Joy in the Midst of Sorrow

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

Here’s a thought-provoking reflection from international speaker and bestselling author Joyce Meyer:

If you are experiencing emotional or physical pain—no matter how big or how small—it can seem overwhelming. But here is something to hold on to: a struggle or personal loss doesn’t have to overshadow every part of your life. You can still have joy even in the midst of sorrow.

Joy isn’t always extreme hilarity; sometimes joy is simply a calm delight. And you can delight yourself in God and in his promise to always be with you even when times are difficult—especially when times are difficult.

The key is to trust God. He knows what you’re going through, and if you trust Him, He will restore your joy. You may not see how it’s gong to work out or how you’re going to get over it, but know that God is in control, and He can do the impossible.

Source: Quiet Times with God by Joyce Meyer

Cover Reveal: Exiles

I’m happy to reveal the following cover…

Blurb

In this final chapter, Ron’s story concludes from Reflections on the Boulevard (2023). Michael’s wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron’s journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way. The final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, which started with A Reservoir Man (2022).

Author Bio and Links

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at 7 Universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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Giveaway

The author will award a $20 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card, an autographed copy of the book, or a dragonfly necklace to three randomly drawn winners. Find out more here.

Follow Louis on the rest of his Goddess Fish tour here.

Virtual Book Tour: Pursuit of Innocence

I’m happy to welcome author Bethany Rosa to my blog. Today, Bethany shares her new release, Pursuit of Innocence.

Blurb

“I’m done waiting around. You’re mine. No more games or pining over someone else when it’s me you want. You won’t remember his name after I get through with you.”

Lily knows exactly what she wants in life. To graduate, land a high-paying job, and forge her own way. Nothing will distract her. Until the ultimate playboy, billionaire Sebastian Dubree, barges in. Not to be overlooked, Lily’s longtime crush, Jackson, decides she’s worth the fight.

Reluctant to succumb to either, she quickly becomes a challenge to conquer.

Lily must decide between the familiarity of her childhood longing or the newly discovered passion ignited by the dominant CEO. But can she surrender without losing herself in the process, or will someone take matters into his own hands?

Boundaries blur between desire and resistance in this gripping coming-of-age romance, leaving readers yearning for more.

Excerpt

“I hope you like champagne. I figured we could toast to our first date.”

“Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren’t you? I was coming into this thinking it would be our only date. But yes, I love bubbly.” I laugh as I answer.

He opens the champagne, then fills our glasses as he responds. “I’m going to be honest. I have every intention of pursuing you unless you convince me with absolute certainty you’re not interested. And what comes out of your mouth versus what your body tells me are two very different things. I’ll be taking orders from the latter.” He hands me a glass of champagne, and I’m unsure how to respond, so I don’t.

He raises his glass. “Cheers, Lily, to seeing where this goes and enjoying the ride. I’m looking forward to showing you how enjoyable it can be.” We toast, and I take a sip of the most amazing champagne I’ve ever had.

Author Bio and Links

Bethany Rosa raised four amazing daughters before fulfilling her dream to become a writer. Her goal is to ignite passion in readers through her erotically charged stories. When not immersed in writing, Bethany finds joy in life traveling the world alongside her husband of 25 years. Home is divided between the mountains of Montana and the Arizona sunshine.

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

A randomly drawn winner will receive a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card. Find out more here.

Follow Bethany on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

Poltergeists and a New Release

I’m happy to welcome award-winning authors Catherine and Donald Hersh. Today, they share real-life poltergeist stories and their new release, Ghosts and Gardenias, Book 1 in the Haunting of Garnoa Road series.

Paranormal Encounters

As a young girl Catherine lived in an old house that had been subdivided into apartments, and her parents believed the apartment they lived in was haunted. Pictures and items would be moved to different places when they came home; a cousin saw a man standing at the foot of her bed one night; and when the neighbor’s children would call at the door for Catherine and her sister to come out and play, a man’s voice would answer saying, “They aren’t home.” Funny thing was, no one was home when kids came calling … except the ghost.

In another home where Catherine lived a murder had taken place years before. Her folks kept the scary information a secret from the children. While she lived in the house, Catherine had a recurring dream of a woman who appeared at her bedroom door and urged her to climb out the second story bedroom. Catherine would always awaken before she made it out the window. When the family moved, she mentioned her dream to her mother, who told her about the murdered woman. She had died at the top of the steps by the door to Catherine’s bedroom. Her mother believed the ghost of the woman was trying to kill Catherine and that if she had ever gone fully out the window she would have died. That dream, no matter how hard she tried to replicate it, has never occurred in any other home where Catherine has lived.

