INTRODUCTION:

For generations, the Wicked Witch of the West has stood as one of fiction’s most iconic figures—a shadowy presence both feared and fascinating. In The Wicked Witch of the West: The Enduring Legacy of a Feminist Icon, Dr. Lona Bailey reclaims this figure from the realm of villainy and reintroduces her as a defiant emblem of womanhood, misunderstood by the very culture that created her.

Bailey’s exploration moves beyond Oz’s yellow bricks and into the social fabric that has defined—and confined—powerful women for more than a century. From L. Frank Baum’s original vision to modern reinterpretations like Wicked, Bailey illuminates how the Witch’s story has mirrored women’s evolving battles for respect, equality, and voice. Each adaptation, she argues, reveals something about the world’s comfort—or discomfort—with women who dare to wield influence. Richly researched and beautifully written, the book examines how this so-called “wickedness” is in truth a reclamation of autonomy, making the Witch a living metaphor for every woman who has ever refused to shrink herself.

EXCERPT:

It’s quite impossible to explore the icon of the Wicked Witch without acknowledging Margaret Hamilton’s unforgettable portrayal of the character, as she is widely credited with introducing her to the world in a way that has captivated audiences ever since. Was it the green skin, broom, cackling laughter, exaggerated hook to her nose, or sharp-tongued quips that embedded her into cultural consciousness? Perhaps all of those things and more initially made the world fall fast and hard for the fiendish character, but only in the context of Margaret Hamilton’s simply splendid portrayal.

“I was walking down Fifth Avenue in New York not long ago when a nice-looking young man called to me. ‘Miss Hamilton,’ he said, ‘you don’t know me, but I know you. You scared the pants off me when I was a little boy,’” Margaret Hamilton recalled.1 The barely five-foot-tall Margaret “Maggie” Hamilton has managed to terrify millions for more than eighty-five years in her characterization of L. Frank Baum’s Wicked Witch of the West. What began as a fairly one-dimensional antagonist with few descriptives beyond her general reputation for wickedness, was suddenly and frighteningly brought to life thirty-nine years after she was penned in Baum’s book and the legend of The Wizard of Oz truly began. In following suit with what “that little animation company” Walt Disney did in the successful film adaptation of the children’s fantasy story Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, MGM bought the rights to adapt Baum’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to brilliant Technicolor in 1938. The demigod of MGM, Louis B. Mayer, purchased the book’s rights in the fall of 1937 upon the suggestion of Mervyn LeRoy. Mayer saw grand potential in a musical version of the children’s novel and with LeRoy and Arthur Freed on board, revisions toward final production were initially promising. The script went through a merry-go-round of revisions from its initial draft to its on-screen presentation with cuts, edits, rewrites, and additions from legions of hired, fired, and rehired writers. 

The only mainstays were the leading cast—well, sort of. Judy Garland was cast as Dorothy, Frank Morgan as the Wizard (and several other supporting roles), Ray Bolger as the Scarecrow/Hunk, Bert Lahr as the Lion/Zeke, Jack Haley as the Tin Man/Hickory, Billie Burke as Glinda, and Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West/Miss Gulch. 

Originally, actress Gale Sondergaard was cast as the Wicked Witch, but being a bit too glamorous for such a haggy and undesirable part, Sondergaard withdrew from the production and Hamilton was offered the role just three days before filming began. Hamilton had appeared in several films for MGM by 1938, and with her distinct features and knack for spinster supports, Director Victor Fleming thought she was a natural choice for the queen of mean. 

Whether or not Hamilton knew of Matilda Joslyn Gage as “the woman behind the curtain” of Baum’s novel, in her portrayal, she creatively matched the feministic intentions of the original story’s creator. While the Technicolor Wizard of Oz fostered the stereotypical image of what “witches” were believed to look like in the 1930s. 

Witches were generally considered sallow, sexless figures whose rebellious and/or peculiar behavior had caused them to be ostracized by the general public. One early exception to this is Edmund Spenser’s The Faerie Queene (1590) with the character of Acrasia, the enchantress who uses her beauty to seduce and corrupt knights. Unlike the longstanding, older, and malevolent image of witches, Acrasia is described as physically alluring and beguiling, using her appearance and charm as weapons to achieve her goals. Though still a nonconformist in Spenser’s story, Acrasia’s beauty masks her dangerous nature, a theme that has been echoed in later depictions of witches in literature and folklore, though most classic literature purports “witch” to be synonymous with “ugly.” 

Nonconformist characteristics (described in horrid terms) usually included degrees of unsightly yellow or red complexions, unkempt, stringy hair, exaggerated facial features, and of course, warts. For example, William Shakespeare’s witches, the “Weird Sisters” in Macbeth, are described as dirty, haggish rebels who live separately from society and possess not only mystical powers but also distinctively masculine features such as beards. Any beauty that was ascribed to a witch before the postmodern reinvention of her image was usually only a magical cover for her “true” haggish nature, which she ruthlessly used to further her evil agenda. For better or for worse, MGM began the reinvention process of the witch, and Margaret Hamilton’s face was the canvas on which they painted—literally. With a hooked nose, green skin, pointy chin, crystal ball to spy on her enemies, and dressed all in black with a flying broom, Hamilton herself subtly fostered a more progressive approach to villainy in that inch of redemption she gifted the character through her own touch of feministic essence despite her convincing malevolence on screen. 

Contrary to most villainesses in early literature, film, and television, the Wicked Witch was not a masculine character. Perhaps we wouldn’t call her “pretty” in the green paint and prosthetics, but still Hamilton brought a subtle, yet undeniable femininity to the role that changed the “look” of a “witch” in the general sense. The paradox of Hamilton’s portrayal in such a traditional era was that she brought both femininity and feminism to the characterization. Billie Burke, on the other hand, certainly brought femininity to “Good Witch Glinda,” and her delicate, docile characterization stuck closely by Baum’s original non-feministic “Good Witch.” Burke seemed to naturally exude a dainty energy and sense of glamour as Glinda, which is also what the role required, but as far as MGM was concerned, Margaret Hamilton’s subtle artistic strokes of feminism weren’t of importance just so long as she, as the “bad one” was scary and not too “pretty.”

From Lona Bailey:

While researching this book, I discovered just how much world history has culminated to give us what we now recognize as the icon of the Wicked Witch. Her evolution was absolutely fascinating to trace. We tend to think of witches in fiction as timeless villainesses who have “always” existed in a fixed way, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The figure of the witch reaches back to ancient civilizations—where she could be feared, revered, or misunderstood—and over the centuries she has been shaped by religion, politics, gender norms, and folklore. What struck me most was how, in the last hundred years especially, the witch has transformed from a symbol of evil into one of independence and feminine strength.

That journey mirrors so much of women’s history itself: the push from suppression to empowerment, from being silenced to reclaiming voice and agency. Even on the set of The Wizard of Oz, you can see this cultural tension at play in the contrast between Margaret Hamilton’s “wicked” witch and Billie Burke’s “good” one—both the characters and the actresses were shaped by typecasting, the misogynistic “old studio system,” unrealistic beauty standards of the Golden Era of Hollywood, and class perceptions of their time. This was heartbreaking, yet important for me to better understand, because we—so many decades removed from their era—tend to see everyone in films like The Wizard of Oz as glamorous stars, but in real time, there were studio system biases that caused great woundedness for many like Hamilton who dared to be different. The harmful stereotyping in bygone eras not only shaped the icon of the Wicked Witch, but actresses like Hamilton who portrayed her.  

