I’m happy to welcome Ojibway author Maggie Blackbird. Today, Maggie shares her new release, The Circle is Small.

Blurb

An ex-cop returning to face his horrendous past, the woman who won’t forgive him, and the family who’ll never let him forget that he killed their son.

First Nations Constable Jordan Chartrand’s guilt can’t handle the accusing stares from the family left to mourn their son after that horrible night…so he flees from his Ojibway community and the woman he loves. Two years later, his mother’s cancer diagnosis forces him to return to help her.

Devoted schoolteacher Ellie Quill wants nothing to do with Jordan after he bolted to the city and left her behind. Her life goals are set. As for her secret, she’ll keep that to herself, even if Jordan’s begging to know the truth about her child.

When the two are compelled to work on a community project to address the rampant drug problem, their forced proximity slowly melts Ellie’s icy walls. But no matter how much her heart desires to give Jordan the second chance he’s begging for, she refuses to because providing a life for her son in the tradition of the Ojibway culture is her top priority now, not moving to the city where Jordan continues to hide.

Excerpt

Ellie kept dunking the tea bag into the mug.

“I’m sorry. When I met him there, I thought you’d told him to get Ray-Ray, otherwise I woulda stopped him.”

“It’s okay,” Ellie muttered, still staring at her tea instead of at her sister. “You didn’t know.”

“What made you finally tell him?”

Ellie drew in a breath. “I realized if we were going to start with a clean slate, I couldn’t keep hiding it. And he’s right. I shoulda told him from the get-go. I shouldn’t have hidden it from him.”

“Easy,” Iris warned. “Remember something. You have rights, too. He’d upped and left after you told him how you felt, after you begged him to stay. He chose the city over you. He chose everything over you. You had every right to be angry.”

“It still doesn’t justify what I did. Raymond has rights, too, and he had a right to know who his dad is.” Ellie glanced up.

“Look, I can’t see him getting on the plane and skipping town with Ray-Ray. He probably took him to his mother’s. And he’ll be here until she’s done her treatment. He won’t leave.”

“I know he won’t, but he has every right to hate me. If I was in his shoes, I’d be angry, too.” Ellie shoved aside the mug. She’d ruined everything. Keeping that secret and then lying about it was the most foolish thing she’d ever done. What had gotten into her? That wasn’t how she behaved. Selfish. That was how she’d acted.

Iris reached over the table and grabbed Ellie’s hand. “Don’t be hating yourself or blaming yourself. Women have rights, too. And you have rights. You still have rights. If he wants to be pissy about this, let him. But he can’t take Raymond from you. Not after you raised him. Jordan didn’t even stick around long enough to find out you were pregnant.”

“How was he supposed to know I was pregnant without me telling him?” Ellie whispered. “He’s not a jaasakiid.”

“He didn’t need to involve the shaking tent. Did he ever stop and ask?” Iris blinked. “It’s common sense. You two were having sex, for crying out loud. And if he holds this against you—”

“He has every right to.” Ellie ran her nails along the table. “I did it so he wouldn’t take Raymond to Winnipeg. So I wouldn’t have to live in Winnipeg. So I could raise our child here. But…”

What did it matter? The fact was, her heart had shattered into a million pieces for the second time. She could try fooling herself again, as she’d done for the last two years by saying she didn’t care, but she did.

She loved Jordan Chartrand, and she wanted to raise their son together. There went the biggest dream she’d ever dreamt, because she’d screwed up everything now.

Book Buy Links

Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Google Play | Smashwords |
eXtasy Books

Author Bio and Links

An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway

Maggie Blackbird will be awarding a $10.00 eXtasy Books Gift Certificate to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

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

I’m happy to welcome Mary-Frances Winters to my blog. Today, Mary-Frances shares her new release, Racial Justice at Work.

Blurb

Creating justice-centered organizations is the next frontier in DEI. This book shows how to go beyond compliance to address harm, share power, and create equity.