Caption: Westwood Town Hall (1971) photo by Donald Hersh

Catherine’s sister Carolyn lived in an apartment in the basement of Westwood Town Hall, in Cincinnati, Ohio, another reported hot spot for spooks. The town hall is reported to be haunted by the ghost of a former security guard who hung himself in the building after he was fired. Some resources say the ghost is known as Willy, others say his name is Wesley. There are many reports of stage sets, costumes and orderly things found in disarray. Water faucets turn on by themselves and locked doors are unlocked, lights turn off and on and children have reported seeing a man on the ground and in the building.

Carolyn and her husband were caretakers for the hall around 1971. “We had to clean the buildings,” Carolyn said, “and we would hear whispers around us.” Carolyn believes there is more than one ghost because of the multiple voices they heard. They would be in bed in their basement apartment of the town hall and could hear racket going on and what sounded like people bumping into the walls when they knew no one was there. “On one occasion we had to clean a room on the upper floor where a train group met. We could hear voices in the room and the door wouldn’t unlock. When we finally got the door open, there was no one inside.”

After Catherine’s sister learned the building was haunted she wouldn’t go into the main area by herself.

Can’t say that we blame her!

Now that we’ve thoroughly frightened ourselves by writing about all this spooky stuff at night, we think we’ll go double check the dead bolts, flip on all the lights, and look up some paranormal ghost busters … just in case.

Have you ever had any spooky, paranormal encounters?

While you think about that here’s the first book in our Haunting of Garnoa Road Series.

Blurb

Susan Trowbridge is the victim of mistaken identity, trapped in the past by a ghost and a haunted wedding gown. To return home she must discover the identity of the ghost’s murderer. Can Susan stop the murder, or will history repeat itself, with her as the victim this time? And if she does stop the murder, must she return home and leave the man she has come to love?

Duncan Hawthorn is a man battling his own demons. But when Susan falls into his life, Duncan finds himself inexplicably attracted to a woman he thought he hated. Should he believe she is in danger? Should he believe her irrational claims that she is from the future? Either way, he realizes he will lose the woman who has become his salvation and his true love.

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

About the Authors

Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to award-winning co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after.

They are looking forward to many years of co-authoring and book sales, and a lifetime of happily-ever-after endings on the page and in real life.

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A long-time fan of the authors, I was delighted to learn they had written a time-travel romance. Intrigued from the start, I immediately connected with the protagonists—Susan Trowbridge and Duncan Hawthorn—and couldn’t read fast enough to discover what awaited them in this well-plotted novel. Several questions whirled in my mind: Would Duncan believe Susan’s outlandish story? Would Susan ever discover the identity of the person trying to kill her? And would she remain in 1879 or return to 2024? When I finished reading, I could only shake my head in amazement at the many unexpected plot twists and turns in this entertaining story.

Next, please!

Make Art That Tells the Truth

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

Writer Julie Duffy shared the following thought-provoking advice in a recent post on the Writer Unboxed blog:

It’s hard to take our eyes off the endless news coverage, but the world needs us to peel ourselves away from the outrage machine, and instead make art that tells the truth.

Fiction doesn’t have to preach a political message.

But even if you’re writing about fairies or aliens, fiction cannot help being political because everything you write reflects your values and mirrors your experiences.

Don’t be afraid of that.

And don’t think your writing doesn’t matter, because there are “more important issues right now.”

There is no more important issue that opening someone’s heart to subtlety, to nuance, to the fact that every human being contains multitudes and that it is possible to hold two opposing ideas inside you at the same time.

The Hamas attack on Israel was horrifying and the death toll and famine in Gaza is horrifying.

Two very old men are running to for a second term as President in the US and we have to elect one of them because that’s how the system works.

Some young women love Taylor Swift and have discovered that being part of the fandom for a football team is fun.

As a writer you help people to turn away from the shrieking “this or that” of social media and welcoming them into the complex world of fiction that deals with all the parts of being a human in community with other humans.

It is important work.

It is healing work.

Read the rest of the post here.

