vittoria Agostina La Perla is an even bigger snob than her name might suggest. She earned the title of the greatest soprano of the known universe and she expects the universe to treat her as a queen.

But when she is travelling to an empire known to love opera, her tickets are unceremoniously voided and she gets dumped on a dusty dude ranch moon, unable to access her funds. Being forced to live below her standards is bad enough, but she finds herself targeted by gangsters who think they can collect a ransom for her.

This wacky romcom follows her rescue by an odd assortment of misfits including a down on his luck pirate and ends with her telling the emperor just what she thinks of his hospitality.

https://relinks.me/B0DS94KY8R

Jonni Jordyn

Critically acclaimed author Jonni Jordyn is now an Award-winning author. Her critically acclaimed book, The Diva of Mud Flats was the recipient of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards.

Protection From Fairies

Lyssa Medana

If someone talks about fairies nowadays, many people think of cute, diminutive female figures. They may have lacy wings and possibly a hat in the shape of a foxglove flower. Some people may think of wise and beautiful nature spirits, or perhaps they may think of a coin left under the pillow in exchange for a tooth. It wasn't always that way.

Before The Flower Fairies

If we go back before Tolkien and Enid Blyton, there is a long tradition of dark stories about what can loosely be called fairies - spirits of the countryside. These were spirits who were capricious and not always friendly. They were blamed when the crops were affected by blight, the butter wouldn't come and sheep and cattle died. And worse - they were blamed for changelings. These were children that didn't thrive but who were sickly and ill, and in a remote community with a limited gene pool and rudimentary health care, it was easier to blame the fairies and accusing them of switching their own ailing offspring with healthy human children than try and work out the possible causes of those infirmities.

The fairies of the old tales had many guises. Will o' the Wisps led travellers astray and creatures like the kelpie or Jenny Greenteeth would drag helpless passers by down into the water to drown. Even the helpful brownies could be notoriously touchy and cause havoc after taking offence at a slight, no matter how small or accidental.

Sudden afflictions like strokes were also attributed to fairies. The ancient stone arrowheads that were found near the old stone circles were called 'elf shot' and considered physical evidence of such a devastating magical attack. Some stories even said that fairies paid a tithe of human souls to hell. Fairies were scary!

They were also tricky. You couldn't accept food or drink from a fairy. It might whisk you away for a hundred years or bind you as their servants. You couldn't trust payment from a fairy. Fairy gold had a habit of turning into dead leaves. They would look like one thing, then another. And you had to watch every word you said. The slightest hint of a promise and you were bound to them. They were elusive and mutable, and in a difficult world, they were best avoided.

Protection from the Fair Ones

Fairies were seen as a risk to your food, your family, your life and even your soul. Of course people were going to try and protect themselves. The first thing anyone turned to was iron that was said to repel those dangerous creatures. Horseshoes were nailed over the door, but it had to be the right sort of horseshoe. It had to be a horseshoe that had been used and in most districts it had to be nailed with the points up. If you couldn't get a horseshoe (and iron was expensive) then iron nails could be hammered in to the lintel, the mantelpiece or even the bed where a woman was giving birth.

Astone with a hole in it was also considered a good protective charm. It couldn't be a hole which had had a hole drilled in it. Instead it had to be a stone that was found to have a hole in it naturally, from somewhere like a river bed. These were often hung in stables and byres to keep fairies from knotting manes and tails into 'elf locks' and drying up the milk.

Salt was also a good source of protection. It could be sprinkled across thresholds and lintels if the family felt threatened. Rowan wood was another source of protection. Rowan was known as a magical tree, both dedicated to fairies and used as a protection against them. St John's Wort was another remedy against fairy attack.

If an unlucky traveller had to travel and feared fairies and being led astray, they could turn their coat inside out and carry a piece of bread in their pockets. And it was not uncommon for church bells to be rung when there was a storm to frighten away the evil spirits and any fairies that were affecting the weather. Although, as stories evolved in the Christian society of the MiddleAges, fairies gradually were seen as respecting saints and churches. Indeed, in today's Iceland, elves are thought to have a bishop and their own church buildings. Aroad was diverted to accommodate an elvish church in Iceland only recently, though I feel that this isn't a belief in fairies, but a tolerance of a belief in fairies, which is to be encouraged.