Traditional DEI work has not succeeded at dismantling systems that perpetuate harm and exclude BIPOC groups. Proponents of DEI have put too much focus on HR solutions, such as increasing representation, and not enough emphasis on changing the deeper organizational systems that perpetuate inequities—in other words, on justice. DEIJ work diverges from traditional metrics-driven DEI work and requires a new approach to effectively dismantle power structures.

This thought-provoking, solutions-oriented book offers strategic advice on how to adopt a justice mindset, anticipate and address resistance, shift power dynamics, and create a psychologically safe organizational culture. Individual chapters provide pragmatic how-to guides to implementing justice-centered practices in recruitment and hiring, data collection and analysis, learning and development, marketing and advertising, procurement, philanthropy, and more.

DEIJ pioneer Mary-Frances Winters and her coauthors address some of the most significant aspects of adding a justice focus to diversity work, showing how to create a workplace culture where equity is not a checklist of performative actions but a lived reality.

Excerpt

Over the past fifty years, reams of research have been published around the idea of psychological safety, an aspect of organizational culture that cultivates openness, engagement, and positive change. It is the feeling among employees that employers and managers will not punish them for speaking up. As David Altman from the Center for Creative Leadership puts it: “People need to feel comfortable speaking up, asking naïve questions, and disagreeing with the status quo to create ideas that make a real difference . . . . It doesn’t mean that everybody is nice all the time. It means you embrace the conflict and speak up, knowing that your team has your back and you have their backs.” While most of the literature in this area has focused on team dynamics and organizational hierarchy—including the business case for psychological safety—the current zeitgeist requires we refine it even further with an eye toward justice: A just organization ensures that Black and POC employees are psychologically safe.

The majority of organizations in the US are still hierarchical in their structures. Generally speaking, org charts are a nominal variation of “executives are positioned above upper management, which in turn stands above middle management, which then oversees the general
staff population.” There may be more levels, different terminology, or perhaps even a nice-looking horizontal layout, but at its core, this structure has become the operating paradigm in staffing. There are plenty of benefits of utilizing such a structure, and it can be highly effective in producing an organization’s desired outcomes, whatever they may be. The adage too often remains true, though: “Bad news doesn’t travel up.”

More to the point: bad news doesn’t travel up if no one feels safe sharing bad news. Likewise, good ideas die a quick death along with the bad news if employees expect their ideas to be overlooked, criticized, or dismissed out of hand. Put another way—the traditional
workplace hierarchy often suppresses growth and change by suppressing bad news and good ideas due to employees not feeling psychologically safe. “Often” is the operative word there, for it doesn’t have to be so.

It takes a concerted effort from the team and company leaders to create a psychologically safe working environment, especially for Black and POC employees. Leaders have to be willing to receive open, honest feedback and not feel threatened by ideas from those lower in the hierarchy—especially employees of color—and cultivate a culture where everyone feels safe sharing.

Author Bio and Links

Mary-Frances Winters is the founder and CEO of the Winters Group Inc. She was named a top ten diversity trailblazer by Forbes and a diversity pioneer by Profiles in Diversity Journal, and she is the recipient of the prestigious ATHENA Award as well as the Winds of Change Award conferred by the Forum on Workplace Inclusion. Winters is also the author of We Can’t Talk about That at Work, Inclusive Conversations, and Black Fatigue.

The Winters Group Team contributors are Kevin A. Carter, Megan Ellinghausen, Scott Ferry, Gabrielle Gayagoy Gonzalez, Dr. Terrence Harewood, Tami Jackson, Dr. Megan Larson, Leigh Morrison, Katelyn Peterson, Mareisha N. Reese, Thamara Subramanian, and Rochelle Younan-Montgomery.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Giveaway

Mary-Frances Winters and The Winters Group Team 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 Mary-Frances on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.

I’m happy to welcome bestselling author KaSonndra Leigh. Today, KaSonndra shares interesting details about her creative journey and her new release, Hacienda Moon.

Interview

What was your inspiration for this book?

For Hacienda Moon, my inspiration came from my love for gothic romance
and my fascination with the supernatural. I’ve always been drawn to stories that combine romance, mystery, and otherworldly elements, and I wanted to create something that would capture that same sense of magic and intrigue.

