Blurb Blitz: The Travelling City

I’m happy to welcome author Adrienne Miller. Today, Adrienne shares her new release, The Travelling City.

Blurb

After a hundred years of watching humans make bad decisions, anyone would be sick of their job as peacekeeper.

Reihan, a seaver created to deal with humans who lose control over their manifestation abilities, is no exception.

Worse still, virtually all humans in the Travelling City can manifest.

That is, shape reality according to their more or less well-formed and often poorly thought-out designs.

That alone would be enough to keep her busy, but then there are people like Phillippe.

Phillippe, who drenched himself in the city’s collective subconscious to strengthen his inborn powers.

Even though he shouldn’t be, he seems fine, crowned as the new star escort in the Brothel of Transformative Curiosities.

But Reihan has seen this story play out before. And Phillippe is far too charming, far too kind, and far too inconsolable for her to simply look away.

The Travelling City is a dark fantasy mystery packed with romance and even more existential dread; set in a whimsical, bizarre and ever-changing world.

Excerpt

“Why would you say that to me?”

Phillippe’s voice was still shrill, but it assumed a layer of calm that Reihan found unusual. His eyes fixated on her, almost as if he was intrigued by the callousness lurking behind her words.

“Because I didn’t cause this, Phillippe. Because I was created to solve a problem that you humans could so easily avoid if not for your petulant greed and insistence on breaking every rule, no matter how well-meaning.”

“We had no choice”, Phillippe replied, still with that eerily resigned tone of his.

“I don’t believe that. All you people can manifest at least to a degree. You’ll never truly go hungry, and you’ll never truly go cold. Hells, if you get sick, you can make yourselves healthy, and when you get old, you can make yourselves young, at least for a little while. Everything else is a choice.”

“You don’t know – you wouldn’t understand.”

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK

Author Bio and Links

Adrienne Miller writes in the genre of Dark Fantasy; combining beautiful aesthetics with existential dread. Her stories feature complex romances, found family dynamics, and storylines centred on world mysteries.

She has grown up with both classic and new Fantasy, from Michael Moorcok’s Eternal Hero series, Michael’s Scott’s “Thraxas” magical detective romps, to quiet and heart-felt Science-Fantasy by Becky Chambers.

The Travelling City is inspired by her love for the imaginative worlds of old-school role-playing games like Planescape Torment and the intricate character work of urban fantasy authors like Holly Black.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok

Giveaway

Adrienne Miller will be awarding a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more

Blurb Blitz: If the Sun Spares Us

I’m happy to welcome author and community activist Brenda Marie Smith. Today, Brenda shares her new release, If the Sun Spares Us.

Blurb

Two years ago, a solar pulse destroyed modern life. Bea Crenshaw organized her starving, suburban neighbors into a farming community. But now Bea’s gone, and her grandchildren must carry her legacy forward.

In the post-apocalyptic pressure cooker of Austin, Texas, 19-year-old Keno and his younger cousins struggle to ensure their community’s survival even as they’re forced to relocate to safer grounds. Northern Lights that don’t belong this far south grow increasingly intense, making Keno fear what harm the sun will cause next.

Even worse, a marauding militia called the Raiders is closing in, led by a deranged woman who preys on teenage boys. Despite Keno’s debilitating flashbacks from a firefight, he and his wife have a new baby to protect. Though Bea is dead, her spirit desperately searches for ways to shield her grandkids. When Raiders target two neighborhood members, the only hope lies in the community’s strength, Keno’s ingenuity, and the family’s fierce love for one another.

Excerpt

In the next second, thick neon bands of green light shoot into the sky like they’re spewing straight out of the earth at the horizon, the aurora pulsing and soaring hundreds of feet into the air toward the stratosphere. This is nothing like the tame Northern Lights we’ve had off and on over the past year, but crazy-bright and thick and enormous. None of it belongs in Texas. I stare at the lights, getting dizzy from their movement and intensity.

The guys out on the street whistle and shout… I close my eyes to get my bearings.

Residual streaks of light burn my eyeballs and flash across my eyelids, then mutate into the recurring, overly-vivid memories I can’t shake: flaming, screaming boys, falling fiery trees, bursting Molotov cocktails, strafing assault rifles—a hand slaps across my mouth and covers my nose, and Richie’s behind me, yanking me to the ground, hissing, “Shhh! Shhh! Don’t scream.”

“The End of Days is upon us, and we’ve got work to do!” shouts the woman from the street. “Head back north.” The feet start tramping around. “Jonesie, north’s the other way.”

Richie’s pressing so hard on my mouth and nose he’s gonna suffocate me. My tears run over his hand. Flaming bodies still flash before my eyes while green lights burn in the sky overhead…

I grab his hand to yank it off, but he presses harder. I panic. Dude’s gonna kill me.

Buy Links for the Braving the Light Series

IF DARKNESS TAKES US (Book One)

IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES (Book Two)

IF THE SUN SPARES US (Book Three)

Author Bio and Links

BRENDA MARIE SMITH is attracted to stories where everyday characters transcend their limitations to find their inner heroism. She lived off the grid for years in a farming collective where her sons were delivered by midwives. A lifelong community activist, Brenda has managed student co-op housing, produced concerts, and raised a small herd of boys. She and her husband live in Kyle, Texas. They have more grown kids and grandkids than they can count.

Website | Blog | Twitter | YouTube

Giveaway

The author will be awarding a $50 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter. Find out more here.

