Tag: #FamilyDrama

Redemption: A Father’s Fatal Decision #NewRelease @gmplano

Published on by Jan Sikes69 Comments

It is an honor and privilege to feature the newest release from Gwen Plano. I have known Gwen for many years, and not only is she a talented writer, but she is also a kind and generous soul. Take a look at her new thriller!

PURCHASE LINK

Thank you, Jan, for inviting me to your site today. It’s a pleasure to visit your readers and share a bit about my new release. I look forward to doing the same for you.

Redemption, A Father’s Fatal Decision is a mystery thriller that takes place in the Southeast corner of New York state, in and around the city of New Rochelle. Having spent about twenty years in that general area, it was exciting to visit as a writer.

The book tackles themes of forgiveness and redemption through suspense. We accompany the son and daughter of the deceased as they try to uncover the reason for their father’s murder. What they discover prompts them to ask if they even knew him.

Sometimes complicated situations help us see our own challenges in a different light. That is my hope for this book. Most of us won’t experience threats like those of my characters, but pain is universal, as is joy. Seeing either in the extreme helps us recognize our own—and severe or elated, those emotions are impactful.  

In this excerpt, Lisa and Trace Holmes drive to the cemetery where their father and baby brother are interred. Trace has a letter he wants Lisa to read.

EXCERPT:

“There’s something I need to do. Will you come with me?”

She looks at her brother’s bloodshot eyes and nods. “Wherever it is, I’m with you. Here, you take the keys and lead the way.”

The siblings swap places. Trace starts the car and pulls out of the parking lot. He drives east and, fifteen minutes later, pulls onto the cemetery’s lane. “Where’s Robbie’s plot? Do you know?”

“Beside Dad’s. Take the next turn.” Lisa points. “You’ll see it. An angel sits on the headstone.”

Trace pulls over and, together, they walk to the grave, where they read the inscription on the stone:

Our beloved angel, Robbie, now plays happily in heaven.

Trace reaches into his pocket, takes out a crumpled envelope, and hands it to Lisa. “Mom and I have seen this already. It’s time you read it as well.”

Lisa straightens the hand-written message and studies her father’s confession. Her face contorts when she focuses on one line in particular, and the next until, finally, she bends over and gasps in anguish. Trace holds her close, and they weep.

“We knew it, didn’t we?” Lisa wipes her eyes and cheeks. “We knew it. But knowing it for certain … well … that’s devastating.”

Lisa scrubs at her chin. “I’ve never felt so exhausted. Every cell in my body begs for reprieve. Layers of sadness weigh down my soul, Trace, and I wonder if I’ll ever laugh again.”

“You will. Ryan will fill that emptiness, and with time, these memories will fade.”

BLURB

Family secrets can be deadly. When Lisa Holmes visits her parents one fateful Saturday morning, she hugs her father and walks to her childhood bedroom. The doorbell rings. Her father opens the door, and one minute later, he lies dead on the floor—three bullets to the chest.

The Holmes family lives on a quiet street, but no one really knows Eric Holmes. He travels for business and comes home a few days each month. Unbeknown to all, Eric has multiple lives.

In this fast-paced psychological thriller, Lisa and her brother, Trace, embark on a quest to solve the mystery involving the murder of their father. The journey takes them into a secret world where nothing is as it seems. As the puzzle pieces begin to coalesce, they discover the meaning of Redemption. 

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon Author Page: https://amzn.to/3RebK0W

Amazon Purchase Page: https://amzn.to/3XKiLJn

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/3FkQD8z

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Gwen Plano

CONTACT INFORMATION:

BookBub: http://bit.ly/3Y26EI5

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3XIe6Yu

Story Empire: https://storyempire.com/gwen-m-plano

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmplano

Blog: www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections

I will be sharing my review of this new book later in the month. But I can tell you it is a really good read, and I highly recommend it! In the meantime, here are the rest of Gwen’s books.

October #BookReviews! @AmberDaulton1 @Virgilante @LBroday @bohemienneivy @m_morganauthor @JacqBiggar

Published on by Jan Sikes33 Comments

I read some fabulous books in the month of October and am happy to share my thoughts on them with you!

