I’m happy to welcome author and book coach Lisa Fellinger. Today, Lisa shares her creative journey and new release, The Serendipity of Catastrophe.

Here’s Lisa!

What was your inspiration for this book?

The idea for this story was initially sparked by a case study when I was in graduate school for mental health counseling. I don’t recall the exact details of the case we were discussing now, but a “what if” popped into my mind: what if a husband and wife had been planning a big trip for decades only for the husband to die in an accident the night before they were supposed to leave? From there, the idea of having her go instead with her daughter who she is somewhat estranged from took hold, and the characters of Anita and Carrie planted themselves in my brain. The opportunity to explore the mother-daughter dynamic and really dig into exploring what caused these characters to have such a strained relationship despite Anita wanting a daughter so badly and loving Carrie with her whole heart was exciting to me, and with each draft and round of revision, I was able to dig deeper and really tease out who these two people were and what caused them to butt heads and misunderstand one another .

What is the best part of being an author? The worst?

The best part is getting to do exactly what I dreamed of doing since I was a kid—tell stories about people who don’t actually exist. As fiction authors, we seek to tell universal truths through fictional characters and situations, and I love that my job is to find ways to share those truths in ways that resonate with readers. It’s my hope with my books to give my readers the opportunity to see themselves in my characters and/or learn something new from a different point of view.

The worst part of being an author is staring at a blank page. There’s nothing that can motivate me more to clean my bathroom than staring at a blank document. While I know many writers who prefer the drafting phase to revisions, I far prefer revising. Once I’m in revisions, I know the basic components of the story, and now I just need to shape what I’ve written into the story I envisioned. With drafting, each time I sit down at the computer I need to come up with brand new words and that can feel exhausting after a while. So, I tend to rush through my first drafts to just get something down so I can move onto the revisions.

Describe your writing space.

I don’t have one specific place where I write. At home, I have an office with a desk and a couple of bookcases. I love having some of my favorite books around me as I write so that when I get stuck, I can look to them for inspiration. When I’m working at home, I usually have a wax warmer going and I listen to music at a low volume. I need some kind of background noise to work. I sometimes work on the couch if I’m trying to write in the evenings or if it’s a particularly cold morning and the idea of sitting at my desk makes me shiver. And whether I’m at my desk or on the couch, 95% of the time I have a cat on my lap.

When I’m not writing at home, I love writing at Starbucks. The baristas at my local Starbucks know me far too well and have my drink order memorized—a tall salted caramel cream cold foam even in the cold Buffalo winter. I love working in a public space like a coffee shop because there’s a sense of being held accountable. Even if no one else there actually cares or notices what I’m doing, I feel a little more guilty slacking off if others are around and can catch a glimpse of my screen. Also, the fact that I’ve paid to be there encourages me to make the most of my time there. And, as much as I love my cat, it helps that she’s not there to block my keyboard!

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Get out of your own way and write your story. In addition to being an author, I’m also a book coach and developmental editor. As a book coach, I focus on helping writers overcome the mental blocks that stand in their way of writing the book they’ve always dreamed of writing. The first thing I tell my clients is that I can spend all the time in the world teaching you about story structure and how to make a writing schedule, but if you don’t believe that you can do this, then it won’t matter. You won’t write the book. I see so many writers who struggle to fully embrace the identity of writer for various reasons, but once they identify the issues holding them back and work to overcome them, it’s amazing to see them finally write their book and achieve a lifelong dream. So many people dream of writing a book, but many never actually do it. If writing a book is something you’ve always dreamed of doing, you absolutely can! You’re the only thing stopping you.

What are you working on next?

I’m currently working on revisions for a story that I started just as the COVID pandemic began, and I’m so excited to be jumping back into this story. Tentatively titled The Girl from the Song, it’s about 27-year-old Tenley Harwell who left for Paris right after college graduation and now five years later is forced back home for her best friend’s funeral. In coming back to Buffalo, she fears her biggest struggle will be confronting her rockstar ex-boyfriend who, against her wishes, wrote his band’s first album about her and then shared her name with the press. But she discovers the biggest hurdle she must face is actually making amends with her sister who she left behind.

Blurb

A mother defeated by anxiety. A daughter determined not to become her mother. Can one month in Europe reunite them?

Anita Lorello is paralyzed by grief. When her husband dies in an accident the night before a long-awaited retirement trip, she’s devastated by the loss of her partner and once again shelves her dream to finally visit Europe. But when her estranged daughter agrees to accompany her nearly a year later, Anita is eager for the opportunity to repair their relationship.

Carrie Lorello’s life is crumbling. After a night of clouded judgment ends in her being fired, her mother’s offer of a one-month paid vacation seems like her best option. But she refuses to get caught up in her mother’s irrational worries and critical comments, and under no circumstances is she to learn what a failure Carrie’s proven to be.

Desperate not to lose her daughter again, Anita fights to conquer her anxiety and become the mother Carrie always wanted. But as Carrie’s life grows more and more complicated, her mother is the last person she wants to confide in.

Without anyone else to hold them together, can Anita and Carrie overcome their differences, or will the secrets between them derail their trip and destroy their relationship for good?

The Serendipity of Catastrophe is an emotionally compelling work of women’s fiction. If you enjoy travel stories, complex mother-daughter relationships, and lovably flawed characters, you’ll love this hopeful story of resilience and second chances.

Excerpt

“Welcome to London,” the officer said.

Anita smiled, then pushed her way through the turnstile where she was reunited with Carrie.

“Ready?” Carrie asked, tucking her passport back into her purse.

She straightened as she fell into step beside her, full of resolve. She was through the flight, and immigration was less intimidating than she’d expected. Maybe this wouldn’t be so challenging after all.

Carrie led the way outside to the taxi stand, the crisp air and sunshine welcome after the stuffiness of the plane and airports. They slid into a waiting cab, Carrie gave the driver the hotel address, and they settled in for the half-hour cab ride.

Out her window, Anita took in her first glimpses of Europe as the sun began to fade into evening. She was in a country hundreds of years older than the United States, yet it didn’t feel old. There were old buildings, but more modern ones filled the spaces between them. Pedestrians passed by one another on the sidewalks, dressed much like people back home, checking their phones as they walked. Public buses exhaled to a stop in front of designated signs. New moms walked along with their strollers, couples passed by with dogs, and life continued on much the same as in Buffalo.

Anita smiled to herself, unable to believe she’d expected this to be terrifying. It was different, of course, but she was overcome with excitement, not fear. But wasn’t this precisely what she always did—built things up in her mind to the point she had no choice but to be terrified?

Author Bio and Links

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Giveaway

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

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

I’m happy to welcome author Rachele Demeter. Today, Rachel shares her new release, Red Kingdom.

Blurb

Little Red Riding Hood reimagined with a dark and realistic twist.

Princess Blanchette’s world shatters when the Black Wolf tears apart her castle and everything she holds dear. All she clings to is the vow she made to her grandmother on her deathbed.

Hailed as the people’s champion, Sir Rowan Dietrich liberates the capital in a quest for vengeance. He takes Winslowe Castle with an army at his back and his wolf, Smoke, at his side.

United by a shared cause and powerful attraction, Rowan and Blanchette embark on a journey of self-discovery and redemption—a path filled with loss, transformation, and ultimately, the healing power of love.

Can Norland’s resplendent princess, with her captivating beauty and spirit, tame the fabled Black Wolf?

Inspired by the fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Red Kingdom is a passionate historical romance about the enduring quest for love and the longing for a world at harmony. It is a standalone novel.

Excerpt

Death at her feet. Death in her home. Death in the air.

Death screamed in every corner of her mind.

Then Blanchette saw him.

Rowan Dietrich, the fabled Black Wolf of Norland, strode through her castle like a waking nightmare. His armor was crudely made, black as the surrounding night, the helm’s dark metal twisted into the shape of a wolf’s snarling head. But the most striking thing about him was his height. He towered above the other fighters and battled with a chilling methodicalness. How he moved and fought frightened Blanchette the greatest.

He looked collected. Even mildly amused. As if this were nothing more than a game. Blood soaked his sword as the blade whirled, whipped, slashed, and claimed lives in a macabre dance of death. And that wolf clung to his heels, its muzzle wet with blood, snarling and leaping at any man who dared come close to its master.

Monster. Demons.

The Black Wolf of Norland had always had a mist of legend around him. She remembered the stories her mother and governess had often whispered after the feasts and in the dark of the night.

“To me,” the Black Wolf called to a soldier a few yards away, his deep voice effortlessly carrying above the tumult. He didn’t need to yell, not even over the mayhem. The force of his tone was enough.

One of her father’s guards raised his blade, but too slowly. Rowan Dietrich’s longsword cut his head off, then came flashing back in a terrible two-handed slash that took another soldier in the leg.

With quivering anger, she realized that this man—this wolf, this beast—was the reason the sky was falling on her family. She clutched the dagger, wishing she could stand a chance against this mountain of a man. How good and right it would feel to plunge the blade deep into his heart and avenge what would likely be the end of her family’s dynasty.

Of course, she’d never survive him or his demon wolf. And if she was ever to avenge her family, if she was to keep her promise, survival meant everything.

Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple

Author Bio and Links

I live in Sunny California with my dashing husband, who inspires my romance novels every day!

Writing has always been an integral part of my identity. Before I physically learned how to write, I’d narrate stories to my mom, and she’d record them for me.

I graduated from Chapman’s film school, where I often received the feedback on my scripts, “Your stories and characters are great, but this reads like a novel!” That’s when I realized my true calling.

In my free time, I frequent reptile expos, lift double my body’s weight, and indulge in dinosaur trivia.

I’m passionate about writing stories that explore what it means to be human and to be loved. My books focus on hope, courage, and redemption in the face of adversity.

Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Giveaway

Rachel Demeter will award a copy of the ebook for Beauty of the Beast, the first book of the series, to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome Wild Rose Press author Valeriya Gofe. Today, Valeriya shares her new release, Secrets We Keep.

Blurb

A rising star that fell…

Anna Levenko was set to become the next “it girl” in tennis. The first Ukrainian prophesied to win a Grand Slam… And then everything changed. Years later, with a business degree behind her, an unpaid job keeping her busy, and a family that means well, Anna can’t help but dream of something bigger. What’s one little white lie in the grand scheme of things?

But her dream job isn’t just sunshine and roses. Her first project takes her to Tanzania, and everything that could go wrong, does. Not to mention her woeful love life. Will she ever reach the life she’s worked so hard for? Or is success just not in the cards for Anna?

Excerpt

Finally, the trip began, and Anna got a bit distracted by the spectacular landscape. The Indian Ocean was gorgeous, with its bright and clear turquoise waters, and they were passing a lot of different, interesting vessels. Some of them were ordinary boats and yachts which Anna was used to seeing in the States, but others had triangular lateen sails and sharp bows. These boats were both big and small, and some were tiny with just one fisherman sitting in them.

“These are called dhow boats,” Jean said, pointing at a few of the traditional vessels sailing by. “It is a typical East African boat. In the past, merchants were traveling in such boats all the way to and from India carrying all kinds of heavy items—fruit, water, different merchandise—”

“I love these,” she interrupted with excitement. “They are so beautiful and romantic. They look like the vessels from fairy tales.”

By now, Anna was no longer scared; she even got up and walked around the boat, enjoying the scenery around her. The boat was moving at a good speed and would be reaching the destination in no time.

Anna tried not to look at Jean but eventually she could not help taking a peek at him sitting on the bench, totally in his element, relaxed with his blond hair flowing in the wind. He took his T-shirt off, and Anna was able to see he had a deep tan and was muscular—maybe a couple of inches shorter than David and also thinner.