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

Book Blast: Balancing Entropy

I’m happy to welcome author M.H. Cali. Today, she shares her new release, Balancing Entropy

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Blurb

When life catches up with young and brilliant investment banker Lucas Blake in the form of anonymous threats, his existence is exactly what he always wished it could be.

Or is it really?

He can barely remember what his true aspirations looked like a decade ago. All he knows now is that everything he worked so hard to build could crash down in a split second if whoever is blackmailing him decides to act on it.

To make matters more complicated, the team he ends up hiring to silently find the culprit of those menaces includes Raven Collins. A woman Lucas lost touch with, but who he still can’t get out of his head completely even years after having met her.

As the race to keep him out of harm’s ways unfolds, he enters a journey of self-discovery that might very well make him question the core of his life choices.

When greed, power, and old ideals pair together within a perfect storm is it possible to come out of it unscathed?

Can one’s principles thrive in a system that seems to bend even the strongest minded to its will?

Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.

Excerpt

“Some people do tend to become other versions of themselves when they are away from home.” He presses their foreheads together while dropping his tone to a murmur. “I don’t do that. What you saw is all me.”

She doesn’t miss a beat. “Likewise.”

“We could’ve been a phenomenal match, Rae.”

A breath catches in her throat. His voice is laced with sincerity. It sends her mind spinning.

He dangerously feels as if he could fit in her routine. His personality is magnificently complex, and strangely both fits with and complements her own. She hasn’t had that sentiment toward anyone in her life up to this point.

But she’s only in her early twenties. She has her whole life in front of her. Her future is actively being written. Whatever happened between them here was definitely a fling.

A beautifully intense, and delightfully intoxicating fling.

She has to remember their pledge. This is insignificant.

She relishes in the cool seaside breeze and Lucas’ applying entrancing pressure on her lower back vertebrae for a moment.

Existence is full of fleeting instants and inconsequential events while some others open doors to infinite possibilities. She willingly classified this hook up in the former category as soon as they first kissed.

They’ll go back to their occupations, to their social circles, and to constructing their destinies. This ephemeral liaison will become a distant memory. It was solely a bridge between phases of their respective purposes.

This is what counts.

This is what she has to keep in mind.

However, she still can’t shake the thought that they could’ve been legendary together totally out of her brain, so she offers him the closest truth she can think of.

“Maybe in another life, Luke,” she whispers against his lips.

Author Bio and Links

M.H. Cali is my pen name. From as long as I can remember, writing has been my biggest creative outlet. There are tales that take hold in my brain, and I have to write them. Which means that when it happens, I sit down and do just that.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes I build. In my fiction novels, I thrive fleshing out stories that explore multiple themes within. If you ever read any of my works, you’ll notice that I love writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to me quiet moments are just as important—if not more—than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about balance in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It’s my motto.

If I manage to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then I succeeded.

If you ever give my stories a chance, I hope you enjoy!

Master Link | Website | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Books2Read | Instagram | Twitter | Bluesky

Giveaway

M.H. Cali will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC plus a special edition paperback copy of the book (which includes a physical copy of the novel, an exclusive signed and numbered bookplate, an original sketch inside the book by Laurie Ya, the artist who made the cover, and drew the interior illustrations, and assorted merchandise including coasters, stickers, a tote bag, and more) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour (INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY). Find out more here.

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

10 Best Things About Writing Short Fiction

I’m happy to welcome back award-winning author M. H. Callway. Today, Madeleine shares interesting facts about short fiction and her new release,
Snake Oil and Other Tales.

Here’s Madeleine!

1. Short stories are easier to write

Writing short fiction for me is the difference between training for a 5 km race and a marathon. Both require a lot of work, but work of a different kind. And the marathon/novel is a whole other kind of scary beast!

Perhaps because I started out writing short stories – and had my first professional publication that way – I find them fairly easy to write. Also, I’m an inveterate “pantser” rather than a plotter. I’ve started many novels and gotten hopelessly lost in the middle. Fortunately, some of these misadventures have turned into some of my favorite stories, like “The Seeker”, the last story in Snake Oil and Other Tales.

2. Short fiction allows me to create many new worlds

One wonderful advantage of writing short fiction is that I’ve been able to create many different characters and many weird and wonderful worlds for them to live in. The downside is that I have to leave these characters and their worlds behind when I reach the end of the story.

Belatedly, I’ve realized that Sherlock Holmes was the hero of many short stories and only a handful of novels. Why not follow my friends’ suggestions and write a series of stories with the same hero? That’s how I came to write the novella, Amdur’s Ghost, which was a follow-up to my comic mystery, Amdur’s Cat, starring beleaguered civil servant, Dr. Benjamin Amdur.

3. Short fiction is easier to get published

Short fiction offers many opportunities to get published. There are some well-established crime fiction markets like Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine and Mystery Magazine as well as many calls for anthologies, not to mention writing contests. Many leading crime fiction conferences like Bouchercon, Malice Domestic and Left Coast Crime publish an annual anthology of short stories every year.

4. Short fiction reaches readers more quickly

Every novelist knows that it takes a long time to write a novel and even longer to get it published. Even after the publisher accepts your manuscript, it can be several months, even years, before your book becomes available to readers.

It took me an entire year, working full-time, to finish my first and only novel, Windigo Fire and more than three years after that before it was published and released by Seraphim Editions. By contrast, short stories are usually accepted or rejected within a few weeks and appear in print or on-line after two to three months.

5. Short fiction has a great writers’ community

One of the best things about being a short fiction author is the wonderfully supportive community. The Short Fiction Mystery Society is a free on-line group that welcomes both Canadian and American writers. Together we writers share and discuss many issues facing us today. Serious ones like the use of AI and warnings about scams and more positively, new markets for short fiction. SMFS also has regular Zoom meetings and at major conferences, we always meet up for lunch, dinner or drinks in the real world. It’s a great way to meet some truly interesting and creative people.

6. Short fiction allows me to explore new genres

All authors have an idea that sits in the mind like a sliver. The idea bothers you until you get it out on paper. When my husband and I visited Vancouver a few years ago, we walked past the apartment building where I’d lived as a graduate student. To my enormous surprise, we discovered that the bakery where I’d grab breakfast on the way to the university, was still there. It had the same kind of baked goods on sale and even the same tables and chairs for customers. That got me thinking: what if a bakery stayed constant in time and place? That idea led me to write my speculative fiction story, “The Eternal Bakery of the Fractal Mind”.

7. Short fiction can still surprise you

At a recent When Words Collide conference, I was asked to join a panel on horror fiction. Horror fiction? I knew that some of my stories are noir, but horror? I don’t read much horror fiction and stay away from scary movies. That said, I did write Snake Oil, a novella about snakes and unscrupulous sales people. After a Noir at the Bar reading, this tough-looking tattooed “bro” approached me and told me I was a scary lady. Me? I thought. Turned out he had a snake phobia. So there are some benefits!

Turns out, your writing can stray into another genre without you even being aware of it, if you simply follow your muse.

8. Short fiction can help to get your writing get recognized

In my talk, How to Get Published, I always tell emerging writers, that their goal should be to get their manuscript to move to the top of the publisher’s slush pile. One great way is to show that they’ve been published already. One or more published stories can help build your credibility as a writer and may encourage the publisher to take a closer look at your submission.

9. Short fiction builds confidence in your writing

Getting a story published really helps to build your confidence in your writing. It’s not easy pursuing this isolating creative activity. It can be easy to get discouraged. A new publication, even better an award nomination or win, helps to keep going in this mad activity!

10. In the end, short fiction can become a book!

When I put my 10 most recently published stories and novellas together, I realized that had a big enough word count to make a book. That’s how Snake Oil and Other Tales came to be. This way my readers can find all my work in one place. And my family, including my grandchildren, know that I have put my retirement to good purpose!

Blurb

Welcome to the second collection of my published short fiction. These dark tales include strange guardians, mysterious bakeries, faithful dogs and yes, the slithery reptiles that strike fear in even the toughest bro’s heart. Many were finalists for the Crime Writers of Canada Awards for Excellence. They stretch from traditional mysteries to thrillers to speculative fiction and even to horror. What unites them are the characters struggling for justice – or their own warped perception thereof.

Danny Bluestone and Corazon Amorsolo, the protagonists of my novel, Windigo Fire, return in the thriller, Last Island. And Dr. Benjamin Amdur, the hero of Amdur’s Cat, has a second adventure in Amdur’s Ghost, a finalist for the 2023 CWC Best Novella Award.

Buy Links

Amazon CA | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU

About the Author

Margaret Cannon, crime fiction reviewer for the Globe and Mail, called M. H. Callway “a writer to watch”.

Many of Madeleine’s stories and novellas have won or been short-listed for leading awards, including the Bony Pete, the Derringer and the Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence. In 2023, her work was nominated in two CWC categories (Best Short Story and Best Novella), the first time for a Canadian crime writer since the late Peter Robinson.

Her novel, Windigo Fire (Seraphim Editions, 2014) was a finalist for the 2015 CWC Award for Best First Novel and was a Huffington Post “Book for Book Clubs” selection. Under different titles it was a runner-up for the Debut Dagger and the CWC Award for Best Unpublished Manuscript.

In 2013, Madeleine co-founded the Mesdames and Messieurs of Mayhem collective, with Donna Carrick, author and head of Carrick Publishing. Today the Mesdames number 25 crime writers, publishers, editors, film makers and bookstore owners. They are the subject of the CBC documentary, The Mesdames of Mayhem, which you may view on GEM and YouTube.

Website | Twitter

Interview with Katie Groom

I’m happy to welcome author Katie Groom. Today, Katie shares interesting facts about her creative journey and new release, Gibbous Moon.

Interview

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

I love music. I’m a clarinet player, though I do admit that I’ve been a little far removed from playing for a bit. I miss it. But I do plan to learn how to play the viola starting in 2024.

I also enjoy collecting teddy bears. I have so many unique ones — even one that is a one-of-a-kind from a small shop in Paisley, Scotland.

Additionally, I love pretending that I’m a good cook (I’m not, but it’s edible); painting (stick figures don’t even look good when I draw them); and doing onewoman-shows of my favorite movies (I should let the actors do their jobs, instead of speaking over them, but I do all the voices).

Any advice for aspiring writers?

I get this question a lot from friends, and my advice is always the same: Do it! The more you write, the more you will improve your craft. One of my favorite things to do is watch Bob Ross, and he always says that more than the tools or the paint, what really will help anyone improve is practice. He says that anyone can paint; they just need to practice. I believe that anyone can write; they just need to practice.

What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is actually a song lyric. It’s from “Saturday” by Fall Out Boy. “I read about the afterlife but I never really lived.” It just reminds me to just live my life on my own terms instead of comparing myself to others and trying to get to their own goals instead of mine.

Which authors have inspired you?