 Digging into these layers made me realize that the Wicked Witch isn’t just a fictional figure, she’s a cultural mirror. Every generation redefines her based on what it fears—or celebrates—about powerful women. That discovery gave the project a deeper meaning and made me fall even more in love with her story.

Questions & Answers:

Writing Process & Creativity

How did you research your book?

I dove deep into everything from MGM archives to feminist theory journals, historical folklore books, and even old fan magazines. I wanted to understand not just the Wicked Witch herself but how audiences across decades have reacted to her and why. It was part film history, part cultural detective work and I loved every minute of it! 

What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote & why?

Honestly, there really weren’t many, if any, “hard” parts to write for this book—it was fun and engaging from start to finish. Every chapter felt like uncovering a new layer of the Witch’s legacy, and the deeper I went, the more fascinating she became. It was one of those rare projects that energized me instead of exhausting me.

Where do you get your ideas?

Usually from questions or topics of intrigue that just won’t leave me alone. With this book, it started with, “Why do we still fear the Witch, but secretly root for her too?” That curiosity turned into a full-blown exploration of power, femininity, and legacy and what perfect timing with the film adaptations of Wicked! 

What sets your book apart from others in your genre?

I think this is one of the first books about the Wicked Witch herself not just in the context of film history, but in a broader cultural conversation. I have tried to blend Hollywood storytelling with feminist analysis, so readers get equal parts behind-the-scenes entertainment lore and what-does-this-say-about-me insight.

What helps you overcome writer’s block?

When writer’s block hits, I get up and move—I take a walk or slip into a good young adult fiction I enjoyed when I was younger (I’m a huge Nancy Drew fan!). Something about the rhythm of walking or the familiar creative tangles of a Nancy Drew or Goosebumps story helps the next line find me instead of the other way around.

What’s your favorite compliment you’ve received as a writer?

Several people over the years have told me after reading a biography I wrote of their loved one— someone I never had the chance to meet in life – that it felt as though I had known them personally. That’s one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive as a researcher and writer. It tells me my research was thorough, my interpretation true to the person, and that I succeeded in bringing their spirit to life on the page. 

Your Writing Life

Do you write every day? What’s your schedule?

Like many writers, I usually write something every day, even if it’s just a few paragraphs or some notes. I’m most creative in the mornings, so I like to get my coffee, open my laptop, and dive right in when I can. Some days it’s research, other days it’s full-on storytelling, but luckily I enjoy both.

Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train?

Mostly in my home office—it’s my creative haven. I’ve built a cozy writing space that feels both peaceful and inspiring, filled with books and old Hollywood memorabilia that keep me grounded in the era I often write about.

Any quirky writing rituals or must-have snacks? 

I always have my furry sidekick, Penny the morkiepoo, curled up on my desk as my “lucky Penny.” She’s my little muse. I also choose a new candle for each book I write—a scent and name that somehow connect to the story at hand—and I burn it every time I work on that project. It’s my way of setting the mood and signaling to my brain, it’s time to write.

Behind the Book

Why did you choose this setting/topic?

I’ve always been fascinated by Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch, and it occurred to me a couple of years ago that she did not have a full-length biography. After some preliminary research, I realized the potential for combining a bit of Hamilton’s story into the larger story of the Wicked Witch. The Wicked Witch of the West is so much more than a villainess—she’s a mirror of how women’s power and independence have been viewed through time, which are always topics of importance. Writing this book gave me the chance to explore her evolution from fearsome figure to feminist icon and the timing of the Wicked films was “spookily” perfect. 

If your book became a movie, who would star in it?

Though nonfiction academically postured books are sometimes harder to adapt to film, if it were to happen I would love to see someone like Sigourney Weaver or Anjelica Huston bring the Witch’s complexity to life—they both have that rare ability to blend elegance, strength, and mystery. Of course, a musical cameo by Kristin Chenoweth or Cynthia Erivo would be the perfect nod to the Witch’s modern legacy!

Which author(s) most inspired you?

I’ve always loved classic literature—there’s something timeless about the way those writers captured human complexity. Faulkner and Tennessee Williams are two of my favorites for their depth and southern sensibility, but I also adore Kate Chopin and Shirley Jackson for the way they explored women’s inner lives with such courage and nuance. Their influence definitely weaves its way into how I approach character and theme in my own writing.

Fun & Lighthearted Qs

What’s your go-to comfort food?

Coffee. Does a drink count? 

What are you binge-watching right now?

Judge Judy. It’s been my go-to comfort show for decades! 

If you could time-travel, where would you go?

I’d go straight to 1940s Hollywood to see the Golden Age in full swing with the studio sets, radio broadcasts, and all that behind-the-scenes glamour I’m always writing about. I would also sit outside Clark Gable’s dressing room for as long as it took to meet him!

What 3 books would you bring to a desert island?

The Bible, The Great Gatsby, and A Light in August. 

What’s something that made you laugh this week?

I’m a big vaudeville fan, so I always laugh when I catch glimpses of that kind of comedy in everyday life. The other day, I looked out my home office window and saw a rather small pickup truck slowly rolling down the road with a huge pile of mismatched chairs rounded over to the sky in the back. Miraculously, nothing fell off, but the whole scene looked like something out of a Three Stooges episode, and I couldn’t help but laugh while I took a picture of it. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Lona Bailey is a decorated biographer and historian whose work honors women who helped shape Hollywood’s Golden Age but were often left in the footnotes of history. Her acclaimed books—Uncredited, Voice of Villainy, Mrs. Radio, and The Wasp Woman—give voice to the silenced and offer an empathetic lens on fame, artistry, and identity. With a PhD and experience as a therapist, Bailey brings psychological depth to her storytelling, revealing not just the facts but the humanity behind each life. Her Voice of Villainy biography was an award-winner in 2023, earning both international and national honors. Discover more of her work on her website or connect on Facebook.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nHUMH4

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233812615-wicked-witch-of-the-west

REVIEW:

Second Dance by Tess Thompson was almost a fairy tale. I loved every minute I spent with this book. If you remember, I read Second Act, which is a prequel to The Parent App Series. I was so excited when I finished that book, I immediately knew I wanted to read the remainder of the series.

When the Second Dance hit my inbox, I couldn’t wait to crack it open and get reading. The series is about 5 women who all had children starting their first day of school. They met at a coffee gathering for moms who were leaving their kids at school for the first time. They became like family over the years. The kids are now in high school and decide their moms need a man in their lives when they leave for college so they put their moms profile on a dating app. Each book is a different mom’s experience at finding forever love. 

The Second Dance is about Gillian Horton who is reunited with her first true love Alex Garcia. These two characters were so warm and loving they made my heart sing. Alex is a widow and Gillian has never been married. Gillian is so understanding of young people and is patient and kind. Just the kind of parents you want to see today.

I’ve found myself leaning more toward romance lately. I think the main reason is it is a kinder and gentler world than the one we are living in right now. I think I need that escape from all the violent and horrible crimes that are happening right now. I find myself crying during the news at night and these books bring such joy into my life.

If you are like me and looking for books that are uplifting and make you forget the horror that is going on around you, then I highly recommend The Parent App Series. I suspect these books will be somewhat standalones but, we are early in the series so read the prequel first and then jump right in. I think the next book is coming out fairly soon and you will be ready for it. They definitely belong on your nightstand to bring you sweet dreams. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

She never forgot her first love. Her daughter just found him on a dating app.

One summer in New York City, Gillian Horton met Alex Garcia—the boy who made her laugh, dream, and fall head over heels. Then tragedy struck. Gillian returned home to raise her infant niece, and Alex went back to MIT. Their love story ended in silence.

Fourteen years later, Gillian has built a life in Willet Cove. Grace, the little girl she raised, is now a teenager who longs for a father. What Gillian doesn’t know is that Grace and her friends have secretly put her profile on a dating app. And the first match to appear nearly stops Grace’s heart—Alex Garcia, widowed billionaire and single father of two.
Seeing Alex again shakes Gillian to her core. His teenagers raise painful questions about whether he had a family the summer he loved her. But as Grace soon discovers, the truth is more complicated—and maybe more hopeful—than her mother believes.

Reuniting first love is never simple. With trust to rebuild, families to blend, and grief still tender, Gillian and Alex must find the courage to risk their hearts again. Because some dances are worth a second chance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tess Thompson is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of contemporary and historical Romantic Women’s Fiction with over 50 published titles. Her books are emotional and heartwarming with themes of second chances, redemption and the power love has to change lives and create community.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest in a house on a small lake with her husband and kitties. Her four children are now young adults exploring their own paths and adventures, leaving an empty nest and a lot more time to write. She and her husband enjoy a quiet life, obsessed with birds and the other wildlife on their property, which makes them officially old. On any given day their yard could be visited by deer, bears, coyotes and squirrels.

Most days, she can be found curled up in her favorite chair reading or in her office writing while keeping an eye out for hummingbirds in the feeder outside of her office.

REVIEW:

Patricia Sands has once again captured my heart and taken me into a brand new world of new friends and experiences with her brand new book The French Effect. I will never have an experience like this in my lifetime on earth. With this book we entered the world of Paris and met some wonderful people. I can’t wait for you to meet them!

We first meet Nora Bennet who is from Ontario. Her daughter, Chloe was married and moved to Paris three years ago. Nora is a widow and has not celebrated the holidays in a few years. Chloe calls when Nora is experiencing restlessness and writer’s block. She invites her mom to Paris to pet sit for her neighbor’s dog. The dog is Atticus and is a doberman. That scares Nora a bit. Nora is not one to act impulsively but, she decides to take the opportunity to be with her daughter and we’re off on a whirlwind of experiences!

When Nora gets to Paris we meet Olivier who is Chloe’s husband and his father Pierre. We also get the story of 93 year old Marie-Louise who lived through the Occupation as a child. Nora has agreed to ghostwrite her memoir. If you have ever read anything during this time period you know it is a very moving time in history. There are many more interesting people in this book.

I learned some of the customs in France and the people there are much different than they are here. It sounds like it is a much safer environment and a healthier lifestyle. My imagination was running wild! I’m not sure I would really enjoy the tourist areas but, the neighborhoods and the way of life was something to really think about. They love their dogs in France and they are welcome in eateries and are brought water to drink while they are waiting for their people to eat. How fun is that?

This book does take place just before, during, and after the holiday season. To be able to experience that in this book was priceless. If you are looking for a unique holiday book to warm your heart, I highly recommend The French Effect by Patricia Sands for your bedside table. I will be living in the world of this book for a few days and it may stay with me much longer. It is that good! Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

From the bestselling author of the LOVE IN PROVENCE series, comes a hopeful and heartwarming journey that reminds us it’s never too late for a second chance.

France has a way of changing your mind … and your heart …

Novelist Nora Bennett is living her fifties with more doubts than dreams. Once content with her quiet life, she’s recently found herself battling writer’s block, a growing restlessness—and resistance to a holiday season she’s long stopped celebrating. So, when her daughter Chloe, an artist living in Paris, asks her to dog-sit an intimidating Doberman named Atticus, Nora surprises
them both by saying yes.

Delicious meals, long walks through the storied streets of Montmartre, and a chance to rediscover a spark of joy in the glittering holiday lights of Paris: Six weeks in the City of Light might be just the escape Nora needs.

Except Paris has other plans. Nora agrees to ghostwrite a memoir for 93-year-old Marie-Louise, who reveals haunting memories of surviving the Occupation as a child of the Resistance. A charming younger tango partner with secrets of his own introduces Nora to the French art of pleasure. All the while, the city’s irresistible festive spirit envelops her gently.

Chloe invites Nora to spend Christmas at her husband Olivier’s centuries-old ancestral farm in Provence. There, Nora is embraced by the warmth of family and treasured traditions. She’s also unexpectedly drawn to Pierre, her son-in-law’s moody and magnetic father. Their connection is undeniable, even as he seems intent on keeping his distance.

But when Atticus suddenly goes missing, Pierre joins Nora in searching for him. Soon a winding road trip returning to Paris softens their defenses … and reveals complicated truths behind their guarded hearts.

Yet as Nora’s time in France begins to wind down, she must decide: Return to the comfort of the life she knew – or leap into a bold new chapter she never imagined beyond the pages of her novels.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Patricia Sands lives 2 hours north of Toronto, but her heart’s other home is the South of France. She spends part of each year on the Cote d’Azur and once a year leads a women-only tour of the Riviera and Provence based on her novels. Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book club favorite and in December 2020, the Tenth Anniversary edition was published ~ the original story with revisions and a new Epilogue. The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance.

The Promise of Provence became Book #1 in the Love In Provence series. Promises To Keep ~ Book #2 was released in Summer 2014. I Promise You This ~ Book #3 was released in May 17, 2016. The series explores a mid-life coming of age and allows readers to lose themselves in the beauty of the south of France without leaving home.

Patricia was invited to join the Lake Union imprint (Women’s Fiction) of Amazon Publishing in January 2015. Her fifth novel, Drawing Lessons, also set in France, and a semi-finalist in the 2018 Somerset Literary Awards, was released by Lake Union Publishing on October 1, 2017.

From December 2018 to January 2020, Patricia published a series of novellas is in response to readers’ requests to spend more time with the characters from the Love in Provence series. The First Noël at the Villa des Violettes (Book 1), A Season of Surprises (Book 2) in the Villa des Violettes series and Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes (Book 3)were released in 2019/2020.

The Secrets We Hide was released in August, 2022 and has received the 2023 Book Excellence Winner award for Women’s Fiction. http://www.bookexcellenceawards.com

In February 2023, eight authors collaborated in an entertaining series of short novels, the Sail Away Series, each one set on a cruise. The first book was released on February 1 and for eight weeks after that a new book was published. Patricia’s Lost At Sea, Book #8, was released March 15th.