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

Belle Hamlin lives to perform on stage, singing, and playing guitar. She’s tough as nails and has built thick walls around her heart, determined never to let anyone in. That is until she discovers she’s pregnant. A one-night stand with a sexy mechanic, Benjamin Starwell, changes her life.
He’s the father.
I love that she told him. I’ve read so many stories where the woman tries to go it alone and not tell the father, so Belle’s bold honesty is refreshing. The tumultuous and passion-driven course their lives take is riddled with obstacles. A drug lord, a jealous ex-boyfriend, and an even more jealous singing rival cause all sorts of life-threatening situations for Benjamin and Belle. I rooted for them all the way. They worked so hard at trying to build a relationship based on having a child together, but in the process, fell in love. The author threw plenty of hardships their way and kept me engaged and interested. The sex scenes sizzle. While there may have been a tad too many that did nothing to move the story forward, they were hot and graphic. The personalities of the characters are well-defined and three-dimensional. Belle’s snarky attitude fit her perfectly, and Benjamin’s undying loyalty endeared him to me. There are other characters in this story I enjoyed. I know this book is a part of the Onyx series, but it works well as a standalone. If you like a romance filled with action, angst, and hot sex, you will enjoy this book!

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

In the sixth book of The Hat series, Lizzie and The Hat face an evil nemesis determined to destroy The Hat. The Midnight Rambler is on a mission and using any means he can to accomplish it, including infusing fruits and vegetables with his evil power, turning them into vicious monsters who bite and destroy humans.
The first clue is when Lizzie stops at a roadside fruit stand to make a purchase. When she has to run for her life, there is no doubt another monster is on the loose and must be destroyed. The story only ramps up from there. The reader is introduced to Ray, a creation of Professor Lagamorph. Ray is a Frankenstein-like entity made from mixed-up, mismatched human parts and pieces. His very existence is in danger because now the Professor is missing, and he’s running out of the medicine required to keep him alive. The author did a great job of tying the kidnapping of the professor into the evil villain, The Midnight Rambler.
We see another softer side of Lizzie in this segment of the story when she falls for Ray as they join forces, along with The Hat, to try and find the professor and eliminate the Midnight Rambler.
As in all of the segments of this story, we get glimpses of Lizzie’s role in the band, Lizzie and the Pythons. Those are always entertaining, as is Night Bump Radio. This is an urban fantasy that is over-the-top bizarre, funny (at times), and a deadly race to destroy evil. This book, as with others in the series, is a standalone. If you like urban fantasy with a dabbling of magic, you will no doubt enjoy this story!

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

A man so scarred he hides in the darkness. A town dying. A doctor determined to save them all.
That’s what you’ll find in this poignant story about losing all hope, only to find it again. Jericho tried to save all the children in the fire. He couldn’t save Hope, and it torments him. He carries scars deep in his heart that match the horrendous ones on his face. People call him a monster. Yet, in the dead of night, he goes around town helping those who need it. Folks awaken to mended fences, food on their porches, or medicine they can’t afford. The new doctor in town follows him one night and witnesses his deep grief as he places a hand-carved wooden angel on the grave of a child.
Jericho has only one trusted friend. That is until Kathleen O’Shea makes it her mission to help him. This is such a heartwarming story and perfect for the Christmas season. Broday’s talent for wringing every drop of emotion out of a story will have you rooting for Jericho and holding your breath as more and more people die. I highly recommend it!