I’m inspired by soooo many authors. I would particularly like to give a shout out to Rebecca Crunden. She writes incredible stories — and she’s constantly writing. On top of that, she’s always supporting other indie authors and artists. Like ALWAYS. I’ve never seen anyone more supportive than her. And, on top of that, she really stands against bullies. I appreciate that in a person.

What are you working on next?

I’m currently working on the third book of the Cardinal Moon Saga’s main trilogy. I’m in the editing phase of that. Afterwards, I will start working on the duology that Cade will star in.

Blurb

Werewolf and professor of literature Hugh spent nearly 200 years to find his soulmate, Zoie, but others betrayed him, working with rivals to take her away in only an instant. Revenge was swift and unsatisfying. More people need to pay for what was stolen from Hugh.

Zoie’s death had been orchestrated by powerful beings in the supernatural world. Exacting revenge will require precision and planning.

Biding his time before acting, Hugh reverts to the patterns that finding true love had disrupted. Walking through life in a fog, he does his best to appear as if he is moving forward, though nothing feels the same.

As Hugh tries to start the next chapter in his life with Rosalie, he is haunted by the memory of Zoie. The literature professor cringes every time he’s reminded that Rosalie doesn’t like to read, but he tells himself that opposites should attract. That Rosalie can patch the hole left in his heart when Zoie died. His revenge will take time, and wallowing in grief won’t help.

Just as Hugh is still focused on revenge, his enemies are still plotting to harm Hugh further. It’s dangerous to oppose a bereaved werewolf, but even werewolves can be hurt.

Excerpt

Zoie quickly flew down closer, taking in everything that was going on around her. Hugh had a death grip on her body, and a terrified crowd of hotel employees had gathered in the lobby. One of them was on the phone—undoubtedly calling for emergency help. Not only was it obvious to Zoie that she was dead, but Hugh had literally crashed through a wall of glass to get to her. One police car was not going to cover this.

Stevie and Hugh’s best friend Cade were trying to convince Hugh to leave. They tried to plea from every angle—any excuse to get him to comply. “No!” Zoie cried. “Don’t leave me.” She couldn’t imagine that Hugh would even consider leaving her there.

“You need to leave her, and you need to go,” Cayden stated as they knelt down in front of Hugh. Their face was so full of genuine concern. It became obvious to Zoie that this was the best choice.

Zoie placed her feet on the pool deck and walked over to Hugh—despite everything going on, she noticed that her shoes didn’t make that strange squelching sound that they should have. So her guess was right, then; she was dead.

Hugh ignored Cade’s pleas, but Zoie inched closer and put her hand on his shoulder. She lied, “It’s okay, Hugh. Go.” It was in his best interest and in the best interest of their world for Hugh to leave.

Author Bio and Links

Katie Groom grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from PITT and her master’s in Employment and Labor Relations from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 2016, she decided to move to Alabama in order to avoid as much snow as possible (and to advance her career in Human Resources).

When she isn’t working, Katie enjoys reading, writing, jokingly critiquing movies and TV, and campaigning that the plural of moose should be meese. She also loves to take in live music (especially Hanson) and traveling, with the goal of reaching each of the continents. Katie’s favorite pastime, however, is spending time with her beloved Shih tzu, Delta.

Website | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Katie Groom will be awarding a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

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

Interview with Eden Monroe

I’m happy to welcome author Eden Monroe. Today, Eden shares interesting facts about her creative journey and her new release, Who Buried Sarah.

Interview

What was your inspiration for this book?

My inspiration for any project is to change things up a bit. That’s why I decided on Who Buried Sarah, not who killed Sarah. The loss of a beautiful young woman always makes for a gripping story and in this case I thought it would be interesting to have three young men besotted with her. I love a good romantic twist so that’s also part of the inspiration – stir things up a little because Sarah, a newly-minted schoolteacher and the daughter of a prominent local pastor, is no shrinking violet.

What is the best part of being an author?

I love getting lost in a story, carried away to somewhere else – always somewhere better. It’s an opportunity to let my imagination soar, feel the story, wear it, hang out with my characters – cry with them, laugh with them, let them draw me into their world. In my opinion it’s the best possible feeling. Sometimes their reality is just better. The latter has been especially true during the past year. In August of 2022 I found the body of my spouse, too late to revive him. During the long months that followed, my writing allowed me to escape to another world – even for a little while. It has helped me deal with the crushing agony of that loss.

The worst?

People automatically assume you’re incredibly wealthy as soon as you put pen to paper, and also that writing a book is the easiest job in the world. The truth is, from start to finish it is actually very labour intensive.

Which authors have inspired you?

Oh so many! Lucy Maud Montgomery had an enormous effect on me, as did Farley Mowat. Authors that make a writer want to write. Amy Tan, Michael Anderson Bradley, James A. Michener, Stephen King, Dan Brown, James Patterson, Elizabeth Hay, David Adams Richards. So many superb storytellers, and it’s not just what they’ve written, but what they have to say about the craft of writing. Their attitude, what drives them … how they reach back, remembering those who are coming behind them. Suspense novelist Joan Hall Hovey never ceases to inspire me in more ways than just what she writes; Charles Dickens, Janet Dailey. Like I said, so many….

What is your favourite quote?

In Who Buried Sarah, it’s “Her gaze shifted to the muddy boots sitting on the floor by her chair. She would no doubt be scolded for any dirt that had shaken free onto the carpet because Cranston insisted on a spotless home. It was as if suddenly those boots had become the metaphor for what was wrong with their marriage, had always been wrong with it. Her job would always be to clean his boots.”