Conclusion

All in all, fairies are not all sparkle and shimmer. In folklore they are dangerous, duplicitous and difficult. So slide an iron nail into your pocket, turn your coat inside out and beware!

The Fairy Wall

Keep away from the wall, my child, It keeps us from the faeries wild. It keeps us from their faerie fear. Keep away, my child, come here.

They blight the cows and cost us money

They steal the bees and take the honey

They spoil the butter in the churn

They cause the cakes and bread to burn

They steal our children, blight our wheat,

Ruin pigs and taint the meat.

Keep away from the wall, my dear, Keep away, my child, come here.

Lyssa Medana is a fifty something author living in West Yorkshire, UK. Her works include Out of the London Mist, Under the Bright Saharan Sun, King’s Silver, The Forgotten Village, Digging up the Past, and Dinner at Dark among others.

Lyssa also regularly publishes poems, articles and short stories on her blog, Always Another Chapter https:// alwaysanotherchapter.co.uk/ along with all the latest news.

Lyssa is fascinated by the odd, the quirky and the unusual and enjoys dipping into old folklore and English social history, which she uses shamelessly for her writing. Her hobbies include knitting, reading and heckling history documentaries.

15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness

More Nuggets of Hope

A mini-book that truly shows the importance of pets by critically acclaimed author, Kim Lengling

Kim Lengling

https://bit.ly/PetsKindness

What if your greatest teacher of kindness was sleeping at your feet?

In this uplifting mini-eBook, author Kim Lengling, a veteran, pet lover, and creator of Nuggets of Hope, shares 15 beautiful reflections on how pets gently remind us to slow down, forgive more, love deeper, and be kind to ourselves and those around us.

From tail wags to purring snuggles, our pets offer unconditional love, patience, and a powerful presence that can shift even the hardest days. Each short chapter is paired with a simple kindness prompt to help you carry their lessons into your own life, one paw print at a time.

Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or simply seeking a little hope and inspiration, this cozy companion will leave you smiling, reflecting, and maybe reaching for your furry friend.

Tara Hodgson

Tara Hodgson has been teaching junior high for the past sixteen years. She spends her days surrounded by teens and has witnessed the changes that technology, especially social media, has had on the teenage experience. She lives on an acreage in Sturgeon County, Alberta with her husband, two children, and a crew of cats and dogs. Information about Tara can be found on her website.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a junior high teacher and have been for over 17 years. Along with being a teacher, I’m a mom and an author; I’ve written and published two YA contemporary novels, Chasing Through Time and At Least I’m Trying. I love animals, books, and live music, and when I’m not busy working or with kids, I love to just hang out at home on my acreage. I’m an introvert and love sneaking in alone time when I can.

http://www.tarahodgson.ca/

Interview by

Melanie P. Smith

Full of emotion and very relatable.

Great Read! Gives a raw inside look at the pressure we put on some of our youth and how easy it is to make life altering decisions based off of this pressure. The author creates such a connection to the main character that when she is in her darkest moments your heart aches for her. Its a must read!

- Amazon Customer

When the volleyball hits the floor mere inches from Reese’s hands, her dreams of playing college ball shatter.

After consecutive failures on the court, in the classroom, and in her relationships, she’s done playing the part of perfect daughter, perfect student, and perfect athlete. It’s time for a new life. Enter Cassie Brentwood.

Bold. Reckless. Free. Cassie is everything Reese isn’t yet longs to be. They quickly become friends and Cassie introduces her to Liam, a mysterious guy from Snapchat. Blinded by his love bombing and the desperation to shed her perfect image, Reese plunges head first into their world. It feels instantly thrilling… until it’s not.

Girls are disappearing from nearby towns, however no one in their quiet small town seems concerned.

But when Liam’s behaviour grows darker, Reese’s new life begins to unravel. She ignores the warnings. The red flags. The little voice screaming to her that something’s not right. Until she’s far from home, trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape.