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

There are so many things I loved about this book. The storyline is fantastic. Who couldn’t love a story with King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot as side characters, not to mention the Elves of Avalon? The tale opens with twelve-year-old Issylte getting prepared to meet her widowed father’s betrothed. She’d much rather be riding her horse across the fields of Ireland than dressing like a royal princess. The joining of King Donnchadh and Princess Morag of Scotland creates a powerful alliance between the two kingdoms. But things take a quick turn when Issylte meets Morag.
Morag’s exquisite beauty doesn’t hide the iciness of her touch and the evil in her eyes. Two years after the royal wedding, Isslyte’s father is called away on business. It is during his absence, Morag makes her move, first sending away Isslyte’s nursemaid who’s been with her since birth, which breaks the young girl’s heart. That’s only the beginning of Morag’s devious actions. When Isslyte is escorted on a ride through the forest by two guards, they reveal the evil queen’s plot to have them kill her and bring her back the girl’s heart. But the guards are unable to perform such a horrific act, and Isslyte flees into the forest. It’s the beginning of a long journey for her.
The story bounces back and forth between the castle of Tintagel and an ambitious young knight, Tristan, who is the heir to the kingdom of Cornwall, ruled by his uncle, King Marke. Tristan competes for a chance to travel to King Arthur’s court and become a Knight of the Roundtable. It is there he trains under Sir Lancelot and becomes a fierce warrior. The story takes a long way around, covering several years as Isslyte struggles to avoid death. People Isslyite loves, get killed along the way. She is forced to change her name first to Eglantine, then to Lilee. As the years pass, she is trained by fairy witches and becomes a gifted healer. Her powers grow to great proportions, and she develops the gift of sight. It is in a vision she knows her father, the king is dead. She must regain the throne. But how? She is but a young girl with no army. The story culminates close to the end when Tristan is brought to Lilee to be healed, and they finally come together. The author does a fabulous job of describing the settings as well as showing incredible knowledge of herbs, oils, and healing gemstones. The ending of the story segues into the next book, and I will look forward to reading it. My only critique of this story is that it seemed too drawn out with some repetition that could have been tightened up. For a debut novel, it’s fantastic

PRE-ORDER LINK

MY REVIEW:

I received an ARC of this book via BookFunnel, and I am so glad I did. Just as I have come to expect from Mary Morgan, she has woven a tale that kept me glued to the pages.
Aine is half fae and half human. She lives in a protected realm with her uncle and brother. But she longs for more. She wants to see the other Scotland and walk among humans. Even though it is forbidden, she uses her magic to make her wish under a star. The results are immediate and met with violence from her brother. Alex, chieftain of a Scottish clan and brave knight, stumbles through the veil in response to Aine’s magic. Aine’s brother promptly delivers a hard blow to the man’s head, and he is unconscious. At Aine’s insistence, they take him to Castle Toloch to heal. When Alex awakens, he is more than puzzled, and he has no memory of who he is or how he got to the castle.
I don’t want to leave any spoilers here, so I won’t get further into the plot of the story. But I will say Mary crafted three-dimensional characters that I had no trouble visualizing or falling in love with. She is also an expert at writing medieval settings mixed with magic. I loved everything about this book, from the odd quirks of each character to the intricately woven storyline. Aine was my favorite character. Even though she is a woman, she prefers working with the forge creating quality weapons rather than toiling in the kitchen chopping vegetables. She’s strong-willed and headstrong and filled with passion. Just what the brave knight needs. But will the gods allow them to be together, half-fae and human? You’ll have to read the story to find out. I highly recommend it. The book is currently available for pre-order and releases on December 5th.

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

This is such a great story with deeply flawed characters, dysfunctional family dynamics, and a love that won’t die. Renee is back home after two years of no contact. She fled without a word to anyone following her father’s suicide. It’s not until the last part of the book that the author lets the reader see why she carries such heavy guilt. Izzy, her younger sister is left to pick up the pieces after their father’s death. Not only does she take on the responsibility for their younger brother, Benjamin, but she also becomes their mother’s caretaker as cancer claims her vitality. Izzy holds a strong resentment toward Renee for abandoning them when they all needed each other. And it’s the death of their mother that has brought Renee back to the small town. The author does a great job of setting this story up, designating different chapters for different points of view, including Simon whose heart was shattered when Renee left. Of all people, she should have confided in him. But the reason she didn’t is shown in an early scene. If only. That’s what I kept thinking throughout the story. If only they’d each put aside their pain and egos and talk. But if they did, the story would be over. It kept me engaged and turning the pages. I love stories that delve into the human psyche and show many different responses to the same pain. The only reason I didn’t give this story five stars is the ending left me hanging. I needed some resolution, especially with Ben, and I didn’t get it. I needed to see a short scene after the near-drowning episode. I understand the author is setting this story up for the next one, but even just a few lines of dialogue between the siblings would have satisfied me. Nevertheless, it garnered four stars from me.

**********

That’s it from me for October. I hope you found something that intrigued you!

Derailed Hearts – #NewRelease @DarleneLF

Published on by Jan Sikes49 Comments

I am super excited to welcome Darlene Fredette back to my blog today to talk about her new book release!

Universal Purchase Link

Thank you, Jan, for hosting me and allowing me to share my new release with your followers!

My inspiration for this post comes from the return of my digital magazine as it turns twenty in January. The title Still Moments always makes me reflect on the hustle and bustle of daily life. With the days passing so quickly, we sometimes forget to…

Stop and take a moment to breathe.

Stop and allow yourself to be in the moment.

Stop and take in the beauty around you.

Stop and enjoy the now.

The less you focus on the chaos, the quieter your day becomes because some of life’s best moments happen when you take a moment to enjoy them.

I hope you take a moment to find the mysterious matchmaker to make his appearance in Derailed Hearts! 😊

Blurb

Single father and ER doctor, Ethan Marley, is ready to put down roots. He and his daughter embark on a train adventure across Canada from the west to the east coast. Boarding the train, he meets a woman who steals his breath, and he learns that she too is headed to Redford Falls. He is intent on maintaining a friendship only, but Jenn makes his heart race faster than the train.  

Fashion designer, Jenn Martini, travels by train to Redford Falls to visit her father. Her plan for a solitude escape derails after meeting Ethan and his daughter. Sharing a confined-spaced cabin sparks an immediate attraction, and by the end of the trip, she longs to be a part of their family. Only as she opens her heart to love, do the scars from her past begin to heal.

With more in common than relatives in Redford Falls, is their love strong enough to overcome the truth behind the accident…and save their future?

Excerpt:

Avery pointed to herself, Ethan, and then Jenn.

Ethan rested his forehead against his daughter’s. “You want Jenn to come, too?”

Avery nodded.

The little voice in Jenn’s head told her to return to her cabin and to stay clear of Ethan and his daughter. They were as enticing as strawberry ice cream. “I would love to join you.” The words fell from her lips.

Ethan stood and set Avery on her feet.

The child held onto her father’s hand and reached outward with the other.

Jenn accepted the tiny hand and in doing so, she sensed a comfortable connection to this family—a connection she suspected would be incredibly hard to break.

Universal Purchase Link:

http://darlenefredette.blogspot.com/2021/04/my-books-purchase-links.html

About Darlene Fredette

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada, where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, painting, or drawing, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador.

Website: http://darlenefredette.blogspot.com/

Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com

Amazon Author Page CA: https://www.amazon.ca/Darlene-Fredette/e/B005NAF660/

Amazon Author Page US: https://www.amazon.com/Darlene-Fredette/e/B005NAF660/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenefredette1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/DarleneLF

August #BookReviews – @DWallacePeach @TPolen6 @StaciTroilo @JillWeatherholt

Published on by Jan Sikes50 Comments

I read some AMAZING books in August, aside from the ones I’ve already posted through Lone Star Literary Blogging and NetGalley. I’m excited to share these additional reviews with you!

Created in Canva
Purchase Link

MY REVIEW:

This story gripped me from page one. A Necromancer is summoned by the King of Verdane. His beloved wife is dying in childbirth. Barus, with a severely crippled, bent, and gnarled body, is the Necromancer. He overhears the queen begging the king to save the life of the child and let her go. But in his grief, the king cannot make that choice, so both mother and child die. But Barus has already fallen in love with the beautiful child, and in the midst of the chaos surrounding the queen’s death, he steals the baby’s lifeless body, takes her to his thatched hut, and through the use of his knowledge and abilities, returns the child’s life. Never was a little girl loved more than Aster. Barus teaches her the healing art, and she grows into a beautiful and happy young woman who can communicate with dragons. So, when the king eventually comes to claim his only heir, things begin a slippery and deadly downhill slide.

Stephen Spielberg once gave writing advice to authors, telling them to put their characters up a tree and throw rocks at them. This author, D. Wallace Peach, did that in spades in this story. The unimaginable torture and hardships Aster went through were enough to have me biting my fingernails and holding my breath.

Captured and placed in a cage to freeze to death overnight, it appears all is lost. That is until young Jareh decides to disobey his powerful father and help her escape. The journey that one single action took them on was long, cold, and treacherous.

I won’t spoil the story by giving away too much. I’ll just say I was mesmerized as it all unfolded, leaving me gasping for breath more than once.

If you are a fan of epic fantasy that includes herbal healing, magic, dragons, corruption, and greed, you are sure to love this book! I highly recommend it!

 

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

This YA Dystopian book gripped me from the beginning to the end. As a young boy, Asher Solomon has to run with his two sisters to escape being taken by The Colony soldiers. At first, he is sure it’s only a drill. After all, their father has insisted they be prepared for the one unavoidable time it would be real. And that time arrives at the start of the story. But when Asher’s sister is injured while escaping, he’s forced to leave them in a cave, promising to return for them.


The world-building in this story is phenomenal. The author did a fabulous job of creating believable characters in nail-biting situations of survival. Oh, and they are all teenagers.


The Colony has figured out a way to harvest highly sought-after, desirable genes from children in order to create a perfect society of beautiful people free of all disease. Of course, that kind of perfection comes at a price. The price of human life.


Children, referred to as outliers, are ripped from their families and taken to harvesting centers.
Asher joins a group of teenagers, Insurgents, whose mission is to rescue these children.
While Asher and his group may be young, they are wise and capable way beyond their years. There are a lot of characters in this story, but besides Asher, I loved Noah, Brynn, and Paige. They are the backbone and strength of the Insurgents.


But there are secrets. And when they are revealed, change everything Asher ever believed about his parents and his life, and have the potential to destroy everyone he loves.
This story concludes with somewhat of a happy ending mixed with a cliffhanger. I could see this entire story unfold as a movie and would be thrilled for the author if it were to be developed as a major film. If you are a fan of gripping dystopian stories where survival is tenuous, you will love this book.

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

This is a book that is so real, you can imagine Vanessa and Royce Keller being your next-door neighbors. Royce Keller is an esteemed doctor. Vanessa spends her time helping raise money for charities. Then there are three children, all teenagers.


Somewhere along the way to building a busy, successful medical career as Chief of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Keller lost touch with his wife and children. That is until tragedy strikes.

When his teenage daughter, Hope, is brought into the emergency room, a victim of a motorcycle accident, he doesn’t recognize her. He goes against all medical protocol by treating her and then, in a frantic attempt to save her waning life, gives a blood transfusion directly from his vein to hers. After all, she is his daughter, and their blood should be a match. The result is Hope’s death. The reason—severe trauma wounds and a blood mismatch. The first of many secrets is revealed. Hope is not his child.


And that’s just where the story starts.

The family undergoes such an emotional rollercoaster from the first page of this book until the end. It is a character-driven story, and those are my favorites. While, at times, I wanted to shake both Royce and Vanessa, what they went through on their journey to redemption is relatable and believable. The two remaining children were often stronger than their parents as layer after layer of trust had to be rebuilt.

And did you know it is possible for twins to have different fathers? I didn’t until I read this book. It is called heteropaternal superfecundation.

This is family drama at its best. If you are a fan of deep psychological wounds, healing, and acceptance, you will enjoy this story as much as I did! I highly recommend it!

 

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

I received this book as a gift and found it to be a refreshingly light read. Several things appealed to me, such as the small town setting where everyone knows everyone, a single dad raising a little girl, who is also a paramedic and dashingly handsome, and a big city lawyer who has given up on love and God.
Faith is woven throughout the story, but it’s done in a tasteful way so that it doesn’t come across as preachy.
One of my favorite characters in the story is Rebecca, a precocious little girl who adores her father. While the plot and storyline are predictable, I enjoyed the light-hearted read, and it left me feeling hopeful. I am a sucker for a happy ending. Especially one where all the characters come out winners. This author writes from the heart, and that is obvious in this story. If you love Christian-based clean, and wholesome romances, you’ll enjoy this book.

A Little Mystery! New #BookRelease! Finding Home Again @DarleneLF @WildRosePress #wrpbks

Published on by Jan Sikes64 Comments

It gives me great pleasure to welcome back fellow Wild Rose Press author, Darlene Fredette, to tell you a little about her newest book!

PURCHASE LINK

Thank you, Jan, for inviting me back to visit your blog and talk about my newest book, Finding Home Again.

I enjoy reading romance that contains a little mystery in the plot, and I’ve always wanted to try this style of writing. Finding Home Again is my first attempt at adding mystery into my contemporary romances. Adding another category into your writing isn’t easy, especially a mystery. As a writer, you must develop a plot with plenty of twists and turns. You can’t reveal too much too soon. You have to keep the reader guessing, and just when they think they have the mystery solved, you throw in another twist. Leaving snippets of clues is also a great way to hook your reader. They need to be invested in the mystery as much as the author is when writing the story. But when adding mystery into a contemporary romance, the writer has to make sure the romance remains a pivotal element. I really enjoyed writing Finding Home Again because I included several mysteries going on at the same time my characters’ chemistry is heating up. As stated in the Finding Home Again blurb, there is a missing dog, a potential poisoning, and a suspicious death. But I didn’t stop there…I have the main character discovering a personal connection to Redford Falls! Finding Home Again is the fifth book in my Redford Falls series, but each book stands well on its own. This book was my first attempt at adding a mystery element and it won’t be my last. I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Finding Home Again and let me know if you figured out who the villain was. 😊

BOOK BLURB:

A missing dog, a potential poisoning, and a suspicious death. Will Jordan and Logan find their happy-ever-after before another mysterious accident occurs?

Caretaker of a historical home, Jordan McKenzie, promised to keep a secret, but doing so gets harder by the minute, especially when an innocent kiss misses its intended target. Entangled in a web of mysterious mishaps, she discovers a surprising family connection. Is putting her trust in her boss’ handsome nephew a risk worth taking?

Chef, Logan Crane, returns to Redford Falls hoping to claim an inheritance to open a restaurant, but he side-lines his plan after meeting Jordan. When past secrets intermingle with a present attraction, will Logan open his heart to the possibility of a future in Redford Falls…and with Jordan?

BOOK TRAILER:

EXCERPT:

“That kiss was meant for your cheek. You moved.” Jordan pulled on her helmet then waved a hand for Miska to jump into his seat. She tossed Logan his helmet. “You weren’t supposed to kiss me.”

“A beautiful woman plants one on me and I’m not to respond?” He stepped beside her and ran a finger down her cheek. “Unfortunately, I can’t tell your boyfriend our outing was strictly platonic anymore. Because I kissed his girl, and I liked it.”

Blushing, Jordan nudged her shoulder against his before getting into her ATV and driving away.

Logan shouldn’t have kissed her—and he shouldn’t have flirted. But dang it, he truly enjoyed both—and given the opportunity, he would do both again.

PURCHASE LINK

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved to develop the many stories coming to life in her head. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador. Darlene’s favourite pastime is taking summer day trips to the Valley to soak in the small-town feel.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website:

Blog:

Amazon Author Page:

Instagram:

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YouTube Channel

Mountain Laurel Christmas On Tour – Day 10! #ShortStory #Christmas #FamilyDrama #Music

Published on by Jan Sikes

Hop in the wagon and let’s head for the final stop on this short tour!

The magical gypsy wagon is taking us a little south, to Austin, Texas for a visit with the enigmatic John Howell!

I truly have no recollection of when I first met John Howell. Seems like I’ve always known him. He is a diverse author who started his writing career with the John Cannon series of thrillers. If you love that genre and haven’t read these books yet, you’re missing out on some heart-pounding action and twisted plots.

Anyone who knows John recognizes his unique sense of humor. In fact, he’s quite famous for it as he shares it freely on his daily blogs. Are you following Fiction Favorites? If not, today is a great day to start!

His latest release, Eternal Road – The Final Stop, took him in a different and more spiritual direction, and it is my favorite from him so far.

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

I loved everything about this unique story by John Howell. When James dies in a single-car accident, he is met in the afterlife by a childhood friend who disappeared when they were in grade school, and her body was never found. She has taken the assignment of helping James adapt to the afterlife and find his eternal home. The adventures start when they experience time travel back to pivotal times in history, and all while still in the ’56 olds that James crashed in the physical world. From the gunfight at the OK Corral to the Alamo, to a World War, James finds himself placed at strategic moments of time that facilitate self-discovery. He even has a face-to-face encounter with Satan himself. And in the midst of it all, Sam and James learn what it means to love someone. They even have love-making adventures, However, one of my favorite parts of the story is when Sam comes face-to-face with her murderer and he gets the justice he deserves at his own hand. If you are looking for a story that is different from anything you’ve ever read, have a fascination with a “what-if” scenario about the afterlife, and love adventures, you will love this new book from Mr. Howell! It is well-written and fast-paced.

To view John’s work, click HERE!

Grab a book from John, then head on over to his blog where we are talking about my newest release, Mountain Laurel Christmas!

Leave a comment, share, and enter to win my Blog Tour Giveaway!

John Howell’s Blog Stop

Mountain Laurel Christmas On Tour – Day 9! #ShortStory #Christmas #FamilyDrama #Music

Published on by Jan Sikes

Climb in the wagon with me. We’re off to another stop on this short tour!

Today, I am so honored to be featured on Mae Clair‘s beautiful blog site!

I can’t exactly remember when I first became acquainted with Mae, but distinctly remember the first book I read of hers. The book was “A Thousand Yesteryears,” and is book one in the Point Pleasant series. Mae portrayed the mythical creature in this book, The Mothman, in such a way that I felt empathy for him. That book made me a fan of Mae’s and I have read almost everything she’s ever written. She is a master at writing mythology and legend into her stories along with a touch of romance. And when I read her Hode’s Hill Series with dual timelines, I was astounded. Her talent is unquestionably amazing.

Her latest release is Things Old and Forgotten. This book is made up of an eclectic group of short stories and is a great way to introduce yourself to this author if you haven’t already met her.

MY REVIEW:

This book is a solid adventure, from one story to the next. While each is different and eclectic, one common thread is woven throughout, and that is Mae Clair’s distinctive writing voice. It is hard to pick favorites, but for me, a few stood out on a personal level.
Kin-Slayer was a mixture of family drama and a mythical creature. I was not prepared for the gut-wrenching ending. The author did a fabulous job of showing the emotions of a tortured soul.
Desert White was probably my favorite. Suicide is not always the answer, as Micah had imagined. The redemption in this story left me smiling. Here is an example of the descriptive prose from that short story: “But in the desert—with life ebbing from his veins, the bloated moon a silent observer overhead—he’d been seized by a violent desire to live.”
Miss Lily Makes a Wish had me chuckling. To watch this frail old lady command an entire army of genies was nothing short of brilliant writing!
I’d be remiss not to mention Father’s Day. That story tore at my heart and left me astounded. If you are looking for entertaining stories that take you off the beaten path, you are going to love this book from Mae Clair! I highly recommend it!

She has an extensive catalog, which you can see HERE.

I highly suggest you pick up one of Mae’s books, then head on over to her blog where we are talking about my newest release, Mountain Laurel Christmas!

Leave a comment, share, and enter to win my Blog Tour Giveaway!

Mae Clair’s Blog Stop

Mountain Laurel Christmas On Tour – Day 8! #ShortStory #Christmas #FamilyDrama #Music

Published on by Jan Sikes

Climb in the wagon with me. We’re off to another stop on this short tour!

After a weekend to rest, the horses are ready to go again! This time, we’re off to Oregon to visit with D. Wallace Peach!

Diana is best known for her prolific prose, depth of detail, and well-developed characters. She has earned a reputation as a storyteller extraordinaire, and is an Amazon best-selling fantasy author! She said, “I live my characters, love with them, cry for them, laugh at their humor.” That is evident in her work. If you’re not already following her blog, Myths of the Mirror, you’re missing out.

Her latest release is The Ferryman And The Sea Witch.

MY REVIEW:

Where to start! This is a story that captured me from the beginning. It has all the elements I love – human flaws and emotions mixed with fantasy creatures. Callum, at the age of fourteen, was hired on the Brid Clarion King’s ship as a cabin boy. When their nets captured a merrow, daughter of Panmar, the sea witch, the sailors celebrated, taunted, and laughed at the captured merrow as she slowly died. All except Callum, who anguished at the merrow’s sorrow. As the sea roiled with the anger and revenge of the sea witch, he lunged forward and cut the net, releasing the merrow. But it was too late. She was already dead. What follows this event is the setting for the entire story. A bargain with the sea witch set Callum’s destiny in motion. In exchange for human sacrifices to the sea witch, Callum and his ship, the Windwraith, is the only vessel the sea witch allows to traverse over the merrow trench, and he becomes known as the Ferryman. He is the lifeline between two warring nations, Haf Killik and Brid Clarion. Haf Killik is ruled by queen Caspia and Brid Clarion, King Thayne. The only thing that will end the bargain with the sea witch and make it possible for other vessels to sail is the blood of royalty. This story has moments of heartbreaking anguish and sorrow coupled with jaw-dropping surprises. The author does a fantastic job of world-building. Her descriptive phrases bring the story to life. Through her words, I can clearly see the floating city of Haf Killik, rusting sea vessels joined together with ropes and chains. It is a compelling read and I devoured it, staying up way past my normal bedtime to finish. The ending is satisfying and left me feeling hopeful for the future of this fictional world. I highly recommend it!

She has an extensive catalog, which you can see HERE.

Grab a book from Diana, then head on over to her blog where we are talking about my newest release, Mountain Laurel Christmas!

Leave a comment, share, and enter to win my Blog Tour Giveaway!

D. Wallace Peach’s Blog Stop

Mountain Laurel Christmas On Tour – Day 7! #ShortStory #Christmas #FamilyDrama #Music

Published on by Jan Sikes

Climb in the wagon with me. We’re off to another stop on this short tour!

You may need a blanket for our next journey as we are heading up north to Michigan for a visit with Beem Weeks!

I first met Beem when I joined a book club way back in 2015. His was one of the first books I picked up and read as a part of that club. I have never forgotten Jazz Baby! It made me an instant fan of this talented writer!

Here is just a short excerpt from my review and it really does sum it up:

This novel is written in the style of Faulkner or Steinbeck, revealing torrid secrets that we all prefer to remain hidden. Touching on social issues that beg to remain in the shadows, Beem Weeks has done a great job weaving this tale. The southern dialect is written to perfection and I could see and hear the characters as they spoke. If you like a story that keeps you guessing and makes you gasp a few times, then you’ll like this coming-of-age story about Emily Ann “Baby” Teegarten. How was this going to end for the poverty-stricken southern girl with a gift? Baby Teegarten can sing!

I have often referred to Beem Weeks as the master of “show don’t tell.” He has a way of drawing a strong visual with his words and unique writing style. He has written numerous short stories and has several releases newer than Jazz Baby, but it was that book that made me a forever fan.

BEEM WEEKS AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

If you are a fan of short stories, as I am, Beem has a diverse variety to offer, including some posted on his website.

For more from Beem Weeks, click HERE!

Grab a book from Beem, then head on over to his blog where we are talking about my newest release, Mountain Laurel Christmas!

Leave a comment, share, and enter to win my Blog Tour Giveaway!

Beem Weeks Blog Tour Stop

Mountain Laurel Christmas On Tour – Day 6! #ShortStory #Christmas #FamilyDrama #Music

Published on by Jan Sikes

Climb in the wagon with me. We’re off to another stop on this short tour!

Today we are taking this magical gypsy wagon on a short jaunt over to East Texas for a visit with Joan Hall!

Joan is a fellow Texas author and a Story Empire contributor. She is best known for writing mystery and romantic suspense, but one of my favorite things from Joan is her informative and entertaining monthly blog posts about the Moon. If that interests you, click HERE to catch up on all of them.

She introduced us to the Legend of Madeira Series this year and both the short story introduction and first novel are outstanding stories!

PURCHASE LINK

MY REVIEW:

I read the prequel to this first story, “House of Sorrow” in the Legends of Madeira Series, and couldn’t wait to read more of the story. I was not disappointed! Is it possible that a house can be cursed? Or is it the job that is cursed? When Tami and Jason move to New Mexico for Jason to start his new job as Police Chief of Madeira, they become embroiled in a deadly mystery that seemingly haunts the victorian mansion they purchased. Two unsolved murders a century apart seem oddly connected and Tami is determined to find the answers and break the curse that threatens to destroy their new life. The author went back and forth between the time periods, the two murders, and the present. At times I was confused about the people and places, but the author wrapped it all up in a satisfying ending with lots of plot twists and layering along the way. I was not able to guess the identity of the murderer among the list of suspects, so it came as a surprise when the identity was revealed along with the reasons behind the grisly acts. I love how the author brought the influence of the moon cycles into the story and how it played an integral part in the unfolding. This is a story filled with action, memorable characters, and small-town drama. If you love a good mystery, you will enjoy this story!

To see more of Joan’s work, visit HERE!

Grab a book or two from this talented author, then head on over to the blog tour.

Leave a comment, share, and enter to win my Blog Tour Giveaway!

Joan Hall’s Blog Tour Stop