That paragraph stirs emotion within me because it is an epiphanal moment for Sarah’s mother, Maude Estey – an awakening that gives her the courage to finally leave her abusive husband.

In general it would have to be a quote from Anne of Green Gables: “In the other corner was the aforesaid three-corner table adorned with a fat, red velvet pin-cushion hard enough to turn the point of the most adventurous pin.”

I’ve never forgotten that quote because it’s so deliciously descriptive. Lucy Maud Montgomery made me care about a pincushion. She also made me to want to write.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

My advice is to not be afraid to write those first words. I’ve been asked so many times by aspiring writers – how should I start? You start by starting. It’s as simple as that. Just start writing. Don’t expect it to be profound – just write something. When you first read it back there’s a pretty good chance you won’t like it, but don’t delete it … at least not right away. Walk away for a while and when you read it again, later, you’ll probably be surprised that what you thought was horrible is not so bad after all. It just needs work, but you can’t build on or improve something that’s not been written yet. There has to be a starting point.

Also, a good editor will be your best friend, because at the end of the day you both want the same thing – a great manuscript. Don’t think that everything you write is divinely sent and should not be tampered with. You cannot grow that way, you must be open to editorial criticism and suggestions. It’s also important to learn your craft, study it. Actually you should never stop learning. And finally, don’t let rejection discourage you. It happens. When it does, it’s okay to cry, throw something non-breakable … whatever, then get back to work.

What are you working on next?

My next project is another romantic suspense trilogy, The McClures. It’s about an American mother and her children who immigrate to New Brunswick, Canada in the 1800’s in a desperate flight for their lives. But there are challenges waiting on this side of the border too. Emma McClure finds the solitude she sought for her and her family, but their storms are far from over.

Blurb

Sarah, the only child of Rev. and Mrs. Cranston Estey, was betrothed to Connor McLagen of the affluent McLagen family. The McLagens were socially revered, although there were rumours of nefarious underpinnings to their substantial wealth, and the God-fearing Esteys were not in favour of the marriage.

Three days before the June 1927 wedding, Sarah disappeared. Her note said she’d changed her mind and decided to leave town.

A week later she was found, buried in a rose garden, the gruesome and sensational discovery knocking New Brunswick prohibition wars out of the headlines.

There were many with secrets to keep…

Excerpt

“Then stop playing with fire. Look, I like it that you want to … go further … but not now, darling. We have to wait for the right time and I promise to live up to your expectations. There will be nothing holding us back then, but I promise I will be gentle.”

Shifting away from him slightly, she gazed out across the river. “I understand that. I’m not exactly inexperienced about such things, Connor.”

Had she really just said that aloud? She was aghast that the secret she knew she had to share with him at some point had spontaneously bubbled to the surface. This was probably the worst time for such a revelation, but there was no turning back now.

There was silence as she waited for the fallout from the bomb she’d just dropped, not daring to look at him.

“Excuse me?” he asked after a moment, his voice gone hard. “What did you mean by that, Sarah?”

Apparently this had unexpectedly become the time for truth telling. She was as surprised as he was it was happening, but she loved him too much not to be completely honest. She’d just thought it would somehow be easier to do. “What I mean is … I’ve … ahhh … been with a man before.”

He was deadly calm. “In what way?”

Author Bio and Links

Eden Monroe writes about real life, real issues and struggles, and triumphing against all odds. A proud east coast Canadian, she enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and a good book.

Website | Facebook

Giveaway

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

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

Book Blast: Voices of Cancer by Lynda Wolters

I’m happy to welcome author Lynda Wolters. Today, Lynda shares her new release, Voices of Cancer.

Blurb

“I don’t know what to say” and “I don’t know what to do” are common responses to a life-threatening diagnosis. Voices of Cancer is here to help.

Every cancer story is different, but there is one commonality: both patients and the people supporting them often struggle to properly articulate their wants and needs through particularly challenging and in many cases, uncharted territory. Lynda Wolters knows firsthand: she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal mantle cell lymphoma in August of 2016.

Voices of Cancer offers a candid look into the world of a cancer patient, informed by Lynda’s own story and conversations had with dozens of patients weighing in on their needs, wants, and dislikes as they navigate the complex world of diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. With comprehensive and accessible insight from people who’ve been there, Voices of Cancer helps educate, dispel fears, and start positive conversations about what a cancer diagnosis truly means, while shining a light on how best to support a loved one on their own terms.

Excerpt

Cure Is a Four-Letter Word

Once you’ve had a cancer diagnosis, being “cured” may be an unreachable goal. And the fear never goes away.

“Remission is a lesson in guarded optimism rather than magical thinking,” is a line I read from a blog post by Steve Jacob, a consultant for Baylor, Scott & White Health, who was describing remission, and I appreciated it immediately.

The word “cure” is often misconstrued as “remission” and, conversely, remission is often thought to mean cure. Unfortunately, those words are mutually exclusive and can be painful when misunderstood or misused.

Remission is essentially classified as either partial or complete. At its truest level, it means there is no evidence of active cancer at the moment.

A cure, on the other hand, is defined as cancer never coming back again. That is a pretty lofty statement, since there is always a chance of relapse. Once diagnosed with cancer, being “cured” can really only be used if the person reaches their death without ever experiencing the cancer again. Therefore, “cure” is just too big a word for most of us to feel comfortable with.