Blurb Blitz: Seven Days at Mannerly

I’m happy to welcome author Audrey Schuyler Lancho. Today, Audrey shares her new release, Seven Days at Mannerly.

Blurb

The suitcase she found changed everything. The contents? An elegant dress and an invitation in another girl’s name. Twenty-three-year-old Mary would go to the ball, enjoy how the rich lived just for one night, and then quietly slip back into her real life, sorting rubbish as a poor barmaid. No harm done. Of course, there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell had it turned out that way.

It’s 1870 in rural England, and Mary assumes the identity of the suitcase owner, Agnes. When Mary’s one night at Mannerley estate turns into a seven-day, hilarious farce, she quickly makes friends, finds suitors, and keeps fibbing. Not only does Arthur, the heir himself, fall for her, but so, too, does Mr. Singh, his friend visiting from India, making advances in plain sight of the heir. Making matters worse, a former workmate recognizes Mary and extorts her: she must steal a golden watch from the heir for him or have her true identity exposed and risk being thrown in jail, which could mean death–and that would certainly ruin her stolen, er, borrowed ball gown.

The only way Mary can get close enough to Arthur to steal his watch is via sensuality and flirtation. But as Mary scrambles to cover her tracks, her lies and crimes compound, weaving themselves into an impossible tangle. All the while Agnes, the real owner of the fancy ball gown, is making her way ever-closer to Mannerley.

Excerpt

She swung the door open, pocketing her key, and grabbed the corner of her dress and held it to walk. Arthur was standing a short way off by the stairs where he had been waiting for her, every golden hair perfectly combed. His pocket watch’s chain glistened on his vest in the lamplight. He heard her and turned to face her.

“Your hair. It’s wild.”

“I’m sorry, I slept too long.”

“I like it,” he said almost too quietly, a bit raspy, and she took his arm. Once again, she was his object, and she didn’t know quite what to make of it.

Author Bio and Links

Audrey has always written stories. Her very first picture book which she wrote in early elementary school was about a mean, grumpy tooth fairy. Her first “novel”, bound using a cardboard cereal box, was written in the fourth grade. By high school, she was writing secret novels of her own, usually naming her characters by her own initials. By her twenties, she knew that writing was her calling––and she’s so glad you’re reading her debut romance!

Audrey lives in North Carolina with her Spaniard husband and two young sons, is completely bilingual in Spanish, and enjoys church, crochet, jigsaw puzzles, time with friends, yoga, and funny movies. She’s a freelance fiction editor on Upwork, an editor at a literary agency. She also writes contemporary romance under the name Audrey Lancho. Her debut contemporary is due out in May 2025 from Harpeth Road. You can learn more about Audrey by visiting http://www.audreylancho.com and signing up for her newsletter––she promises not to spam you; she’ll just inform you of big happenings and new releases. Audrey also enjoys connecting with readers and other authors on X/Twitter and Instagram (@audreylancho).

Website/Newsletter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Upwork (editorial services) |

Giveaway

The author will award a $20 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

Follow Audrey on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

Interview with Vicki-Ann Bush

I’m happy to welcome author Vicki-Ann Bush. Today Vicki-Ann shares interesting details about her creative life and new release, The Darkest Light.

Interview

What was your inspiration for this book?

I was staying in Boulder City, Nevada, for about a month and they have some of the most beautiful night skies I’ve ever seen. One night I was sitting outside with a friend and they commented on a cluster of stars. I looked up and it took my breath away. The sky was filled with the brilliance of thousands and thousands twinkling lights which for whatever reason, I equated to angel wings. Since I write YA, my thoughts immediately traveled to teen angels.

What is the best part of being an author?

Meeting readers, I love book signings and engaging with people. I once had a little eight-year-old boy come up to me, he was so excited to meet a real life author. His mom asked if I’d take a picture with him, it was surreal.

The worst? Editing, I dread it. Fun fact – I never re-read any of my books once they’re published because I would just try to keep editing, I’m never satisfied with my work.

Describe your writing space.

A grey desk with four spindle legs, PC with two speakers, and an old-fashioned rolodex because I like things at my fingertips. I’m not big on storing things in my phone.

I have a cool vintage fountain pen that my daughter’s BFF gave me for my birthday. I love it! And a phone-size wooden box that a close friend gave me that reads “We’ll always be best friends because you know too much” across the top of the lid. And my pride and joy, a Joyce from Stranger Things bobble head that my kids gave me because they said, “We know you’d go to the upside down for us.” Okay, getting teary on that last one.