Told with searing honesty and lyrical depth, At Least I’m Trying is a poignant novel about mental health, girlhood, and what happens when the version of yourself you’ve worked so hard to become starts to fall apart.

With no one left to trust, Reese has to fight to reclaim the life she was so eager to leave behind.

She wanted freedom. Now, she just wants to go home. At least she has to try.

At Least I’m Trying

https://relinks.me/B0FL15FBHG

Are you a multi-genre author or a single-genre author? How did you decide what types of book you would write?

As of right now, I’m solely a contemporary fiction author. I love writing about real-life situations and finding words for complex, real emotions. I want my reader to feel the emotions that my characters are feeling and see parallels to their own lives; this is in the hopes that my words can spark important conversations about the world. I find inspiration for my books in situations I witness in my own life as well as events I see in the media.

When did you start writing? Did an event or person prompt you to take that leap?

I’ve always written in a journal and I wrote creatively a lot as a kid, but I didn’t start officially writing until 2022. The idea for Chasing Through Time came to me out of the blue while on a walk and writing it was my way of communicating my feelings about serious issues I’ve been witnessing as a teacher. Social media has truly infiltrated the lives of teens and I wanted to show how much the teenage experience has changed in the past ten years because of this.

Mark Twain said “Write what you know.” Tell us about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a panster? Do you plot, plan, and conduct hours of research; or, do you just sit down and write whatever comes to mind based on your personal history and knowledge?

I am a panster through and through. Sure, I have an idea and layout in my head with certain key events I know need to happen, but when I sit down to write, it’s usually a surprise how my characters get there. That’s my favourite part of writing: the stuff that sneaks up on you when you simply let yourself write. It’s almost magical, and that’s when I get my best material.

Tell us your latest news.

I've nearly finished the first draft of my third manuscript which is a women's contemporary fiction novel. I’m hoping to send it off to my editor within the month!

How / where do you find the plots you write about?

The plot for my second novel, At Least I’m Trying, came to me after hearing students talk about the Snap map feature on Snap Chat. This led me down a wormhole of research about the app and countless stories of terrible things that have happened because of it. The more I’ve been learning about the potential implications of social media use on teens’ lives, the more first hand accounts of this I’ve come across.

I also interviewed for CBC radio Manitoba which was incredible and have some upcoming opportunities writing for Unplugged Canada that I’m excited for.

What are your current projects?

Once I send off my draft of my women’s fiction manuscript to my editor, I’m heading back into the YA world. I’m still fleshing out my idea, but it will definitely be following a similar theme as the first two.

What do you want written on your headstone and why?

Silence is luxurious.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

I write about how technology, specifically social media, is affecting our lives, relationships, and mental health. My purpose is not to shame anyone, but more to open people’s eyes to the potential implications of a tech-filled world. I hope to spark important conversations about this issue.

How much of the book is realistic?

While Reese, the protagonist, and her small town of Cardothia are completely fictional, I did a lot of research for this novel revolving around how predators are accessing kids using social media apps such as Snap Chat. I read countless accounts from people who had been groomed online and found themselves in incredibly dangerous situations. Unfortunately, while the story itself is imaginative, the situations my characters find themselves in are much too realistic.

Do you have a mentor that helped or encouraged you to follow your dream of writing?

I feel like everyone in my life has been incredibly supportive of my journey and have been nothing but encouraging. My Auntie, Barbara Hodgson though, is a published author, so she has always been someone I looked up to.

What books have influenced your life the most?

I love reading and am so grateful that I was raised to be a reader. My most read novel as a teen was Go Ask Alice. I loved reading about real, tragic, gritty situations just as much as I like to write about them! Books that have inspired my own writing are The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow - actually anything by her because she is so amazing. She handles the most delicate topics with such beautiful care; I look up to her so much. Looking for Alaska by John Green is phenomenal. My favourite book of all time is The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by V.E. Schwab.

Pick one of your characters and share some of their backstory that didn’t make it into the novel.

Reese, the protagonist of At Least I’m Trying, is a star volleyball player. When the story starts, we only witness her failures, but I wish readers could have seen her at her best before everything fell apart.