As a patient who has been told there is no cure for her disease, the word remission feels like the heavens opened up and the angels sang; it really doesn’t get much better. Cure, however, feels like a pipe dream, out of reach and inconceivable. Regardless of how long a person has been in remission, we still hold our breath during checkups and hear the whisper in our head: “Is it back?”

Before becoming fluent in the language of cancer, I thought cure and remission were interchangeable. Now I realize that remission is the only dream we have and cure lives somewhere in fantasy land.

Many patients will go in and out of remission, some more than once during their journey, and each time they have to deal with the, “But weren’t you cured?” question from family and friends. Perhaps some of this responsibility for confusion lies with the patient, and we should use language that is less confusing and more accurate, such as No Evidence of Disease (NED); No Evidence of Active Disease (NEAD); and “dormant.” A non-patient cannot be expected to understand what a sting the word “cure” can have.

Amazon Buy Links

Ebook | Hard Copy | Audible

Author Bio and Links

Lynda was born and raised in a tiny farming community of 400 in northern Idaho. She worked on the family farm, with her first job being picking rocks out of the fields and ultimately graduating up the ladder to driving a grain truck and combine during harvest. Following high school, Lynda continued her education in Las Vegas before she moved back home to Idaho to raise her three sons.

Lynda still resides in Idaho with her husband and their peekapoo, Max.

Lynda has worked in the legal field for 30+ years and enjoys ballroom and swing dancing, horseback riding, kayaking, and river rafting. She has a heart for people and enjoys regularly volunteering. She spends the bulk of her spare time reading and writing.

Lynda was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) in August 2016. She touts herself as being a thriving warrior of the disease.

Lynda has completed two books of nonfiction: Voices of Cancer, released in October 2019, and Voices of LGBTQ+, released in August 2020.

The Placeholder, Lynda’s debut novel, was released in November 2022.

Lynda has published the following articles: Navigating the Workplace with Chemo Brain, February 23, 2020, Elephants and Tea. and When Masks Weren’t Popular, March 24, 2020, Patient Power. She has spoken on several podcasts, been a guest on a local talk show regarding Voices of Cancer, and given interviews for other outlets and print.

Jane Brody wrote up Voices of Cancer in the New York Times, her article entitled What to Say to Someone with Cancer, on January 13, 2020, with a follow-up on January 20, 2020, entitled, When Life Throws You a Curveball, Embrace the New Normal.

The Chinese translation rights of Voices of Cancer have been purchased by a grant to offer the book to medical students in Tawain.

Lynda donates Voices of Cancer books and a portion of its proceeds to Epic Experience, a nonprofit camp for adult survivors and thrivers of cancer located in Colorado.

Website | Facebook | Facebook Page | Instagram | Twitter

Giveaway

Lynda Wolters will be awarding a $25 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

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

Lynda Wolters has crafted an emotional and powerful memoir filled with advice and anecdotes based on her cancer journey and conversations with dozens of patients. Having experienced my own bout with cancer, I found myself nodding, sighing, and sometimes tearing up as I turned the pages. I would love to have read this book while waiting for biopsy results, dealing with the side effects of chemo and radiation, and struggling to adapt to life after cancer. This memoir is an excellent companion for anyone diagnosed with cancer and an essential resource for caregivers, families, and friends.

What resonated…

“Cancer can change your body, and it can surely take your body away, but it can’t have your spirit.”

“Faith is in your control and fate is a matter of circumstance.”

“When you stop trying to get past your current state and accept where you are now, there is a sense of contentment, of understanding.”

“I have had to learn that I must stop gauging my abilities by the standards of previous (pre-cancer) me and must instead embrace the present me and my current capacity.”

“We choose our role models, but really we had to be our own best role model.”

Spotlight on Welcome to Wonderland

I’m happy to welcome author Bobbie Candas. Today, Bobbie shares her new release, Welcome to Wonderland.

Blurb

A recently fired biologist with mommy issues, a successful entrepreneur with a dead wife, and an immigrant hiding from gang violence…These three have only one thing in common.

They’re all screwed up

Biology researcher, Violet Hill, was just let go and is devastated. She found the solitary lab and long hours the ideal respite for her anxiety issues–doing meaningful work while avoiding people and conversation. Now unemployed, with diminishing finances, Violet is forced to face the enemy, her mother.

For years, Turner Cooper was consumed with building his company’s client roster, until the sudden death of his wife throws him totally off kilter. Now, instead of work, Turner’s guilt and alcohol issues consume him.

Living a reclusive life in Dallas, Rosario Guzman is hiding from a Mexican cartel while working in the shadows at three part-time jobs. Finally, the item she covets the most, a Green Card, arrives in her mailbox. But Rosario quickly realizes the paper card doesn’t solve all her problems.

While navigating social issues, private demons, and nightmare memories, these three lives collide as they find each other at a place none of them ever imagined they’d be working at. As their mutual relationship evolves, Violet, Turner and Rosario lean into each other and unexpectedly find their lives unfurling in remarkable and magical ways.

Excerpt

The Gladiator
Turner Cooper

The landline was ringing again but I didn’t bother to pick up. Letting it go to voicemail, I listened to my wife’s warm Texas accent roll softly through the office over the speaker of an antiquated answering machine.

Hi, there. It’s Allie. Turner and I aren’t here. You know what to do; bye now.
Sighing, I ruffled the soft shiny fur of our Irish Setter, Blaze. Leaning back on my leather sectional, I stretched my legs out over the ottoman, closed my eyes, and wondered how many more hours it would be before I could go back to bed without seeming too pitiful. Perhaps a half-tumbler of Dewar’s Scotch and a movie would help pass the time. I silenced my cell and closed the office door so there would be no interruptions. Amazing how many solicitations there were after you signed up for the no-solicitation list. I never realized before… because I rarely was home to hear them. I smiled, recalling a recent conversation with Allie.