A new Villa des Violettes book (#4) is in the works!

Celebrating the rewarding friendships and bonds women share, Sands’ stories examine the challenges life often throws in our paths. Location features prominently in all of her novels.

Her philosophy is that it’s never too late to begin something new, to seize each day and be a possibilitarian! As the saying goes, just do it! Hearing from readers (both men and women) is her greatest reward.

Visit her online at http://www.patriciasandsauthor.com or linktr.ee/patriciasands and follow her on Instagram @psands.stories

REVIEW:

A Love for a Lifetime by Lara Van Hulzen is the second book I’ve read by this author. I’m so glad I read this one. I recently looked up A Love Worth Waiting For wondering when the next book in The Nearlake Series would be coming out. I loved the first book and was pleasantly surprised when I was contacted to do a review on the new book about a month later.

A Love for a Lifetime is about a couple that live in a small town on the Nearlake. They have become empty nesters a couple of years ago and Charlie Benson is struggling with feeling lost with her kids away from home. Her daughter is in the middle of planning a wedding. There is a lot going on in Charlie and Davis. Davis is from one of the founding families in the community and they feel a responsibility to their hometown.

Well, you know I love small towns and I settled right into this book devouring every word. Charlie and Davis were a lovable couple and their friends were too. One of the couples were the main characters in the first book. Charlie has two close friends and one of them hasn’t lived in town since she got married and it seems to me she is hiding something and maybe having a hard time with her new life. I’m anxious to read the next book to see what that might be and if it is revealed to us.

The overall storyline in this book flowed very easily. It was a fast paced story that will not leave you bored. Lara Van Hulzen is a natural born storyteller. The two books I have read by her are a joy to read. 

The characters in this book have worries and feel like they are real. I was so involved in the book and they became real to me. There are some pretty serious things going on and there is a special little side story that I absolutely fell in love with and I can’t wait to see what happens to that. This book wrapped up nicely and I didn’t feel like I was left hanging but there are some situations I want to see through.

If you are like me and get involved with the characters you are reading about and their lives and small towns that care for each other, then this book should be on your radar.

I think you need to have a copy for your nightstand. I’ll tell you a secret. All my books go to bed with me and sleep on my nightstand because most of my books are on my tablet. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

Charlie Benson is happy with her life; she just feels a little lost. The empty nest years haven’t been as easy as she thought they might be, and while planning her daughter’s wedding should be fun, it’s become more about appeasing overbearing relatives than her daughter’s happiness.

Davis Benson wants nothing more than for his wife to be happy, but since their two kids left for college, things just haven’t been the same. Charlie isn’t her usual bubbly self, and the empty nest years aren’t as fun as he expected.

When a potential real estate deal threatens the small town where they live, and Charlie and Davis risk losing their home, their world feels beyond their control, making it increasingly difficult to find hope. Together, they must find a way to carve a new path unlike the one they imagined, holding tight to what matters most.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

LARA VAN HULZEN
I write books. I read almost all genres. I love sports, tea, books, and cookies. My faves are my Great Dane, my husband, & my 3 kids. Not always in that order. 🙂

I’m an author with Tule Publishing. I am all about people and I love character driven stories. I love history and am a curious person who consistently wants to learn. I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t writing or reading. I had journals as soon as I could write words. And I would get lost in books for hours as a kid. Stories and writing are how I process the world around me, what I see and experience as well as what I learn. I could talk books for hours and am happy to do so with anyone. I also love to sip tea and watch baseball.

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C.S. Lewis

Happy Reading Everyone!

Connect With Me!

https://linktr.ee/laravanhulzen

REVIEW:

Dear Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende is the fourth and probably final book in the Goodbye Orchid Series. This is one series that will grab your heart and twist. It is so heartwrenching and heartwarming, it really makes you really hope that perfect, gentle love really exists. I fall in love with love when I read these books. They make me have hope for humanity.

This book is a collection of letters, stories and new fiction. It brings back characters we have met before. It is reminiscent. I am going to be honest with you and tell you that I did not think that I would like this book. I thought it was going to be a big let down after reading the rest of the series. I do want to tell you that I was not disappointed. Carol Van Den Hende came through with flying colors. I loved it!

I will say that I had my favorite spots in the book and I am not going to say what they were because I feel everyone will have their own special favorites. There were some stories I wanted more of. There were some I just was ok with and there were not many of them. There was an interesting interview I think you will like. It kind of felt like Carol  was sitting at her desk picking up old notes from her books and just throwing them in a file folder. Then she assembled them into what you get in Dear Orchid. I don’t know how she threw all of that in a folder and came up with such a wonderful book! 

Look, I know Carol worked hard on this book and it was not that easy. I just think that it would be a wild experience to get to paw through the notes of an author on her books that you love. This was kind of like getting to know how her mind works. On the other hand, she always handles these stories with such love and empathy. 

If I have intrigued you in just a tiny way, if you love short stories, and you have read any of the other books in this series, you will definitely need to put this book on your to be read list and add it to your nightstand. It is an absolutely wonderful book to read before bed. It does not require you to read for long stretches of time. So, be sure to check out Dear Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

These aren’t just stories. They’re love letters.

Told through a mix of true stories and new fiction, Dear Orchid opens the heart in unexpected ways: through loss and love, silence and recovery, and the hard-won resilience of people who don’t always fit the mold.

With tenderness and heart, Dear Orchid is an Asian American author’s homage to Mary-Louise Parker’s Dear Mr. You, through letters to a girl newly freed from East Berlin, an aunt lost to Communist-era borders, and Purple Heart-decorated heroes. These intimate portraits explore the messy beauty of friendship, family, disability, and belonging.

You’ll meet a wounded hero who jokes through his pain, a beloved cat with a crayon note taped to his back (“HELP ME”), and characters who refuse to be defined by what they’ve lost.

The final chapter brings a fictional reunion with the unforgettable cast from the Goodbye Orchid trilogy, offering healing, closure, and a second chance romance.

Written in a lyrical, letter-style format, this collection blends memoir and imagination in a deeply personal exploration of grief, identity, and human connection. It’s a window into private moments that echo something universal.
Underneath the heartbreak and humor runs the quiet pull between star-crossed lovers, whose stories unfold across time, distance, and impossible odds.

Whether you’re drawn to true stories of survival or fictional narratives filled with tenderness and truth, Dear Orchid offers an emotional journey that celebrates love in all its forms.

A collection for anyone who’s ever loved, lost, or longed to understand the emotional truth behind the quiet moments that shape us.

Includes elements of multicultural and medical romance, true stories, and unforgettable moments of vulnerability and hope.

Also look for the Goodbye Orchid trilogy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

CAROL VAN DEN HENDE is an award-winning author who pens stories of resilience and hope. Her novels Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid, and Always Orchid draw from her own Chinese American family’s history, and have won 40+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly Awards for Disability Awareness and Cultural Diversity.

Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.” The International Pulpwood Queens selected Goodbye, Orchid, Orchid Blooming, and Always Orchid as Books-of-the-Month.

Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, global marketer, digital strategist, and Board Trustee. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.

Look for Dear Orchid November 2025!

Book one of the Marc McKnight Time Travel Adventure series

SYNOPSIS:

Time Limits is a fast‐paced, multi‐layered time‐travel thriller that follows Captain Marc McKnight and his specialized HERO (Historical Event Research Organization) team as they grapple with the promise—and peril—of sending human travelers back in time to study historical events. Set in the near future, the story is divided into three distinct acts.

In Act I the novel introduces the HERO project, a top‐secret government program. The Senate Oversight committee is chaired by Senator James Lodge, Jr, and overseen by the enigmatic General Drake. McKnight is chosen to lead a team that has developed a breakthrough time‐travel engine. With support from Lieutenant Tyler, Doctor Kathy Wu, and a small group of military and civilian experts, The Team’s first mission is to travel to 1985 and observe a pivotal event: the violent murder of Jim (James C.) Lodge Sr., a cold case that has been unsolved for fifty years. As the HERO team prepares for their journey, they must adhere to strict noninterference protocols while contending with unpredictable power requirements—a quirk of time’s “fold” that forces travel in fixed, quantized intervals. The stage is set for a daring expedition into the past, packed with both cutting‐edge technology and imminent moral dilemmas.

Act II follows the plunge into 1985, where McKnight encounters unforeseen complications. On landing in 1985, McKnight sets out to install a covert ceiling camera (a “C-cam”) in the “to be” crime scene in the executive offices of NewT Center while his teammates work to keep watch and log any anomalies. Almost immediately the mission unravels: a recall of McKnight triggers “recombination” effects that alter individuals on a personal level. Lieutenant Tyler—McKnight’s longtime friend—undergoes a startling change in appearance and personality, hinting at deeper disruptions in the fabric of time. Moreover,
McKnight encounters a mysterious female security guard, whose presence grows increasingly ambiguous. She appears to be Merrie McAllister (Tyler’s grandmother) as a young woman. As McKnight struggles to install the C-cam and document the event without influencing history, he inadvertently encounters her in emotionally charged, unpredictable ways. Meanwhile, evidence at NewT Center begins to diverge from its known history—a vandalized office instead of a brutal murder, a glowing newspaper clipping, and the existence of a ledger that holds the answers to many questions—all forcing the team to reassess their original mission. The HERO team scrambles to orchestrate secondary recall jumps in order to repair the timeline to avoid personal betrayal and the ethical costs of interfering with history.

In Act III the narrative shifts back to the present as McKnight and his team debrief and piece together the altered past. At headquarters, tensions run high as General Drake and Doctor Wu review recorded discrepancies between their mission logs and the historical record—evidence that McKnight’s actions in the past, including his unsanctioned personal encounter with the elusive guard, have created profound repercussions. Senator Lodge’s relentless pursuit of his father’s ledger and his own dark legacy is revealed to be driven not only by corruption but by personal vendettas that now threaten to disrupt political power. In the final moments, McKnight reflects on the high personal and ethical costs of time manipulation. As he reconnects with close allies—a changed Lieutenant Tyler, supportive colleagues, and even a potential new romance with a resurfacing, enigmatic guard—the novel ends on a note of uneasy resolve: time travel offers the promise of rewriting history, but not without irrevocable consequences. Time Limits ultimately asks whether one man, no matter how well‐intentioned, can bear the weight of changing the past without shattering the future.

Kim Megahee is the creator of the high-octane Marc McKnight Time Travel Adventure series, blending military-grade pacing with speculative science fiction. A retired computer consultant with a degree in Mathematics Education from the University of Georgia, he spent decades teaching, programming, securing software systems, and consulting across four continents.

A lifelong musician and former rock band bassist, Kim writes with the same rhythm and drive that defined his stage presence. His award-winning time-travel thrillers draw on real-world technical expertise and a storyteller’s flair for “what if” scenarios. He began writing later in life after a student encouraged him to pen the tales he’d spent years sharing–a leap into a second act that has become his legacy.

Now retired and living in Gainesville, Georgia, Kim spends his days writing, playing live music, and debating politics with friends. When he’s not crafting timelines and adrenaline-soaked plot twists, he’s boating on Lake Lanier, reading science fiction, bingeing nostalgic films, or playing bass in a classic rock quartet. He shares his home with his soulmate, Martha, and their brilliant—if stubborn—red-headed toy poodle, Leo. Find out more at AuthorKimMegahee (dot) com and on Facebook at author.kmega.

FROM THE AUTHOR:

I started writing Time Limits after a former student urged me to turn the stories I’d been telling into a book. That spark grew into a whole series. Now, as a retired IT geek and lifelong musician, I get to spend my mornings blending rock-band energy with time-travel thriller plotting—and it’s everything I ever wanted.

So many time-travel tales take liberties with the rules. In my world, your jumps are limited—you can only visit times about 25-year increments from the present, and your window is short. That structure adds pulse-pounding urgency.

I write for fans of adventure, alternate history, and moral dilemmas where the clock is always ticking. It’s a nod to Clancy and Crichton, but with one step forward—and then one step back in time.

These characters—I feel like I know them. Marc McKnight, especially—I’m part him: the self-doubt, the devotion to duty, the regret over choices made. Writing these stories is like catching up with old friends.

Thanks for everything, Kim

Q&A

Q: What inspired you to write the Marc McKnight Time Travel Adventure series?
A: A former student once challenged me to put my stories into a book. I’d already lived a few careers—math teacher, musician, IT consultant—but writing gave me a way to tie it all together.

Q: Why time travel and history?
A: I’ve always loved history and science fiction. Time travel lets me explore the “what ifs” of history—what if we could bring George Washington into today’s divided America? Pair that with military precision and you get high-stakes adventures rooted in realism.

Q: Your books feature soldiers, presidents, even George Washington. How do you manage such a cast?
A: I keep a lot of notes! But I also believe characters drive plot. Marc McKnight is at the center, but the HERO Team—and even the villains—each bring their own story threads that ripple across time.

Q: Your novels echo today’s politics and personalities. Is that deliberate?
A: Absolutely. Good speculative fiction reflects the world we live in. If readers see modern divisions in the fractured America of 2037, that’s intentional. I like weaving in familiar (and real) figures so readers can instantly connect.

Q: What do you hope readers take away?
A: Entertainment first. I want people to enjoy the ride. But beneath the action, I’m always asking bigger questions: What does it mean to serve your country? What’s the cost of changing history?

Q: What do you enjoy outside of writing?
A: Music has always been part of my life—I still play bass in a classic rock band. My wife Martha and I spend time boating on Lake Lanier, reading, watching sci-fi movies, and keeping up with our red-headed toy poodle, Leo.

INTRODUCTION:

In The Martha and Marya Mysteries, Emily Hanlon crafts an intelligent and faith-infused mystery series about the redemptive power of truth—and the unlikely friendship that forms between two women determined to uncover it.

In Who Am I to Judge?, a beloved priest’s confession to murder sets Pequot Bays abuzz. Marya Cook, a Bible-quoting octogenarian with a taste for lavender and logic, is convinced he’s innocent. Reluctantly partnered with Martha Collins, a younger, efficient parish volunteer, she dives into an investigation that tests their patience, faith, and courage.