Can you share a sample of your current work with us?

From At Least I’m Trying:

“Hey, star student,” she says mischievously. The fluorescent lights in the cafeteria glisten off her shiny, black hair. Willow may have claimed that Cassie isn’t pretty, but something about her is magnetic. Her hair is always incredible: midnight-black and thick, either set in waves or smoothed straight to the points of her ribs. She’s thin, but with a large chest. She has thick brows and lashes and her face is accessorized with a small, pink diamond stud on her nose, the one sparkling in her TikToks. Her mysterious, shadowy eyes penetrate mine like she has a secret she wants to tell only me. I’m desperate to find out what it is.

“Hey,” I respond hesitantly.

“The rumours are flying, star student. You quit the volleyball team? I’m gagged!” She’s smiling, her white teeth almost blinding.

“Yeah,” I say, confusingly happy with her approval. “I hear I’ve gone off the rails.” I subtly address the rumours, hoping she can give me more insight into what people are saying. Willow won’t say, just keeps repeating that it doesn’t matter.

“Yeah, well, people don’t like it when you don’t fit the box they’ve made for you in their minds I wouldn’t worry about what they’re saying.”

“Easier said than done…” I sigh. “I’m the one who created the box to put me in. And I care what people think. I’m working on that though…” I can’t explain why I’m so comfortable speaking to her. It’s like we’re in cahoots on something, and unlike everyone else, she doesn’t give a crap about the expectations I’ve blown up.

“I used to worry too… Now I think I’m just numb to it. I know what everyone says about me…” She looks at me, not questioning, but accepting. “I get the DMs, the snaps… I hear people whispering … The thing is, soon, we’ll be free. And none of this will matter anyways, right?” I want to believe her.

“A couple months is a long time,” I answer.

“Stick with me and I bet we can make the time fly by,” she says. The way she speaks makes it sound exotic. Enticing. But I also feel a tiny flicker of foreboding. I shake the premonition away and smile.

“I’m intrigued.” Her sly grin answers back.

“Ditch last block with me. I wanna show you something.” Her eyes won’t leave mine; I’m hypnotized again, and my heart is thumping unevenly.

Ditch? Again? I shouldn’t. Should I? I want to. I can’t. But maybe? My prolonged silence disappoints her.

“I get it, star student. Not ready to join the fun yet. That’s okay. Let me know when you are.” She stands and starts to walk away.

“Wait!” I don’t know what to do. My brain bounces around in my skull, feelings of apprehension and adventure flitting around. She looks at me expectantly, but my eyes drift past her. Just to her left I see Gabe. He’s sitting at a table with Emery, a few others standing around them, but they’re staring directly at each other. He’s smiling, his eyes fully crinkled at the corners, his cheeks flushed. I can see her satisfied smirk through the back of her stupid, blonde head. He doesn’t notice me, but suddenly he’s all I can see.I force my eyes back to Cassie. Her expression is impatient, eyes wide, lips puckered.

“Yeah, let’s do it. I’ll meet you in the parking lot.” I block out the alarm bells. Overlook the sinister storm clouds building. Ignore the potential consequences of following a new path laid out in front of me. Cassie’s face relaxes but she doesn’t fully smile, like she doesn’t believe I’ll show.

“Cool. I’ll see you then, star student.” She turns and struts through the cafeteria right past Gabe and Emery, sitting with my shattered heart between them.

I escape after her, too many emotions following like shadows behind me.

Riveting YA Thriller

Prepare to meet Reese. Star student, athlete, and looking forward to getting out of her small town and away from her parents' high expectations. But when things begin falling apart, she makes a decision to stop being the “perfect” everything everyone has come to expect and live for herself. But...it comes with dire consequences.

This book is an unexpectedly riveting story that details Reese’s struggles with coming to understand that she’s enough. We witness her mental health struggles, and the dangers of social media as she finds herself “swept away” by a guy that she meets in real life, but who engages in bomb her through Snapchat. Intoxicated by his attentions, she fails to see the red flags waving until it’s too late. Be mindful that some content in this book may be uncomfortable for some readers. It's nothing graphic or explicit, but it is heartbreaking and may make some readers uncomfortable. Be mindful of your mental health when reading this book. It happens later in the story, but plays a crucial role nonetheless.