‘I swear, Turner, we need to get rid of that phone. Unless you’re in the market for a time share or extended car warranty, it’s useless. No one we know has a landline anymore.’

‘But Allie, what about missing out on the all-expense-paid cruise of our dreams, or lending my social security number to a Nigerian prince?’

‘Uh, those guys don’t call much anymore.’

‘I promise, babe… I’ll get around to it.’ But there it was, still ringing.

Petting Blaze’s head again, I said, “Yeah bud, you get what they say about old dogs and new tricks, don’t you Blaze?”

Hearing his name, my dog looked over at me expectantly, and then laid his head down on the thick rug. Back to a movie choice. I could punch up something on Netflix, but lately, most of those movies were lame. Either stupid rom-coms or crazy fantasy. How about an old favorite instead?

I got up and perused our shelves of old DVDs on either side of the six-foot screen. “Here’s a good one, Blaze. Haven’t watched this in years. You’ll love it.” I popped in Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, sat back down, put my feet up and took a deep sip of Scotch. It was a long film; maybe it would require a full tumbler. Or two.

Three hours later, I’d surprised myself, managing to remain awake through the entire film, and on this viewing I saw the story so differently. That happens sometimes when rewatching a film. My previous memory of it was all about warring strategies, power struggles, and grisly scenes of bodies being torn apart. But this afternoon, I realized the gladiator’s greatest desire was to leave all power and politics behind him and return home to his wife and farm. Somehow before I’d totally missed that aspect.

I got up and stretched, checking my watch. “Well, boy…time for that walk now, right? Let’s go.” Blaze was ready. Hearing the word walk, he began looking anxiously about. “Come on, downstairs. She’s not here today.” I walked through the utility room, switched from bare feet to slip-on tennis shoes, attached his leash, and left through the garage.

The sun was still thirty minutes away from sizzling into the lake, with the air feeling less humid than usual. Even in September, Dallas weather could be brutal. “So, what are you up for? Long one or short one?” I looked at the dog’s inquisitive golden-brown eyes. “That’s what I thought too.”

We headed down our street, turned at the corner and walked down to the bike trail. Under the shade of trees, wearing a loose tee-shirt and shorts, it actually felt good to be out. We walked the half-mile to the large dog park by the lake. I unleashed Blaze, sat down on a bench, and watched him run, dodge, and scamper with joy among the wide range of large breeds released for play by their work-a-day parents.

Eventually, another guy came and sat down next to me and, like a proud papa, pointed. “Mine’s the Goldendoodle. Which one’s yours?”

“The Irish Setter with all the pent-up energy. He’s used to getting out more.”

“Oh, yeah. He’s a beauty. Wait…is that Blaze? Man, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize…your Allie’s husband, right? She was up here with Blaze all the time. Great lady. I’m so sorry, dude. I’m Kevin. Kevin Wells. My wife and I live nearby.”

I nodded, smiled stiffly, and stood up. “Good to meet you, Kevin. Thanks. I’m heading out now.”

I walked toward my dog, knowing he’d hate being pulled out so soon, but it was time for us to leave. Kevin got up and called out after me, “Hey, if you ever need to talk or anything, I’m here most evenings. Allie, she was awesome. Really gonna miss her around here.”

I nodded, putting the leash back on the setter. “Sure, thanks man.” We weren’t ready for those conversations yet. Blaze and I were damaged goods.

Author Bio and Links

Bobbie Candas lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband, Mehmet Candas, a stray gray cat, and a jealous tabby who does not enjoy sharing affection with the interloper. Bobbie attended The University of Texas in Austin, earning her degree in journalism. She took a detour with a career in retail management, and found her happy place when she returned to writing fiction about nine years ago.

Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram | Amazon Author Page | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Bobbie Candas will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

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

I immediately connected with the three characters and couldn’t read fast enough to discover what awaited them in this well-plotted and well-researched novel. An expert storyteller, Ms. Candas has a gift for creating a strong sense of place. I was impressed by the descriptions of the exotic plants, colorful trees and flowers, and water elements that populate Botanicals United of Dallas (BUD). I didn’t realize that BUD was fictional until I read the Author’s Note at the end.

Well done, Ms. Candas!

Book Blast: An Eye for the Highest and Best

I’m happy to welcome Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel. Today,Dr. Doetzel shares her new release, An Eye for the Highest and Best.

Blurb

Living in this world of such disruption and uncertainty can result in us facing despair. How can we attune to the rainbow after a storm, and create hope and happiness? How do we develop an eye for the Highest and Best, when faced with what appears to be the worst? What steps should we take to reconnect with our ability to be resilient?

In this book, Dr. Doetzel shares some important insights gained from her own experiences of teaching university, battling cancer, being a journalist, travelling worldwide, dealing with grief, and facing the global pandemic. Along the way, she introduces her readers to fresh ways of viewing their lives, by applying an Appreciative Inquiry lens that inspires the practice of a more conscious way of living, resulting in discovering serenity.

Readers may start to re-examine their own challenges, while discovering their own gems that warrant gratitude. The reflective questions and stories suggest ways of removing blocks to happiness and constructing healthier relationships.

The book is also an ideal tool for educators to apply to teaching Appreciative Inquiry as a qualitative research methodology.