A Cloud of Witnesses explores what happens when the dust settles and a new priest arrives, his passionate sermons masking darker ambitions. As a mysterious death shakes the parish again, Marya and Martha confront both corruption and the cost of conviction.

Finally, in The Wagers of Sin, Hanlon delivers a suspenseful tale of wealth, romance, and betrayal: an aging heiress collapses at her own wedding, and the two women find themselves on a cruise ship filled with suspects—all bound by greed and regret. The series balances traditional mystery with insight into human frailty, portraying faith not as dogma but as the ongoing struggle to choose compassion over judgment.

REVIEW:

I was asked to participate in a Spotlight for the Martha and Marya Series by Emily Hanlon. I was so intrigued by what I read of this series and the fact that I was raised as a Catholic, I wanted to read at least the first book entitled Who Am I To Judge? I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but it turned into a great experience.

Who Am I To Judge has so many great characters. It is literally full of them. I did have fun reading the book and trying to figure out what was going on and who did what. It is a rather unique plot. We have all heard a lot of news about the Catholic church over the years and you will not be surprised by what is going on in this book. Then a murder or two is committed along the way and it made me wonder if it all was going to come to a good conclusion.

There are two more books in the series (pictured above) that I have not read as of yet. I think I would like to fit them into my schedule. Martha and Marya are two women who form an unlikely relationship. They have a unique ability to solve crimes and see them in a different light than everyone else. Especially the police. In this book, it seems like the police were looking for the easy way out.

Don’t hold me to this, but I think Martha is in her late forties and drives uber to make enough money to survive. Marya is retirement age and has some mobility issues and Martha picks her up and takes her to church and some other places. Like I said, they are unlikely friends and business associates. I am pretty sure you will enjoy spending time with Martha and Marya.

I wound up really liking this book. There were times I had a bit of a time keeping up with the characters, but that could be my Marya like brain. This is a Christian based story and that just adds to the fun. If you like mysteries and quirky characters, I urge you to take a look at these books. Oh! They would be a great addition to your nightstand reading selections. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

SYNOPSIS:

When a priest confesses to the murder of a parishioner, everyone in the wealthy waterfront town of Pequot Bays is convinced of his guilt-everyone, that is, except Marya Cook, a Bible-quoting, lavender-clad octogenarian known to locals as the Purple Pest.

Unable to prove his innocence on her own, she draws in Martha Collins, a much younger, efficient, ever-busy church lady, to assist in her investigations. Although Martha is unwilling to associate herself with the odd old woman as she accuses wealthy and influential suspects of murder, Marya’s peculiar logic persuades her that this ditzy old woman may not be so ditzy after all.

A victim with plenty of enemies, a corrupt ambitious cop, a conflicting confession by a fellow priest, and the death of a prime suspect make the path to truth a crooked one. The rich and powerful suspects scoff at poor, dithering Marya. Can she, in the end, unveil their many secrets and prove there is more to a person than meets the eye?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Emily Hanlon brings the wisdom of a lawyer and the warmth of a believer to her storytelling. Raised in Texas, educated in Boston, and living now in New York, she spent years interpreting complex human stories in the courtroom before turning to fiction. Her experience has made her attuned to contradictions, motives, and the gray moral zones that shape all her characters. A convert to Catholicism and active church volunteer, she infuses her mysteries with humor, insight, and humanity. All of her profits are donated to charity. Learn more at her website or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HXiVKW

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/33530780.Emily_Hanlon

EXCERPT:

Who Am I To Judge

Martha craned her neck to see over the Purple Pest and O’Hara, trying to get a glimpse of her first set of suspects to no avail. She would have to squeeze by them.

GET OUT OF MY WAY!

As though the old woman could hear Martha’s screamed thoughts, she looked up. She smiled, exhibiting a missing bottom front tooth, but Martha looked away. The old woman spoke softly to Martha as she brushed past, but Martha ignored her.

Martha’s eyes narrowed in on her first suspect, Monica Byrnes, who sat praying earnestly, looking up at the statue of St Joseph. Monica wouldn’t have the nerve to kill anyone. She’d just worry her own self to death over Matthew, her no-good son. Martha instead eyed Lance, sitting next to his wife, his handsome features unmarked by concerns about anything other than himself. She followed his gaze and saw, with a start, that it was locked on the shapely figure of her third suspect, Cyndi Higginbotham.

Martha looked from Cyndi back to Lance, and then she shook her head. No. They might want to get rid of their spouses but not Enid.

She turned her glance to Higgy. It couldn’t be him. Higgy’s a jerk, a loudmouth, and a xblowhard, but no one who’s so generous to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal could be a murderer.

Martha was puzzled for a moment until she recalled there was one more suspect. She slowly turned toward the front of the church and saw the young man—tall, dark and handsome—spotlighted by a ray of light from the large rose window so bright that dust motes danced in its glare. What a shame he became a priest.

Fr. Jim Cartwright , the associate pastor at St John of the Cross, wore a gold embroidered vestment that rustled majestically as he processed down the center aisle.

She looked him over, from his perfectly coiffed hair to his black leather shoes shined to a mirror gloss, as she followed his progress toward the back of the church. It’s him! He’s the murderer.

Martha sat down in a pew and remained in church long after everyone left, drained of energy, her adrenaline spent. She trudged to the door that, as she opened it, was a good deal heavier than when she had entered the church. Walking to her car, the Purple Pest’s comment pushed its way into her consciousness. She stopped short.

Had the old woman really whispered, “It must have been quite a shock for you, my dear. Discovering the body like that.” No. It couldn’t be. I’m exhausted. It must be my imagination.

EXCERPT:

A Cloud of Witnesses

He sputtered again. “A follower of his, one of my parishioners, and a lovely and faithful woman at that, has died, and he’s washing his hands of her.”

“I heard him. Said it was a suicide. Are you going to do the funeral? Is it allowed?”

“Of course it’s allowed. We leave final judgement to God’s mercy, not to that…that…Father Thaddeus. And yes, I’m doing the funeral in…” He glanced at the grandfather clock by the office door. “Forty-five minutes. It’s Lisa Ward. Did you know her?”

Oh no. Lisa Ward. How sad. She was young, maybe in her forties, not much older than Martha. Mousy brown hair, small build, with great big eyes, always looking about, blinking. “No, not really. I mean, I knew her well enough to say hello. You know, from church.”

Father Seamus locked eyes with Martha. “Martha, I need your help.”

Martha raised an eyebrow. By the gunny sack of Saint Caesarius, the last time Seamus asked for help, it was to investigate the murder of a parishioner. Could he think that Lisa Ward was murdered?

Martha had a lot on her plate at the moment, but if Seamus needed her help to solve another murder, how could she refuse? She felt a thrill of anticipation run down her spine.

“Well, Seamus, she did look her usual self last Sunday in church. Quiet as always, but friendly enough. And after all, why should she commit suicide? She was married to the best looking guy at Saint John’s. From my mailings, I know she lived on Pequot Island. So she was rich. But who could have killed her? And why?” Martha grabbed a notepad from under a pile of papers on the desk and took a pen from a ceramic pot serving as a pen holder. It had no ink, so she reachedover and took another, then another, until she found one that worked. She made a neat line down the middle of the paper and wrote Suspects on one side and Motivation on the other. “Let’s start with suspects.” She looked up at the priest, pen at the ready.

He stared at her, mouth agape. “Suspects? What are you talking about? I’m talking about Father Thaddeus.”

Martha felt her cheeks redden. “What about Father Thaddeus?”

“I need your help to get rid of him.” He chuckled. “And I don’t mean by murdering him.”

EXCERPT:

The Wagers of Sin

The bride sat in a motorized wheelchair, liver spotted hands resting on its armrests, her bony arms displayed through the lace sleeves of the wedding gown. The pure white skirt of her satin and lace dress covered the footrests, and her tulle veil extended over the wheels, tempting one to imagine the chaos that would ensue if the bride’s attire was not rearranged before she pushed the joystick. A large, silver clamshell locket on a blue velvet ribbon rested on her sunken chest. She gazed up at her groom in reverent adoration, a look more appropriate to spiritual rather than physical objects.

The groom was, in fact, rather godlike. Tall, bronze, and golden-haired, his sculpted face and physique could have been mistaken for a statue of Apollo had this been a Greek temple in ancient Delphi rather than a Catholic church in Pequot Bays. He sported a white dinner jacket, black tuxedo pants, and patent leather loafers without socks as comfortably as if they had been a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. Shoulders slouched, hands in his pockets, he let his gaze wander around the church. He winked at one of the few onlookers in the pews, whose wide-brimmed hat hid her reaction.

To the bride’s left stood the maid of honor, who had charge of the bride’s bouquet—a cascade of peonies, roses, and lilies. The best man stood a good distance away to the right of the groom, as though waiting in the wings for his cue to enter, clutching a small box. The soft light of the church transformed his furrows and lines into ruggedly handsome features. In his impeccably tailored tux with his posture ramrod straight, one could see that he had once rivaled the groom for handsome virility.

The priest stood between the bride and the groom, wearing vestments fit for a royal wedding. He intoned, “Since it is your intention to enter the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church.”

The bride looked up at her intended with rheumy eyes, red lipstick bleeding into her lip lines, but with an expression so open, so sincere, so loving, that she looked more beautiful than her Apollonian groom. She reached up with her right hand, but the groom kept his own hands buried in his pockets. She let her hand drop back into her lap and slumped a bit in the wheelchair, her chin almost resting on her bony chest.

The groom sneezed, and his body shuddered.

The unexpected noise startled the priest, who lost his grasp on the Book of Rites of the Catholic Church. It fell to the marble floor with a bang. The groom flinched. The bride remained motionless. The priest retrieved the heavy tome and flipped the pages, until finally, he asked the groom, “Do you, Nicholas Zambrano, take Helen Marie Holmes for your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”

The groom looked at the guests in the pews and flashed a bright smile. “I do.” He took his left hand from his pocket, glanced at his watch, then replaced his hand into the pocket.

The priest resumed, “And do you, Helen Marie Holmes, take Nicholas Zambrano for your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” Silence.

“Ahem. Do you, Helen Marie Holmes…”

The groom glanced down at his bride. “Helen?”

She sat still, motionless.

“Helen!” He got down on his hands and knees and took her hand in his own. “She does! She does!”

REVIEW:

All the Beautiful Truths is the last book in the All the Beautiful Lies trilogy. If you read the other two books, you definitely want to get your hands on this book right away. You might want to make this your first Christmas gift to yourself! I always love to grab a special book for myself before the holiday and all the shopping and cooking commence. Don’t you? We deserve it! At least, I think so.

All the Beautiful Truths ties up this story. There aren’t any strings hanging this time. We aren’t left hanging wondering about anything. That made me so happy. I love a good story that is nicely wrapped up. It may not always be the way I want it, but I’m not walking away wondering what is going to happen in the future. 

The character development was spot on. The storyline held my interest all the way through the book. Even some of the scenes that might make some folks cringe or want to skip over are important and a real part of the story. I told you before that I like learning things and I think I learned a bit about a part of life that I will never live. 

J. S. Ellis has been a favorite author of mine for quite awhile. She writes books that are a little out of my wheelhouse, but I like that because it makes me spread my wings a little bit. Just a little. I am looking forward to her next book with excitement. Do you feel that way when you hear one of the authors you like is getting ready to release a new book? 

If you love a good book that shows you a different kind of life, check this series out. I say series because you really need to read them in order. It has a few murders, a bit of love, mystery and suspense. You will also get to see a part of life you probably have never seen or thought about. J. S. Ellis has given us a series that is well worth the time spent to read it. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

To follow my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

The news has Daryl on edge.

His former client was attacked, and the police suspect it has something to do with the murder of Jeff Whittaker.

Things go from bad to worse as Daryl learns that Iris, a female escort he befriended, may be recording her clients. If that’s true, she could be putting both their lives at risk. While Daryl yearns to be with Emma, he can’t bring this danger to her door.

Then Iris is found dead.

Is the killer of Jeff Whittaker tied to the murder? Is it somehow connected to Emma’s priceless violin? And how far would the explosive results spread if Iris’s tapes were to surface?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

J.S. Ellis, a psychological thriller and suspense writer, published her debut psychological thriller in 2019, which became an instant success and received great praise from readers. She writes stories about obsession and betrayal. When she’s not putting her characters in uncomfortable, difficult positions, J.S. Ellis likes to relax with her husband and their fur baby, Eloise. They live on the sunny island of Malta.

Her novels are dark, suspenseful, and filled with mystery and intrigue.

REVIEW:

Are you looking for a thrilling, quick, one evening read? Then you need to check out a brand new book by Audrey J. Cole titled Final Descent. I’m telling you it is a good thing this was a novella. I don’t think I could have taken the thrill ride any longer. Wow! I found out I can hold my breath and read pretty darn fast!

This book is another thriller. I know. I am a sucker for a good thriller but, I think I am getting to the age where I have to read something nice and gentle in between. My heart can’t take too much of this. I still love them and as you might know, I can never figure them out. Maybe that is why I like them so much.

The main character is Claire Winslow. She recently went through a divorce and had a breakdown. As this story unravels, I kept wondering if Claire was ok and if her mind was thinking straight or not. If it is, can she trust those around her? I didn’t know. I had all these questions. I was back and forth and never did figure it all out until the very end. Ms. Cole did a phenomenal job writing this book.

I know I mentioned it was a novella. I was thinking this morning that I kind of wish she would have fleshed the book out a little more and made it a bit longer. After I thought about it for a while, I decided she made the best decision for this book. It is perfect! It gives you time to wonder. It gives you background which makes you wonder all the more. If it was any longer, it may have been boring in spots. I applaud her for the decisions she made while writing Final Descent. 

Some of the characters were likable when they shouldn’t have been. One I didn’t like from the time he was introduced. Her husband was debatable. I liked her best friend. I even waffled about Claire. I hope Audrey J. Cole knows how much she messed with my mind while I was reading this book. I’ve loved her books but, this little book was absolutely, hands down the best book she has written to date. In my humble opinion.