Author Bio and Links

Valeriya Goffe was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine and spent most of her adult life in the United States. She resides in Washington DC together with her husband and young daughter. Valeriya works for a large international development organization, leading financial sector development projects in various countries. She holds a PhD degree from the Kyiv National University of Economics in Ukraine and an MBA degree from the Kogod School of Business, American University in Washington DC. She is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. Valeriya is trilingual in English, Russian, Ukrainian and also speaks French and Spanish.

Book Link | Website | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Email

Giveaway

The author will award a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

Centered around Anna, a young Ukrainian woman with ambitions well beyond her humble beginnings, the storyline pivots between the competitive tennis world and a coveted job in environmental conservation. An expert storyteller, Ms. Goffe writes with precision and empathy as she describes the diverse backdrops—Ukraine, Washington D.C., and Tanzania—of this well-plotted, character-driven novel. I could easily imagine myself walking alongside Anna in those locales as she dealt with workplace and relationship challenges. I also appreciated the inclusion of a glossary.

Beautifully written, Secrets We Keep is a must-read for fans of women’s multicultural fiction.

I’m happy to welcome author Barbara Robinson. Today, Barbara shares her new release, A Cure for Spring Fever.

Blurb

For centuries, Gamekeepers have used their magical abilities to create a buffer between the creatures who dwell in the enchanted forest and the sleepy coastal town that sits in its shadow. When Gamekeeper Stan Ross’s magic begins to fail, he must find out what went wrong, then fix it before the two worlds collide. His hit or miss magic has already led to a few close calls so he journeys to the Sacred Isle searching for answers and advice. Finding a cure proves elusive—until Stan encounters a kitchen witch who captivates him body and soul. Lynnette Peters is healing from her own wounds, however, and it isn’t clear whether she’s ready to open herself to the possibility—or the peril—of love.

Excerpt

“I chose to play it safe, but it turns out there is nowhere safe after all. I still feel the way I feel about him, whether I’m with him or not. Only this way, I can’t do anything about it. I can’t even talk to him.”

“What if you could?” Leslie asked. “I mean, what if there was a way to see him again and give him the signal that you’re still interested? You said he’s a gamekeeper, didn’t you?” Pausing to rifle through the pile of mail on her kitchen counter, Leslie produced a pamphlet announcing a grand opening of the public green space surrounding the enchanted forest.

“It’s this weekend,” Lynnette exclaimed, raising her voice in her excitement. “No way to know for certain if he’ll be there, but an event like this is usually an all-hands-on-deck sort of event. It says that they’ll have interpretive booths, guided trail walks and supervised interactions with some of the creatures who live in the forest. That’s a lot of manpower.”

“So you’ll go, then?”

“A herd of kelpies couldn’t keep me away” Lynnette replied, her eyes twinkling. Lifting her arms in a cat-like stretch she shot a smile at her friend. “Top me up. Things are looking less bleak by the minute.”

Author Bio and Links

Barbara Robinson is an author of contemporary and historical romance set against a backdrop of magical realism. She is a deep thinker and tea drinker who finds inspiration in myths and folktales, poems and ballads, and academic writing on a variety of subjects. Diagnosed with autism and giftedness as an adult, she enjoys exploring themes of neurodiversity and opposing character perspectives in her writing.

She is an avid gardener and lover of nature who works out plot lines and character sketches while nurturing her garden, walking in the woods, or sitting by the shoreline watching waves. She is known for world building that features rich and immersive detail, supported by meticulous research and careful observation.

Barbara lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, in the shadow of ancient mountains that lie along the Bay of Fundy coast. These rugged vistas shape her story settings, while providing the perfect backdrop for life with her husband, her hounds and her dragon (Pogona Vitticeps). She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of King’s College and a Master of Arts at Dalhousie University, and she recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from the Humber School for Writers (Humber College, Toronto).

Website | Facebook | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

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

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