This book leaves things without a solid resolution at the end, but it does give us a positive note that Reese is on the path to healing after all that she endures.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Just write! Even if I don’t feel like it, I write. If I don’t have ideas, I write. It’s much easier to fix something than nothing, so as long as I’m putting words on the page, I’m winning.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I want to say thank you about a million times! I still can’t believe that there are strangers out there that have read my words and enjoyed them. It is the greatest feeling.

Is there one person past or present you would like to meet and why?

I’m going to say Stevie Nicks this time. I want to hear her story and what it was like when Fleetwood Mac was at their peak. I find her so fascinating and her talent is unmatched.

Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

I am always reading a book. I love doing puzzles with my son, going for long walks, water sports when I can (I’m in Canada, so that season is short!), skiing in the winter, and just hanging out on my acreage.

Can you share something personal with your readers? Do you have any holiday traditions? What kind of music do you enjoy? What kind of movies do you prefer? Do you have a favorite author?

I spend way too much money on live music, but it is truly one of the most magical experiences. I listen to all different types of music, but my favourite musicians are Dermot Kennedy, David Gray, Taylor Swift, Bon Iver, Hazlett, and Matt Maeson. I’ve travelled to multiple cities with my best friend to see David Gray and Dermot Kennedy and will continue as long as they keep making music! We saw them both at Red Rocks in Denver and that was magical.

If money was no issue would you prefer a cozy beach bungalow or a rustic cabin overlooking a mountain lake?

I think I said both last time, but as the weather cools where I live, I’m going for a beach bungalow! I would give anything to be sitting on a warm, sandy beach with blue water stretching in front of me right now.

One final question...Do you have a blog/website? If so, what is it? Do you have a social media platform where your fans can go to interact with you and follow your progress?

My website it www.tarahodgson.ca

I post all of my updates on Instagram @tarahodgsonauthor

Affordable Editing

Illustrated Idioms

Inspired story prompts by

Susan Faw

When I created my author website at the launch of my authorial career, I was lost as to what to blog about. It is a common problem for authors who are starting out. Most of us feel that no one wants to listen to us talk about or dogs or our families or look at pretty cat pictures. So instead of blogging about what people flock to every day, I decided to write short, quick stories that illustrated something that I had long been fascinated with, the odd words and phrases that make up English idiom.

I bought a copy of The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. With that primer in place, I was ready to bring to life the idioms that we so often use but rarely understand their sources.

Can you guess the idiom in the story?

Horton Hears a What?

Horton paused, hands freezing, hovering just above the stack of hymn books. There it was again, a rustling sound whispering through the empty hall, rebounding off the walls and echoing softly through the arched stone rafters in the ceiling above him.

He knew he was alone in the church. Father Friday had left only minutes before to pick up the last of the supplies needed for the Christmas Eve service.

Horton knew that he was alone in the centuries-old church, quite alone. Perhaps his ears were playing tricks on him. He listened intently but no further sound met his ears. With a shrug he picked up the stack of caroling

hymn books and carried them into the nearest set of pews, placing a book every four feet on the seat.

Horton loved this time of year. His house was covered in colorful blinking lights and air-filled 3-D decorations crowded the lawn. But his favorite by far was the Christmas tree that decorated his own room. A Christmas tree of his very own.

It was a real, a soft-needled pine tree, from his grandfather’s farm. This tree had been grown especially for him, planted in the year of his birth nine years ago and had been cut this year especially for him. Horton had made all the decorations himself, popcorn stringers, glittered with blue and silver sprinkles, and hand-cut paper snowflakes, so heavy with glitter glue, he had to paperclip them open to the branches.

This year, Santa would place his presents under his very own tree, the most amazing one ever. Somehow the presents Santa delivered were always the best ones.

It is totally worth the wait, he thought. This is going to be the greatest Christmas ever!

Horton wandered back to pick up another stack of books, the daydreaming of the morning to come, his excitement occupying his mind so that he totally forgot about the noises he had heard. Thump. Crash. Horton’s frantically beating heart leapt into his throat, making it difficult to swallow. This time the sound did not fade. His eyes searched frantically for the source and settled on the partially open book cupboard, tucked under the staircase to the choir loft. He and Father Friday had pulled out the red-covered hymn books and stacked them on the table, just before he had left.

Something was hiding in the cupboard.

Horton spied a golden candelabra standing on the altar. He snatched it up in his right hand and then hesitated. It was super heavy, much heavier than he realized. He shrugged and gripping it tightly, crept toward the cupboard.

He gripped the candelabra tightly with both hands and nudged the cupboard door open with his left foot. It creaked as it swung open, and the rustling stopped. It swung wide open and there in the cupboard sat…nothing. It was empty.

Horton spun in a circle, checking to see if the person he had heard had sneaked out on him, but he could spy no other presence in the church.

A slight rustle…and as his eyes swung back to the cupboard, he saw them.

A family of mice stared back at him from a box on the lowest shelf.

“Well, look at you!” The empty box of wafers was now filled with wriggling baby mice. Horton crouched down to peer into the box. Several bright eyes stared back at him, noses twitching.

Smiling, he thought they deserved a happy Christmas too and picked up the box with the first family to arrive on Christmas Eve.

“You really are as poor as a church-mouse, just like me!” he said, laughing at the mice. He carried them out the back of the church and out to the stable, snatching a few stale wafers left over from the last service, from the plate. “Tonight, you will also celebrate the season.”

English Idiom: Poor as a Church Mouse

This means “having little or no wealth and few possessions, as in “She’s as poor as a church-mouse, so you can’t expect her to donate anything.” The reason for this longused simile is unclear, but most believe that, since churches are not known for storing food, a mouse inside one would fare poorly. It has survived such early phrases as “poor as Job.” (second half of 1600s)

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

If you want to read more of Susan Faw’s Illustrated Idioms, the series is available here: https://relinks.me/B074ZTK65V

Book nerd and fantasy aficionado, Susan is an award-winning author who also doubles as masked crusader for the fantastical world. Championing mythical rights, she quells uprisings and battles infidels who would slay the lifeblood of her pen. It’s all in a day’s work, for this whirlwind writer.

Winner of the Dante Rossetti Grand Prize for Best Young Adult Fiction of 2016 (Seer of Souls, Chanticleer Reviews) she is actively crafting stories that sing in your memory. Welcome to the quest!

You can find Susan at www.susanfaw.com, on twitter @susandfaw or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SusanFaw

“Winter is the time of promise because there is so little to do – or because you can now and then permit yourself the luxury of thinking so.”

– Stanley Crawford

The web is a wonderful tool. There’s instant access to a wealth of knowledge on any topic - including Self-Publishing. Here are a few examples to help authors along the way.

A Step-by-Step Book Marketing Guide for Indie Authors

This step-by-step book marketing guide helps indie authors promote their books successfully. And it works for both new and experienced writers.

https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/book-marketing-guide-indie-authors/

A Free Book Marketing Tool for Self-Published Authors

Finding the right book marketing tool for self-published authors can be a challenge. And marketing your book is one of the most critical steps in the self-publishing journey. But it often feels like one of the most overwhelming.

https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/book-marketing-tool-for-self-publishedauthors/

6 Ways to Show Love to Your Readers

Finding ways to show love to your readers isn’t just about saying thank you it’s about nurturing a loyal audience and creating long-term engagement that goes beyond the pages of your book. When readers feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to not only pick up your next release but also become your biggest advocates

https://press.barnesandnoble.com/bnpress-blog/show-love-to-your-readers/

15 Creative Ways Authors Announced Their Book Launch

The weeks leading up to and after launch day offer authors a great opportunity to announce their new book, generate visibility to new readers, and build excitement for existing fans to dive back in. To help you brainstorm creative ways to announce your book launch, we’ve compiled this list of inventive methods authors have used to announce and promote theirs.

https://insights.bookbub.com/creative-ways-authors-announced-book-launch/