Which authors have inspired you?

Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris, Marissa Meyer, and Grady Hendrix. Tidbit- I wrote to Dean Koontz after the release of one of my books. Months later I received a hand written letter from him with a signed copy of, A Big Little Life.” I cried and refused to take the plastic wrap off the book for two months.

What is your favorite quote?

“The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain. Aside from being a writer, I know being a mom was always something I wanted. It was my first why, but I do believe we can have more than one. Writing has shown me that.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Telekinesis has always been one I dreamed about, but flying was the one I remember most from my childhood. I would stand on our stoop in New York and see in my mind my body lifting. I’d swoop around the neighborhood skimming the tops of the trees with my hands. Truth- on occasion I still do this but I don’t have a stoop so I stand in the middle of my backyard.

Blurb

As the star quarterback for his high school football team and local celebrity in the quaint town of Boulder City, Luke Jacob enjoys a charmed life. Everything’s going according to plan, that is until the night he spots a mysterious and alluring girl in the crowd. Despite his father’s cryptic warning to keep away from her, he’s instantly drawn to Mary.

The team plans a gathering to celebrate their homecoming win, and Luke decides to invite her. The evening turns dark when the demon Abezethibou appears and threatens them. When Mary steps in to save her peers, Luke sees her for what she truly is, forever changing their future and creating a bond between them.

The revelation shatters what Luke believes about himself and forces him to face his destiny.

Will Mary stand by Luke in the face of the coming storm, or will she be swayed by the allure of darkness?

Excerpt

The ground beneath them succumbed to the warmth of the midday heat drinking up the moisture and, with it, their relief from the rising humidity. Luke didn’t mind, he’d withstand any inferno just to be close to Mary.

The teens shared earbuds and listened to some songs from Imagine Dragons. He turned his head from Mary to gaze up. He had never felt the kind of connection he did with her.

His eyes traveled back to the curves of her lean body. She was unaware of the beauty that she possessed. Living with the type of father Araqiel was, Luke was in awe of her ability to see things with such clarity. The angels gave her an impossible scenario and she accepted it. She had doubt, but also courage. Her eyes were closed, and he could faintly hear the words of the song she muttered under her breath. He grinned.

Author Bio and Links

Born Vicki-Ann Guidice, on January 14th, 1962, her journey into the realm of the spiritual and supernatural was initiated at birth. Her early years were spent in Queens, New York known for having more people passed on than alive, as well as having several Gothic cemeteries within walking distance of its communities. At the age of 15, she moved to Los Angeles California taking her fertile imagination with her. After meeting her future husband, Ronald Bush, her new homeland became Las Vegas, Nevada.

As a mother of two, her first published book in 2008, Winslow Willow the Woodland Fairy, took her love of fantasy and spun it into a heartwarming children’s book. The progression to the young adult literary market took root in her novels that captured the haunting qualities of the Las Vegas desert surrounding her, but it was New York that called her home. Alex McKenna, the main character in the book series first published in 2019, is the embodiment of her Italian-American roots, memories of adolescent outsider status, and the strength it takes to live an authentic life.

Ms. Bush is a co-founder of Coffee House Tours, an events-based collaboration between local bookstores and coffee shops allowing authors to represent themselves and their works. Additionally, she is a frequent podcast literary guest and has a special relationship with The Center LGBTQIA+ Las Vegas where Alex McKenna has been an inspirational focus as a transgender Paranormal teen. Now starring in the short film Alex and Margret’s Beginning, inspired by the book series, Ms. Bush is an award-winning short screenplay writer and Producer. Bringing her moving and unique storyline and character to a broader audience.

Website | Twitter | TikTok | Facebook| Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Vicki-Ann Bush will award a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

Follow Vicki-Ann Bush on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

The Fourth Quarter

On Wednesdays, I share posts, fables, songs, poems, quotations, TEDx Talks, cartoons, and books that have inspired and motivated me on my writing journey. I hope these posts will give writers, artists, and other creatives a mid-week boost.

In 2006, Burlington author and retired school principal Lewis Raymond Long released a book of rhymes and reminiscences entitled The Fourth Quarter. A keen follower of the Hamilton Tiger Cats, Ray felt the title related to the fourth quarter of his life.

Here’s the introductory poem to the book: