I’m happy to welcome author Jessica Rakus. Today, Jessica shares her creative journey and her new release, Haven Strong.

Here’s Jessica!

What was your inspiration for this book?

The book started as a personal reaction to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team bus crash in April of 2018. As a hockey fan, the next several months contained frequent reminders, and every time, I’d feel a strangely deep pain. I was still crying months later. Eventually, I decided to write something down, to try to take my emotions and give them to someone else.

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

The best part has definitely been getting feedback now that my debut novel is out in the world. Probably because the feedback has been positive (haha), but also just because there’s something about it being a book I can hold in my hands that means I’m a “real writer” (whatever that means). The hardest part is finishing! I have so many projects sitting at 75% ready for publication, and getting to that 100% mark feels impossible some days. I know I need to (and not just because I’m getting asked when my next book is coming out).

Describe your writing space.

I mostly work at a desk in my living room, a room that has also become my home office since I started working remotely a couple years ago. It’s scattered and messy, because my brain and my life are scattered and messy. I do have a separate desk and computer for writing and for work, so I can at least keep the two separate.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Healing powers! I’ve always thought that would be incredible, being able to lay hands and fix everything. I’d imagine that’s something I do by writing – I can fix the things that are hurting these people, even if they’re pretend.

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

I’m an avid scrapbooker (hence the scattered and messy desk!), and currently my daughter and I are learning to crochet together.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

My advice would be to read everything you can get your hands on, write constantly, and write what you love. Don’t stress about market trends and how it’s “supposed” to be done. Sure, learn the craft, but if you love writing about werewolves, just write about werewolves (or whatever they’re saying is “out”).

What are you working on next?

Almost certainly by the end of 2026, I’ll have a new book out, title TBD, about a newly widowed woman navigating her grief and finding love in a surprising place (sound familiar, readers?).

Blurb

Josephine Grant lives a charmed life – a husband, three perfect children, strong bonds with family and friends in the small town where she’s lived her entire life. She’s the helper, the hostess, the one who always shows up. The person who can do it all.

Then the bus carrying her son’s basketball team crashes, and Jo’s husband and son are among the lives lost. Now she has a new identity. Widow. Single mother. Woman who lost everything. Grief begins to tear apart the place that’s always been her home. Infighting among friends. Gossip and rumors. Wounds that may never heal and bonds that just might.

Now Jo has to rebuild her life, but as the person who thinks of herself as the helper, asking others to help hold her together is impossible. Jo must learn to lean on others as she learns to stand on her own.

Excerpt

I handed my husband his sneakers, shoes he should have been able to keep better track of, given how often he wore them. At least he didn’t leave them where I’d trip on them, like the kids did.

“Thanks, Jo, you’re a lifesaver.” He cupped my face with his free hand. My shoulders relaxed and I melted against him, forgetting all the things on my to do list. My eyes drifted shut as he kissed me, the lingering kiss we were rarely allowed, with three kids running around the house. Our daughters were spending a few hours with their grandparents, and our son was upstairs ignoring us. And even without the kids interrupting us, Steve’s cell phone pulled us apart, ringing incessantly from his pocket.

“Ignore it, Steve,” I murmured against his lips.

“It’s Reston, and we have to leave anyway.” He stepped away from me and answered the phone call before sitting down to tug on the sneakers, grubby with constant wear. “We’re on our way, I swear. Walking out the door as we speak.”

A lie. Despite multiple reminders we needed to leave, Matt was still in his room. Matt and Steve were due at school in ten minutes to catch the bus to this evening’s basketball game. And if the head coach was calling, we had to leave the house now.

Author Bio and Links

Jessica Rakus is a debut novelist, after many, many years of writing practice. She currently lives in Louisiana, after living briefly in seven other states.

Website | Amazon Buy Link | Barnes & Noble Buy Link

Giveaway

Jessica Rakus will be awarding a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome author C.P. Silver. Today, she shares her creative journey and new release, Whispers of the Elixir.

Interview

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

For me, the best part about being an author is getting to do what I love. During all the years I practiced law, writing was always my dream job, and it has lived up to my expectations. Even the frustrations of having to scrap something and start over, or facing writer’s block, don’t take the joy out of it for me.

The worst part then, isn’t about the writing itself, but what happens after: marketing. Getting your book into the hands of the people it was written for isn’t always straightforward, and sometimes feels like an uphill battle.

Which authors have inspired you?

Various authors have inspired me in different ways. In terms of world-building, definitely J. R. R. Tolkien and Jin Yong, with their layered cultures and sweeping epic settings.

But in terms of my writing journey, it would have to be Michael J. Sullivan. He was so open about how he learned to write, which was in part by studying authors he admired. Since I love his books, I was inspired to do the same, and learned so much in the process.