Excerpt

While attending a church service in a Mexican Cathedral, Angel’s phone had fallen out of her purse. Reaching for it later, intending to make a call, she suddenly notices it was missing. Frantically, she rushed to the hotel front desk to inquire how she could contact the Cathedral. When she arrived, the hotel clerk was holding her golden cell phone, while still looking for an identification on it.

After identifying her cell phone, the clerk told her the story of the person who had turned it in. The lady had picked up the phone in the Cathedral, under a bench. She then noticed a hotel key in the phone case slot, which matched her own hotel key. So, when she returned to the hotel after mass, she gave the cell phone to the front desk attendant.

Angel believed having her cell phone returned by someone staying at the same hotel and attending a common church service, was a miracle in action, and she was tempted to share the story with the police officer, after he checked for her phone.


Author Bio and Links

Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel has been teaching in the Sociology Faculty of Mount Royal University since 2006, and as a seasonal sessional instructor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Calgary since 2005.

An award-winning scholar, journalist, and musician, she won a Distinguished Dissertation Award for her doctorate dissertation, leading to the publication of her two books: Cultivating Spirituality in Education: Synergizing Heart and Mind and Old Heart Child’s Eyes: A Diary of Miracles.

In 2017, her students at Mount Royal University honoured her with a Teaching Excellence Award. In 2018 her students also acknowledged her for promoting wellbeing and good health within the classroom, and for being a good mentor. She received her MA, HBA, HBSW, and BA degrees from Lakehead University.

She received her PhD from the University of Calgary in 2004. She studied Intuitive Medicine in Vancouver and received a professional certification (I.C.A.D.C) from the Canadian Council of Professional Certification. She also was awarded a Broadcasting Radio and Television diploma from Confederation College. She encourages her students to examine the world through different lenses, exercising altruism, promoting social justice, and learning to be a good sociologist.

Her Mount Royal University blog is titled, Debunking Deceptive Myths. In addition to her recently published books, she has also authored and published eight scholarly articles in her field.

In February 2020, the Calgary Herald, rated one of her books (a pre-amble to this one) as a local best seller. She is currently conducting research about complementary medicine and continuing to teach at Mount Royal University.

Aside from teaching and conducting research, Dr. Doetzel has hosted a radio show “From the Heart,” airing on AM 1140 High River, for the past 10 years. She has recorded four albums of her own original songs.

Website | Instagram | Amazon Buy Link

Giveaway

Dr. Nancy-Angel Doetzel will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow Dr. Doetzel on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

Excerpt Tour: Mind Expressions

I’m happy to welcome poet Alysha Potente. Today, Alysha shares her new release, Mind Expressions.

Blurb

This poetry book has a total of over 130 poems, and most feature alongside: beautiful photography art. All of the poems are different from the next, in meaning and technique.

Analytical in nature, each poem dives into various topics. With this are also syllable counts, where the number of syllables per line are counted and arranged. This brings forward a technical side to poetry writing, where it is precise and balanced.

It is a skill that requires practice, where you hear the word for what it is, using mathematics while rhyming words together. All of the poetry features different rhyming forms.

Excerpt

THIS SHAPE IS THAT OF A TRIANGLE.

This shape is that of a triangle..
Three times a 90 degree angle..
A trio side that makes it acute..
One 90 degree makes it obtuse..
These pyramid’s that are in Egypt..
Are written in a hieratic script..
The tip of the point reaches quite high..
A standout in the desert that’s dry..
Created these centuries ago..
Constructed by the Pharoah Khufu..
The biggest that’s built is in Giza..
Jump on a plane, paid with your Visa..
One of Seven Wonders of the World..
According to statistics it’s earned..
Explore the inside of it with tombs..
There’s many built in separate rooms..
It’s a triangle made of strong stone..
How they were truly built is unknown..
Three sides that form all these pyramids..
These people back then weren’t primitives..
It’s amazing to think how they’re built..
No cranes to help them being instilled..
Go visit them to see their beauty..
Egypt itself is stunning truly..
A desert of dreams upon hot sand..
Spacious with history on the land..

Syllables: 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9, 9= perfect patterns.

Every two lines rhyme together.

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Author Bio and Links

Alysha has been a self- taught creative writer, since the age of 16, in her hometown of Perth, Australia. Her passion for it developed on its own, the need to express herself in a different way other than verbally, was what motivated her to keep up this passion. The use of words was captivating for expression and the love of rhymes was also heard by ear.

Alysha’s first poetry book that she read was actually in Primary School and it was called ‘Revolting rhymes’, which was a retake on nursery rhymes but in a humorous way. This book started this creative side in her at a young age, that, and also her love for art in general.

In 2015 she studied a short course at Berklee, where she was introduced to the notion of syllable counts. In fact, though she had actually been doing syllable counts unconsciously with her poetry in general. By using the same measurement of lines going off of sight, had in turn created similar syllable counts/patterns in her work.

Her book ‘Mind Expressions’ is a technical side of poetry writing that’s come to life. It’s the use of mathematics, along with creative writing. She wanted to give the reader a breakdown of each poem within, in order for them to delve into each poem further and analyse it using a different set of eyes. The poems are analytical in nature, along with syllable counts (some perfect) and perfect rhymes. This really showcases poetry at the highest skill.

Alysha is multi-talented in Art itself and is also a perfectionist. For where her passion lies in different artforms, is where she crafts her skills to a perfection standpoint.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway

Alysha Potente will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes & Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

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