The novel is set in a small town in North Carolina, where the past and present collide in unexpected ways. The story follows the main character, Tandie Harrison, as she uncovers dark secrets about her family’s past. Along the way, she meets a charming and mysterious man named Eric who becomes intertwined with her quest for the truth.

The setting and characters were inspired by my own experiences growing up in North Carolina, where the rich paranormal history and culture of the region have always fascinated me. I wanted to create a story that was not only entertaining but also explored themes of love, loss, and redemption.

I also drew inspiration from classic gothic romance novels, such as the
Mayfair Witches and Frankenstein, which have always been among my favorite books. I wanted to create a modern-day version of these classic tales, uniquely blending supernatural elements and contemporary romance.

Overall, my inspiration for Hacienda Moon came from my love for gothic
romance, my fascination with the supernatural, and my desire to create a story that would captivate and entertain readers.

Describe your writing space.

My writing space is a cozy and inviting room, filled with the things that inspire me and make me feel at ease. The focal point of the room is my desk, which is made of clear blue glass and overlooks a beautiful view of nature. I love the way the sunlight streams through the glass, casting an ethereal blue glow around me as I write.

Around the desk, there are several fairy figurines placed strategically. They are delicate and whimsical, their presence always reminding me of the sense of magic that I love to infuse in my stories. I chose the fairies to remind me to believe in the possibilities of the imaginative worlds that I create.

At the side of the desk, there’s also a small library filled with my favorite books, both classic and modern. It contains the stories that have inspired me over the years and continue to do so. Having my favorite books so close allows me to immerse myself in the world of fiction and be inspired whenever I need it.

Lastly, the window next to my desk provides natural light that flows into the writing space, making the room feel vibrant and full of life. Overall, my writing space is a place of inspiration, imagination, and relaxation, where the forces of the universe come together to facilitate the writing process.

What is your favorite quote?

This one is easy and it’s one of my own… “Be the Star that Lights Up the Sky, When Others Around You Have Fallen.” ~ KaSonndra Leigh

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

Besides writing and reading, I have several hobbies that I enjoy. One of my passions is running marathons; I love the feeling of pushing myself to the limit and achieving something that I never thought possible. It’s an excellent way to clear my mind and stay focused, and it gives me a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas of life.

I’m also passionate about interior design and home renovations. I love nothing more than transforming a space into something beautiful and inviting. Whether it’s picking out new furniture or painting the walls, I find it deeply satisfying to create a welcoming and comfortable living space that reflects my personality and style.

Additionally, I enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. Exploring new cities, trying new foods, and immersing myself in different ways of life is a valuable source of inspiration for my writing, and it allows me to expand my horizons and fulfill my curiosity.

Overall, I believe that having diverse hobbies and interests is essential to maintaining a healthy and balanced life. Each of my hobbies brings unique benefits, from physical and mental health to creative inspiration, and I can’t imagine my life without them.

And advice for aspiring writers?

Here are some pieces of advice for aspiring writers:

1. Write. The most important thing you can do as an aspiring writer is to write as much as possible. You won’t be able to improve your craft unless you’re actively putting pen to paper (or typing on a keyboard).

2. Read. The more you read, the more you’ll be exposed to different styles and genres of writing. This will help you develop your own writing style and find ways to stand out from the crowd.

3. Experiment. Don’t be afraid to try writing different genres or styles. Write short stories, poetry, plays, or anything that sparks creativity. Experimenting with different forms can help you find your voice and hone your skills.

Thanks for inviting me over to hang out at your wonderful blog today.

Blurb

Tandie Harrison is a police medium struggling to pick up the pieces of her life after a devastating divorce that left her without her precious daughter and her psychic visions. With a heavy heart, she escapes the hustle and bustle of New York City and moves into the alluring plantation house, Chelby Rose. Here, she meets Eric, the home’s charismatic caretaker. Despite the ghostly warnings, Tandie finds herself drawn to him, and as their affair intensifies, so does the centuries-old curse haunting them both.

Suddenly, Tandie finds herself at the center of a dark and dangerous web full of deceit and intrigue. As fear begins to consume her, she must find the courage to face the demons of her past if she is to have any chance at a future. Hacienda Moon is a captivating story full of suspense and romance that will ensnare you from start to finish.

Note to readers and bookclubs:

This is the expanded and revamped edition of the Hacienda Moon that was originally published in 2012. Please be sure to add this version to your to-read list as this edition contains more gothic suspense, intrigue, and of course romance.

Excerpt

The results of Eric’s handyman skills were beautiful. The final perk was the light rose-colored exterior paint, a shade considered original to the house. Eric didn’t say a word about my upgraded paintbrushes. He was too busy making sure I didn’t catch him watching me as I bent over to paint the lowest boards on the house. However, I turned around at the perfect moment on paint day and caught him staring. His face flushed so badly, I couldn’t resist doing something to celebrate my small victory.

“Wow, it’s so hot out here today.” I stretched my arms, lifting my tee-shirt up until my belly button was exposed, basking in the warmth of the late summer sun. Eric’s mouth fell open. Success! That move totally stole Mr. Intense’s attention. Tucking my lips, I made a move toward an even more creative tease, bending over to pick up one of the three paint brushes I’d dropped.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“What does it look like? I dropped my paintbrushes.” I shrugged and waved the brush between us. “Did I not use the proper technique for bending over and picking it up?”

He gave me a dimpled grin and moved closer to where I stood beside the house. Glancing down at the brushes beside my feet, he said, “They do look somewhat dirty. You sure you can handle that task? You strike me as somewhat of a nice girl. With that much paint and dirt all in the heads, you have to get a little rough with cleaning them.” His gaze bore into mine, smoldering me under a hazel brown sugary-colored look this time.

I held his gaze. “Oh, believe me. I have plenty of ways to clean dirty things.”

There was about a foot of space between us now. “Is that right?”

“Oh yeah,” I answered, hoping that the pulse line on my neck didn’t show the way my heart thumped inside my chest.

His gaze drifted from my eyes down to my lips and finally ended at my left shoulder. “Then why don’t you start by cleaning that big red spider off your shoulder?” An amused smile spread across his lips, but a scream shrilled out of mine.

Eric slammed his hands over his ears. “Damn it, Tandie.”

Adrenaline spiked through me. He might as well have said my breasts were hanging out. He would’ve gotten less of a response than he did with the spider statement. “Get it off me! Do you see it? Is it still there? Get it!” I shrieked, jumping around and spinning in half circles.

“I won’t help you until you stop trying to burst my eardrums,” he said, still half-way smiling. He came over and put his arms around me, pulling me into his embrace. “Calm down, Tandie. It’s gone, all right?”

Vowing to never tease Eric ever again, I waited for my breathing to normalize and for my trembling limbs to steady as I was pressed against Eric’s chest.

Author Bio and Links

Meet your word sculptress…

Author of the #1 Amazon International bestselling novels, the Prelude and the Lost Immortals Saga, KaSonndra is also a mother, designer, reader, gardener, home renovator, and a slayer of undead Egyptian mummies in Tomb Raider. She believes in karma, coffee, and seriously wishes that the producers of Xena would bring her favorite show back.

KaSonndra was born in the race-car city of Charlotte, NC, and now lives in the City of Alchemy and Medicine, NC, when she’s not hanging out in Bardonia (Lost Immortals Saga setting). Most of her characters are based on people that she has met throughout her travels and adventures.

People tend to stop and start conversations with KaSonndra as if she has known them her entire life. Does this freak her out? Not really. Her mom says that one day she’ll get kidnapped by one of these folks. KaSonndra’s response? She told her mom that if it weren’t for these lovely people, then she wouldn’t be able to create such fabulously romantic stories!

Visit KaSonndra’s at one of her online homes:

Webpage | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Instagram | Online Blogazine | Amazon

Giveaway

KaSonndra Leigh will be awarding a $20 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

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