What is your favorite quote?

This changes depending on the season of my life. Right now, I’d say it’s one from The Fellowship of the Ring, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”

This feels so poignant right now, with all that’s happening in the world. Because, while we can’t control everything, we do have the power to determine what we say and do and accomplish in our own lives.

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

I’d have to say painting is the main one. Creating a scene with a paintbrush gives me that same magical feeling as when I’m creating one with words, like anything is possible. And those rare moments when I manage to transmit the picture in my head onto the canvas always leave me with a deep sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Keep improving through practice. Even the greats (or perhaps especially the greats) say they’re still striving for improvement.

Also, avail yourself of writing craft books and training videos, and really study them. There are a thousand good ones.

But above all, keep going.
When work, or sickness, or family commitments make you drop your writing for weeks on end, pick it up again.

When you have to delete entire chapters because you took a wrong turn somewhere, just start over.

When others read your work, and their feedback crushes your soul, don’t give up.

I’ll borrow a quote used by many people in different contexts: If you keep on writing and don’t give up, finishing your book is “not only possible, it’s inevitable.”

What are you working on next?

I have a number of irons in the fire right now.

The one that will be released the soonest is the prequel to my series. It’s a short story that follows the journey of my protagonist’s mother—who also happens to be the main antagonist of Whispers of the Elixir.

Then there are other short stories that I work on whenever I can, which I find is a wonderful way to vary my writing practice.

Finally, I’ve got the first drafts of books 2, 3, and 4 of the Order of the Ember series in the works. I’m writing these simultaneously to ensure consistency across the series. Needless to say, this is a fairly big project, but I’m loving every moment of it.

Blurb

A matriarchal empire. A princess with forbidden magic. A mother who would kill to protect her own legacy.

As heir to the Min empire, Tori has spent her life under the iron will of her mother, Empress Zinchen—a sovereign determined to shape the world in her own image. But Tori has been hiding a dangerous secret: a forbidden elemental power tied to the world’s mythic past. If Zinchen discovers the truth, it will cost Tori her life.

Haunted by this threat, Tori flees into the hidden lands—an ancient realm of ghost-flowers, sentient forests, and immortals from a half-remembered age. But magic here is neither blessing nor curse—it is a reflection, a test, a force that shapes as much as it destroys. And as her trials progress, Tori is stripped of certainty and pride. To survive her mother’s ambition, she must use what she learns to suppress the power that could doom her—but in doing so, she risks losing the very future she was born to inherit.

Whispers of the Elixir begins the Order of the Ember series—a character-driven epic of legacy, sacrifice, and the strength of a princess destined to rise from the shadows and claim her place in legend.

In Whispers of the Elixir, you will find the political intrigue of Andrea Stewart, the mythic worldbuilding of Ken Liu, and the emotional resonance of M.L. Wang.

Excerpt

A cool, fluid resistance hit her head, flowed down her spine, and clung to her clothes, as though she were walking through a curtain of water. Sounds muffled, apart from the tinkle of trickling droplets, and the earth felt slick beneath her feet.

A moment later, the sensation ended, and she checked her body, finding it dry. All that remained was a feeling of pleasant freshness. Master Banfay stood a few steps ahead, poking idly at the ground, and at the sight of him, relief flooded her—she was in!

She looked around and gaped—the forest burst with color. It was as though she had been viewing the world until now through a dull, gray-tinted pane, and had finally stepped into the open. The air, too, had a purity she had never imagined possible, and everything felt alive in a way that didn’t seem rational.

Elnora popped into sight, looking pale, and Master Banfay finally looked up from the ground.

“Welcome to the Veil of Ayenashi,” he said. “Be happy. Very few mortals ever set foot here.”

From then on, swaying trees bordered their path, along with bubbling fountains where birds bathed, splashing merrily. Lomi filled the place, shimmering and dancing, flashing and swooping, spinning feverishly inside shafts of sunlight.

Author Bio and Links

C.P. Silver writes fantasy set in a world where matriarchy is absolute, with immersive worldbuilding, evocative prose, and emotionally complex characters. A former lawyer who also briefly studied Chinese medicine, her experiences shape the nuance and depth of her debut novel, Whispers of the Elixir, a slow-burn epic centered on legacy, inheritance, and the dangerous cost of power.

Raised in the Cayman Islands, she now lives in Europe. When not writing, she’s usually reading in a quiet nook or walking somewhere green, listening for the next story.

Author Website | Goodreads | BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram | Amazon Buy Link | All Other Retailers

Giveaway

C.P. Silver will be awarding a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome Canadian author Phillippa Mann. Today, Phillippa shares her memoir, House of Cards: Surviving Munchausen by Proxy and a Mother’s Web of Lies.

Blurb

A raw and unflinching memoir of survival, truth, and transformation. Phillippa Mann takes readers deep into the fractured world of a girl who grew up living with a monster–a world where love and fear shared the same face, and silence became a means of survival.

Through heartbreak, chaos, and betrayal, Phillippa’s voice emerges from the shadows as she begins to piece together a life that was never hers to begin with. Her journey is one of courage and reckoning, of facing the unbearable truths that shaped her, and finding strength in vulnerability.

More than a story of pain, House of Cards is a testament to the power of healing and self-forgiveness. It reminds every survivor that bringing hidden truths into the light is not the end – it’s the beginning of reclaiming your story and rebuilding the foundation of who you were always meant to be.

Excerpt

My parents were married in England in June 1969. They emigrated to Canada in 1970, had my brother in September 1972 and me in October 1974. Both sets of my grandparents emigrated to Canada shortly after this to be closer to us.

I was born in Northern BC. My mother separated from my dad and moved to the Lower Mainland in 1976, approximately 900 km away, with her boyfriend at the time. While I have no recollection of that period as I was quite young, I’ve come across photos of my younger self with my dad and brother, and I can see the joy on my face. In those times, I truly felt happy. I remember camping with my dad, fishing, pretending to shave with him, and the smell of the Coleman stove. It was returning home to my mother after spending time with my dad that was the toughest part. Even though I was so little, I knew that something at home wasn’t right. I always felt such intense sadness and anxiety when my dad brought us back home after summer camping, winter break, or his weekend visits. I didn’t know how to articulate what I was feeling, and I struggled to express my emotions at such a young age, but I just knew that I hated it when my dad brought me back home. This is the first recollection I have of the abuse.

Naturally, at such a young age, I didn’t see it as abuse, and it took me over two decades to realize it. My dad would drop me off at my mother’s house before returning north, and even though I knew I’d see him again in a few weeks, to a three- or four-year-old without a grasp of time, it seemed like an eternity. I would cry when he left because I loved him so much and didn’t want him to leave. After my dad left, my mother would be so unkind to me, often ignoring me for days. I do not remember a single word being spoken to me. I recognize she must have said something to me; however, I remember the silence more than anything—the absence of good nights, hugs, or any trace of warmth. It continued until I finally begged her to say something, anything. Eventually, once she got what she wanted, she’d pretend nothing had happened, slipping back into normalcy as if the hurt had never occurred.

Author Bio and Links

Phillippa Mann is a Canadian author who is passionate about helping others find healing through shared experience.

Her memoir, House of Cards: Surviving Munchausen by Proxy and a Mother’s Web of Lies, explores the emotional journey of growing up in chaos and reclaiming strength through forgiveness and self-discovery.

Family is at the heart of everything Phillippa does. She and her husband share a love of creating together, and their children and grandchildren inspire her every day to live with gratitude, laughter, and purpose. When she’s not writing, Phillippa can be found playing with her Corgi, Glenn, crafting handmade gifts, baking cookies and cupcakes for her family business, Sweet Lavender Designs, which she started in memory of a dear friend.

She is currently working on her next creative project, a heartwarming children’s book titled Hop Hop and the Great Garden Adventure, inspired by the wonder and imagination of her grandchildren.

Website | Instagram | Amazon

Giveaway

Phillippa Mann will be awarding a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here .

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

I’m happy to welcome author Stu Strumwasser. Today, Stu shares his new release, A Real Collusion.

Blurb

A Real Collusion is about the secret conspiracy between the Republican and Democratic parties to control the US government through an illegal duopoly.

From the author of the bestselling novel, The Organ Broker, (hailed by Lee Child, New York Times # 1 bestselling author of the Jack Reacher series as, “Exciting and thought-provoking–the perfect package”) comes, A Real Collusion, a stunning political thriller and expose.

A Real Collusion is a David Vs. Goliath(s) story about a man who accidentally becomes the leader of an independent political movement that nearly takes down the two-party system in America, while exposing a conspiracy that affects the results of the 2016 election. It explores universal and deeply human themes of loss, and the tension between justice and power. In the opening sentence the narrator points out that, “Ordinary people often do extraordinary things.” The characters in the book do, and the action is driven by the fantastic events of a unique political satire. It is also the heartfelt story of regular people struggling with lost love, alienation and nearly universal disaffection who find strength in enduring loyalty and friendship

This is the story of John Campbell (a regular guy from the lower east side of Manhattan) as recounted by his friend Skip Winters. Skip becomes John’s campaign manager and later, a congressman in his own right. He narrates the stunning-but-plausible story of how John Campbell and The American Coalition race to popularity, raising over a hundred million dollars from grassroots contributors—and become a threat to the political duopoly of the Democratic and Republican parties. The book sprinkles in references to real events from recent history, and real political leaders including Trump, John McCain, and more. This imbues the novel with a sense of realism, albeit one of an alternate reality. Skip discovers a deep-seated conspiracy within our political system whose leaders orchestrate a murder, destroy his friend and tip the scales of the election. The novel turns out to be Skip’s exposé of the secret collaboration between the two major political parties in our country—a cooperation to protect the duopoly that is, in part, real.

Excerpt

Fenterman and I are forever bound by the one and only direct interaction that he ever had with John Campbell. The tragic events of that day ruined all of our lives, and I will never forgive him for it. Or his handlers.

I have spoken to Father MacCauly about this. I am not a particularly religious man and yet I have prayed—I have prayed less for John, or myself, or our country, than I have prayed, truthfully, for the strength to stop despising Steven Fenterman, to let go of the hate that consumes me, even now, years later. I cannot. Nonetheless, beginning around a year after it happened, every few months I got in the car and somberly headed up the Taconic Parkway toward Ossining. I made those drives alone, leaving the radio off, preferring to listen only to the rasp of the wind upon the windshield and frame of my car. I drove, deliberately and obediently, to Ossining Correctional Facility, otherwise known as Sing Sing. I went to visit the man who was the object of more of my hatred than any other person or thing I have ever been repulsed or angered by. I am probably the only visitor who saw Steven Fenterman who didn’t fall into three distinct categories: media, Secret Service, or women obsessed with murderers on death row.

The first time I made the long, quiet drive to Sing Sing, past the suburbs and through the tree-lined stretches of highway in Westchester and Putnam counties, I was shocked that Fenterman agreed to see me. It was the summer of 2016. Trump had clinched the Republican nomination in May and Hillary clinched for the Democrats a few weeks later. I was running for Congress at the time but was still largely unrecognized out in public. I fully expected to be denied access, turned away at the rifle-guarded gates, pointed back to the city after having accomplished nothing more than sending a signal. Still, I wanted him to know that I had been there. I wanted that vermin to think about it—alone in the worn bed of his barren cell—that I had driven an hour along that tree-lined stretch. I wanted him to know that I was thinking about him, that I remained committed. I wanted him to be reminded, every god-damned day, that someone hadn’t forgotten, and to be afforded constant reminders of the fate that he was slipping forward toward there on death row. He should know that I want to confront him, I had thought. He should never stop thinking about all of it, not for one second, never be allowed the respite of a lapse in those memories—just like me. However, the irascible bastard admitted me.

Buy Links

Amazon Link (ebook) | Amazon Link (hardcover) | Barnes & Noble (ebook) | Barnes & Noble (paperback) | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Play (ebook) |
Google Play (audiobook) | Payhip

To read the first two chapters of the novel please visit the following link.

Author Bio and Links

Stu Strumwasser is a modern-day muckraker who writes literary novels that address important sociopolitical issues. His first novel, The Organ Broker, was published by Skyhorse (distributed by Simon & Schuster) and shortlisted as one of five finalists for the Hammett Prize for literary excellence in crime writing. Strumwasser was also the primary songwriter and drummer for the indie rock band Channeling Owen. He is a longtime investment professional (investing in sustainable technology that improves the manner in which we make food) and hails from Brooklyn NY. His new novel, A Real Collusion, is both an exposé and analysis of broken government and a fictional David Vs. Goliath(s) story of the man who almost took down the two-party system in America.

Website | Goodreads | Instagram | TikTok

Here is a link to the author’s op-ed piece in Fortune Magazine: https://fortune.com/2026/04/01/congress-lower-approval-rating-than-hitler-rigged-system

Giveaway

Stu Strumwasser will be awarding a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome author Morgan Blake. Today, Morgan shares her new release, The Cherry Trees of Rosings.

Blurb

A Pride & Prejudice variation with a slightly paranormal, mainly comic twist!

When Elizabeth Bennet visits her newly-married friend, Charlotte Collins, at the Hunsford parsonage, she has no idea that Mr. Darcy (he of the arrogant demeanor and perpetual cause of annoyance!) shall turn up to ruin her blissful, idyllic days.

Only, Mr. Darcy is not himself. And then Elizabeth stumbles straight through him one day… like one would an apparition! Goodness gracious!

“Mr. Darcy, I do not know what you mean, but I would appreciate it if you would desist from haunting me!”

“I apologize, Miss Bennet, for scaring you,” Mr. Darcy said, almost regretfully.

To solve her haunting problem, Elizabeth must team up with Mr. Darcy to find out what happened to him, and along the way discover that maybe he is not all that he seemed at first. And that maybe… she doesn’t hate him after all.

“You wish to write the letter now?” he asked as she moved past him with the candle.

“Well, to be honest,” she glanced at him. “I would prefer to sleep. But since you are here, I do not see why not.”

From the antics of Lady Catherine de Bourgh to the hilarity of Mr. Collins’ advice on staying fit, The Cherry Trees of Rosings shall make you laugh and cry in equal measure. And wonder: Will our favourite couple find their happy ever after?

Spoiler: Yes, they will!

This Pride and Prejudice variation features our favourite Regency romance couple from Jane Austen’s original classic in a somewhat spooky setup. ✨ But fear not, dear readers! ✨ This story is not scary in the least. Prepare for a chuckle fest and abundant cups of tea!

Excerpt

It was three days since her encounter with Mr. Darcy’s apparition. Elizabeth was not certain if what she had experienced was a dream or real.

Perhaps she had fallen asleep on that iron bench in that chestnut copse. Perhaps it had been nothing but her overactive imagination.

Yet, she had not gone for her usual walk since that day. Not since the news.

A shiver crept up Elizabeth’s spine at the thought. She shook it off as best as she could and went back to tossing feed to the Collins’ chickens.

“Are you real?”

Elizabeth screamed—nearly jumping out of her skin!—and dropped the bowl of feed. Mr. Darcy was standing a few feet away from her.

“Mr. Darcy…” she said in a hush. Eyes wide in horror.

“Why do I see you, Miss Bennet?” he asked, voice soft and melancholic.

It was almost as if he was speaking to himself, not her. Elizabeth could only stare at the man.

Her heart thumped loudly within her chest. Blood thundered past her ears, and within her veins. He was still dressed in the same clothes as the day she had spoken to him under the cherry trees.

Author Bio and Links

Morgan Blake writes regency romance novels and Austenesque variations of Pride & Prejudice that are sometimes steamy, sometimes not. Satire is the name of the game and happy ever afters the goal!

Morgan loves exploring themes of personal identity, inner strength, social discourse and hope alongside enduring love in her stories. She also believes that strong heroes and heroines are not enough to make a tale worth telling. They need a supporting cast of good and not-so-good characters that add more punch and vibrancy… and some dramatic ridiculousness!

Morgan is a cat friend, tropical girl who prefers winter clothes, perennial fantasy/historical fiction nerd, and a night owl.

Author Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | UBL

What reviewers are saying about The Cherry Trees of Rosings:

“When an author marries two of your all-time favourite stories, this is it! Morgan keeps some Austen language but makes it palatable for modern audiences. It was witty and beautifully descriptive.”

— Nicole Curls Up to Read

“This variation mixes the absurdity of Mr Collins, the entitlement of Lady Catherine, the scepticism of Colonel Fitzwilliam, with the awkwardness and humour of Darcy and Elizabeth’s interactions. A good combination of humour, romance and angst.”

—My JAFF Obsession

“The story was really captivating, especially as Elizabeth tries to figure out why Darcy is an apparition and how to help him back to his normal state. At some points the story was also a bit sad because it seems that there can be no future for Darcy and Elizabeth. Fortunately that is not the case and in the end (*spoiler*) they find their happily ever after.”

—Melanie Reads JAFF

“That was fast reading in one day, but I just couldn’t stop reading!”

—Eileen Smith, Goodreads

Giveaway

Morgan Blake will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome romance author D. Taylor. Today, she shares her new release, By Chance.

Blurb

Charlotte Douglas has spent far too long trying to stitch her life back together after a single betrayal shattered her place in the community that once adored her. With every polite nod and measured smile, she shoulders the same whispered story: she is not the young lady she ought to be — and certainly not the kind any respectable man would escort into a ballroom.

Then a flat tire on a warm afternoon brings Elias Navarro to her gate.

A hardworking mechanic with steady hands and a restless heart, Elias has lived safely, sensibly, and without surprise. Until Charlotte. With her quiet fire, careful poise, and eyes that dare him to look closer, she becomes the first woman in years to make him want more than the life he knows.

What begins as a returned plate and a shared cup of coffee becomes something neither expected: late-afternoon walks, borrowed laughter, the charge of almost-kisses, and the slow, undeniable pull toward something tender.

But Charlotte’s past is a room full of watching eyes—and the Winter Soirée is coming.

When Charlotte hesitates to invite Elias, terrified he will judge the truth she’s never said aloud, he mistakes her quiet fear for rejection. And when cruel words at the ball turn her reputation into spectacle, Elias steps into the fray without hesitation—proving himself steady, fierce, and nothing like the man who once broke her heart.

What follows is a reckoning of truths:
her fear of being unworthy,
his fear of not belonging in her world,
and the choice they must face—
whether love found by chance can become love fought for on purpose.

Excerpt

Charlotte shouldn’t have taken the car—not with the sun already dipping low behind the rooftops, not with rush hour thickening, and certainly not in that dress.

By morning, the dread had rotted into something uglier. Louder. She couldn’t sit with it anymore.

So she took her father’s automobile keys and drove—south past the quiet boulevards and polished shopfronts her mother preferred, into a stretch of narrow blocks where everyone knew your name and no one asked questions. An hour later, she left with her long curls on the floor and tight ringlets pinned close to her scalp, neck bare, shame and freedom crawling the same path down her spine. The gold flapper dress shimmered when she moved—too beaded, too clingy, and entirely deliberate.

If they were going to whisper, let them whisper for something new.

The light shifted—amber, then rose-gold. She should have turned back.

She didn’t.

A delivery truck pulled too wide at the corner. She swerved—too fast, too sharp—and the front tire struck something jagged. The pop split the air, sharp and final. The car shuddered, then sagged, boneless as a broken doll.

Charlotte’s hands clung to the wheel. Her chest cinched. Heat pressed behind her eyes.

“Oh, isn’t this the bee’s knees,” she said thinly. “Just grand.”

She stumbled out, skirt snagging, heel catching, dignity unraveling by degrees. One look at the tire and the world tipped.

Then a voice—low, steady.

“You alright, miss?”

She startled, spine lifting as if she could will herself composed. A man stood nearby—tall, broad-shouldered, sleeves rolled, eyes warm and unguarded. He looked at her like the street had gone quiet.

And she didn’t look away.

“I wish I could say I was,” she said softly. “But I’m afraid I’ve made rather a mess of things.”

Amazon Buy Links

By Chance | Reckless | Allied Hearts | Rescued

Author Bio and Links

D. Taylor is a passionate storyteller with a love for multicultural romance, adventure, and historical fiction. She independently wrote and toured with her novel Allied Hearts, a compelling romance that explores love, identity, and the strength of human connection.

Beyond writing, D. Taylor is a devoted wife of 18 years and a loving mother who cherishes time with her children. She finds joy in cooking, creating delicious meals that bring her family together. When she’s not writing or in the kitchen, she enjoys researching history, discovering new cultures, and embracing the ever-changing world of storytelling.

D. Taylor believes that every story has the power to transport, transform, and inspire. Her work celebrates strong heroines, captivating heroes, and the resilience of love in all its forms.

Find out more and get bonus book material or join my mailing list @dtaylorwrites

Website | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway

D. Taylor will award a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly selected winner. Find out more here.

Follow the author on her Goddess Fish tour here.

I’m happy to welcome multi-published author Victoria Weisfeld. Today, Victoria shares her creative journey and new release, She Knew Too Much.

Here’s Victoria!

What was your inspiration for this book?

A beautiful city I love—Rome—had great appeal as the setting for She Knew Too Much, which features my character, travel writer Eugenia Clarke. Genie is so curious about the world and so observant that she sometimes sees and hears things she shouldn’t. A not-quite-overheard conversation among four mafia gangsters starts the story, but their violent reaction to realizing she’s heard them proves how important the conversation was.

The major subplot of the story involves the frustrations of a medical scientist, tempted to a risky decision because his work isn’t going well. A character like that is one I knew I could write about, having known a great many biomedical researchers and the difficulties they face.

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

The best part is the sense of discovery I feel, as the story unfolds on the page. I also enjoy the editing process, where I make sure the characters and scenes are fully developed. There are times when an idea for a scene or an event will come to me, and I put it into the story, not knowing whether it will be useful in the long run. If it’s superfluous, I can always delete it, but more often than not, these ideas turn out to be quite important, even if their significance was unexpected at first. In She Knew Too Much that certainly happened.

It takes time to get everything right—making the characters clear and consistent, giving them distinctive personalities, making the dialog natural, describing places and objects accurately. Most of all, being sure the actions characters take are believable while I everything moves forward. I’m in awe of people who can write a book—or several!—every year. I could never do that.

Once the book is finished, there’s the whole getting it into print phase. This involves searching for an agent, trying to find a publisher, debating whether to self-publish, and handling all those details when another book is forming in my mind. Many authors have horror stories about this part of the process, and for me, too, that’s the worst part. I’m very thankful that Audecyn Books took on She Knew Too Much. They have been very easy to work with.

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

A few years ago, I decided to look into my mother’s father’s family. The Edwardses had always been spoken of in the family with great admiration as these nearly mythic characters. Well, this project hooked me on genealogy and, even better, has helped me understand history in a way I never did before. When I finished with the Edwardses, I thought, “Oh, OK, now I’ll work on my mother’s mother’s family.” I didn’t know much about them, but it turned out they were far more interesting! I recently finished a chapter on our family in the Revolutionary War. Several members of a Huguenot branch in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, were noted rifle manufacturers. Lancaster rifles and the men who knew how to use them let George Washington fight the war in innovative ways.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

There’s a lot of wisdom in the advice to “write the book that you want to read.” As a new writer, you will likely find that a good book takes a long time to write, edit, and bring to market. If you want to latch onto what’s trendy, bear in mind that trends change. What seems new and sexy now may be old hat by the time the book appears. Writing a book that speaks most powerfully to you, one that you really care about, will give you the impetus to keep at it. Who knows? Maybe you can start the next trend.

What are you working on next?

Genie Clarke is going to Egypt!

I hope your readers take the opportunity to read She Knew Too Much. I think they will find it a fast-moving story with touches of romance, humor, and a big dose of humanity. I welcome their responses. Thank you for inviting me to share these few words about the inspiration for this story.

Blurb

Travel writer Genie Clarke arrives in Rome seeking inspiration, but her trip turns deadly when she overhears two mafia operatives discussing a secret “Project.” Before she can escape, she’s attacked and left for dead. Awakening in a hospital-alive but hunted-Genie finds the police unwilling to believe her. Only Detective Leo Angelini takes her seriously, uncovering ties between her assault, a murdered woman, and a powerful criminal network.

With the threat escalating, Leo moves Genie into hiding, where she becomes both key witness and prime target. Cut off from safety and unsure who to trust, Genie must outthink the conspirators determined to silence her.

From Rome’s bright piazzas to its shadowed alleys, she faces a terrifying fight for survival-and an unexpected connection with the detective risking everything to protect her. She Knew Too Much is a lean, suspenseful psychological thriller about fear, courage, and the price of knowing too much.

Excerpt

I crossed the one-way traffic to reach the Piazza del Popolo’s spacious central rectangle. People ambled toward one or another of the half-dozen streets that converged on the Piazza or to the steps leading up to the Villa Borghese Gardens, where I’d spent the afternoon. I was aiming for the Via del Babuino, street of the Baboon, which got its name from a particularly hideous sculpture. In a few blocks, that street ended at the Piazza di Spagna and the always-crowded Spanish Steps, a half block from my hotel.

On the far side, I again negotiated the circling rush of traffic and chanced a look behind. What the hell? The spiky-haired blond had crossed the first stream of traffic. Now he jostled through the crowd, coming straight my way. He was tracking me, and he didn’t care if I knew it.

I was in trouble. And, if I didn’t want to believe my eyes, the hair on the back of my neck confirmed it. I picked up my pace, walking as fast as I could in my flimsy sandals.

Dozens of times I’d traveled the few blocks connecting the two piazzas. Now this familiar street radiated hostility, and the stones of the Sunday-shuttered buildings reflected no warmth. Surely something, some business, would be open. I sped past my favorite stationery store, the gallery whose owner I’d interviewed. Shut tight as oysters.

Why hadn’t I asked someone near the piazza for help? Could I have made myself understood? Would they have agreed to get involved? I shook my head in frustration.

Author Bio and Links

Vicki Weisfeld is a Midwesterner (Go Blue!) transplanted to New Jersey. Her short stories have appeared in leading mystery magazines, including Ellery Queen, Sherlock Holmes, and Black Cat. Find her work also in a variety of anthologies: Busted: Arresting Stories from the Beat, Seascapes: Best New England Crime Stories, Murder Among Friends, Passport to Murder, The Best Laid Plans, Quoth the Raven, and Sherlock Holmes in the Realms of Edgar Allan Poe. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, which awarded “Breadcrumbs” a best short story Derringer in 2017, and the Public Safety Writers Association, which gave a similar award to “Who They Are Now” in 2020. She’s a reviewer of New Jersey theater for TheFrontRowCenter.com and crime/mystery/thriller fiction for the UK website, crimefictionlover.com.

Website | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Victoria Weisfeld will be awarding a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome back author Jana Richards. Today, Jana shares her creative journey and new release, I’ll Be Seeing You.

Here’s Jana!

What was your inspiration for this book?

I’ve been interested in World War Two stories since I was a kid because my father was a WW2 veteran. I loved the research for I’LL BE SEEING YOU. I’ve read a lot about the D-Day invasion because my father was one of the Canadian soldiers who stormed Juno beach on June 6, 1944, but it was so interesting to learn details about life for the soldiers, in the case of my book, American soldiers, in Plymouth, England in the weeks before the invasion.

What is your favorite quote?

One of my favorite quotes comes from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I believe these are great words to live by for writers. Our job is to make readers feel, whether it’s anger, sadness, or happiness. It’s all about the emotion for readers.

Besides writing and reading, what are some of your hobbies?

For the last few summers, I’ve been volunteering at my city’s zoo. I really enjoy it. You can’t have a bad day at the zoo. Everyone is happy. I enjoy helping to make visitors’ trip to the zoo more enjoyable and I love getting to learn more about the animals, especially the polar bears.

I have to admit I’m a fair-weather volunteer. Even though the zoo is open all winter, I limit my volunteering to spring, summer and fall. It gets mighty cold in winter on the Canadian prairies!

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Hang in there. Keep writing, even when you think every word is crap. The more you write, the better you’ll get. But if you want it to be more than a hobby, only write if you feel an overwhelming desire to do so because this is a tough business.

What are you working on next?

I am excited to launch the next two books in the Twice in a Lifetime series!

Here’s a short blurb for the series:

In the first book of the series, I’LL BE SEEING YOU, Gabriel goes back to World War Two in the 1940s to give veteran Frank a second chance at love. In the second book, NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE, Gabriel and his client Joanna go back to the 1970s. And in the third book, WHEN I WAS YOUR MAN, Gabriel takes his client Sam back ten years from the present day to give him his second chance. If he’s successful all three times, he’ll earn his place in Heaven. Will Gabriel achieve his goal or his Heaven beyond his reach?

At the same time, I’m beginning work on a prequel for this series. I want to tell the story of Thomas, senior angel and Gabriel’s mentor. He’s the one who helps Gabriel travel through time. He knows every detail of Gabriel’s life, but Gabriel, and we readers, know almost nothing about Thomas’ past. He’s such a mysterious character that I feel compelled to figure out his story. Stay tuned!

Blurb

When apprentice angel Gabriel takes Frank back in time for a second chance at love, they both learn lessons about trust.

Apprentice angel Gabriel Daniel’s first assignment in his quest to become a full-fledged angel is to give WW2 veteran, Frank Brennan, a second chance at love. With help from his mentor, senior angel Thomas, Gabriel takes Frank back to 1944 to Plymouth, England. There, Frank made his biggest mistake with love. His first time in 1944, Frank fell in love with Claire Cartwright, but when he found her kissing another man, he ended their relationship, despite Claire’s insistence things weren’t as they appeared. This time around, Gabriel’s task is to convince Frank to trust in Claire’s love and fidelity, despite the evidence against her.

At the same time, Thomas takes Gabriel on a journey through his relationship with Sloane, the love of his mortal life. For the first time, Gabriel sees how his jealousy and distrust tainted their love.

Unless Gabriel persuades Frank to trust Claire, his goal of becoming a citizen of Heaven is doomed, along with his desire to watch over his mother and brother back on Earth. Frank has a complicated history that Gabriel must help him to confront before either of them gets what they need.

Excerpt

The man sat in the chair Gabriel had just vacated. “My name is Thomas, and this place is Heaven.” He pointed to the meadow outside the open door. “More specifically, the castle on the other side of the meadow is Heaven. This is a waiting room.”

Gabriel stared at him. This had to be a joke. Someone was really trying to put one over on him. Must be the guys in the AI department. Who else could pull off something as elaborate as this?

“Okay, where are we really? When is everybody going to pop out of the woodwork and yell ‘Surprise!’?”

Thomas folded his hands in his lap. “We’re in Heaven. Really.”
Impossible. He had to be in a hospital. Panic struck with his next thought. What if he was in a mental institution? Nothing scared him more than going down the same road his mother and brother had travelled.

“You don’t have to worry, Gabriel. You’re not in a hospital and you’re not in a mental institution. Your mental faculties are working fine. Better than fine, now that you’re here.”

Gabriel stepped back. “How did you know my name? How did you know what I was thinking?”

Thomas lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug. He stood, and feathered wings, blazingly white and large enough for the tips to touch the ceiling, unfurled from his back and spread wide.

“Because I’m an angel. When you become an angel, you’ll be able to read thoughts, too. And much more.”

Buy Links

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Goodreads | BookBub

Author Bio

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal.

When not writing up a storm or dealing with dust bunnies, Jana can be found pursuing hobbies such as golf (which she plays very badly) or reading (which she does much better).

Jana lives in Western Canada with her husband Warren and a senior calico cat named Layla. You can reach her through her website at http://www.janarichards.com

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