If you love a thriller that does all the stuff to your mind that I mentioned above, then you must read this book for yourself. It will be the best flight you have ever taken in your whole life. Don’t put it on your nightstand unless you don’t want to sleep. It is short, but you will lay awake thinking about it. Until next time…Happy Reading!

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even a few words help.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Please consider following my blog, click on the heading of any blog post. This will bring up just that blog and you will see a follow button on the bottom right hand corner. Thank you!

SYNOPSIS:

At 30,000 feet, the danger isn’t turbulence—it’s him.
After suffering a breakdown from her brutal divorce, airline pilot Claire Winslow is rebuilding her life with her five-year-old daughter. Just as she’s finding her footing, an online romance spirals into a chilling nightmare. Her first date with Evan goes terribly wrong, and he soon begins stalking her, showing up outside her home and even her daughter’s school.

After nearly a week of no sightings of him, Claire dares to believe maybe he’s moved on. Relieved, she puts her focus on her upcoming flight—the first chance she’s had to prove herself since she was put on leave. Then, on a layover in Boston, Claire spots Evan at her hotel. She goes to the police, but with no real name and nothing traceable online, they say there’s nothing they can do.

When Evan boards her flight wearing a pilot uniform and takes the jump seat just before takeoff, Claire is convinced he’s there to kill her—or take the plane down. But after her recent breakdown, the question becomes: is she right…or unraveling all over again?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Audrey J. Cole is a USA TODAY bestselling thriller author. She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her two children. Before writing full time, she worked as a neonatal intensive care nurse for eleven years. She’s also a pilot’s daughter.

Sign up for her mailing list at https://www.audreyjcole.com/sign-up to receive free bonus content, promotions, and new release updates. Audrey can also be found on

Facebook: https://facebook.com/AudreyJCole

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audreyjcole/

Bookbub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/audrey-j-cole

INTRODUCTION:

For readers who love science fiction with emotional depth, Rhythm Sword Warriors by Lara J. Nance offers a story of redemption, courage, and the rhythms that keep us alive.

Haunted by the trauma of her mother’s death and humanity’s retreat underground, Calena has spent two decades disconnected from the world above—and from her own heart. When a new alien threat emerges, her refuge in the game Rhythm Sword becomes the unlikely key to humanity’s survival. Leading a battalion of gamers-turned-fighters, Calena must reconcile past pain with present purpose to protect what’s left of Earth. This is a story not just of war, but of awakening—the moment we choose to step into the light again.

EXCERPT:

“We have a very unique situation that we want to speak to you about. I’ll just jump right in. Dr. Harding has discovered an element that will destroy a Metavalent.” The general gestured to Blake.

Calena sucked in a breath of surprise. “The hell? I thought that was impossible.”

Blake nodded. “We’ve been researching options ever since the invasion, and this is the first breakthrough we’ve had. Given the structure of the aliens and the way they are able to move, finding a way to attack them has been very difficult.”

“What’s that got to do with us?” Kelvin asked, an edge to his tone. This was his domain, and he appeared increasingly angry with the interruption from outsiders.

A few gamers emerged from rooms and glanced at the newcomers uncertainly, as if unsure whether they meant trouble. They edged to the periphery of the room, staring while hugging backpacks to their chests. 

Carla noticed them and held up a hand. “We’re looking for your help, guys. Okay? We’re not here to cause trouble.”

Kelvin’s shoulders relaxed a notch, but his expression remained wary. “So, like I said, what’s this got to do with us and the game?”

“If we’re right,” Blake said. “The game may be the secret to defeating the Metavalents. That’s why we’re here.”

Calena exchanged a shocked glance with Katsu, while Kelvin and the Jammers shifted uncomfortably and frowned in confusion. 

“We’ve seen three of them around here in the past two weeks, and a person from one of our collectives was killed,” Calena said. “We think they’re looking to expand into this area, and that would destroy us. Can you help with that?”

Pablo held up a hand. “Dudes, this is bigger than just this area. Listen up.”

The cute guy, Blake, started talking about some shit called muon particles and how they could slice through almost anything like butter, but were really fragile in a lot of other ways, so not easy to use in a bomb or anything like that. Then the general explained how they think they can manufacture a handheld device that would generate the muon thingies and project them within some sort of shield, and that would be like a sword that would slice through the Globs…you guessed it…like butter. 

Her head was spinning with this information all while she tried to figure out how that related to the game. However, as they went on and on, the vision of something like a sword slicing through Globs created a dull, itchy sense of impending doom within her. Before they had time to finish talking about needed response times, the aliens’ abilities, and actually came to a conclusion, she had it. 

The gamers. The game. It all fit. They needed the gamers to fight the Globs. The gamers had years of training in the exact skills needed to use the muon swords with response times that rivaled the Glob ability to pop in and out of existence or attack with their expandable extensions. It all made sense, and fury erupted inside her.

“I get it,” she interrupted before the general finished. He slowly closed his lips without continuing.

“What?” Blake asked, brow furrowed.

Damn, he was actually really handsome. It was distracting.

“You need gamers to kill the Globs.” She planted her hands on her hips, trying not to look at Blake. “You want to use us.”

Blake and Carla shared surprised looks.

Pablo grinned. “That’s right. You in?”

“What are you talking about?” Katsu punched her shoulder.

“They need us to fight the Globs because we already know how to use the sword weapons better than anyone else.” She turned to Blake finally. “Right?”

He slowly nodded.

“That’s exactly right.” The general raised his chin. “We have a crisis, and we don’t have time to train people to the level to which you guys have already developed. And the, uh, Jammers can help by programming simulations just like the game but with MVs instead of cubes to hone your skills.”

“Ohhhh.” Katsu rocked back on his heels, mouth open, finally making the connection. “I get it. That’s…that’s…um, completely cool. I think…”

“See,” Pablo said, eyes gleaming and fists clenched. “We can save the world. We can fight back and get rid of these bastards once and for all. We’ll be heroes.”

Cal shot him a glare. What did he know? He lived with his father in an ultra-secure and amenity-rich army facility because of the general’s position. He didn’t know about the hardships people like she and Katsu faced out in the real world, scavenging for food and dodging Globs for every single necessity of life.

The general patted his son on the back, beaming. “I hope you all can see how critical this is. We need help from as many gamers as possible. We need to set up training programs and start training as soon as our engineering teams can manufacture the hardware.”

“Hold on,” Calena said. “We have an immediate problem here in this town, with Globs appearing again, and you want us to take off and leave people who depend on us for some idea that might not even work?”

Blake frowned, lips parted to say something, but nothing came out.

“Look,” the general said, sternly. “This is important…”

“So is saving the people I live with. We already lost one to the Globs yesterday. This is typical government bullshit.” She jabbed a finger at him. “I have people to protect right here in this town, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

“We can’t force you to help, but I have to tell you this is the best chance we have of stopping these invaders. Yes, this is experimental, but the science is solid, and I think we can make it work,” Blake said.

She crossed her arms over her chest and avoided his gaze. What the hell? She couldn’t leave Pavilion, Miss Mina, and the others. This was crazy.

Kelvin pulled off the headphones he’d hung around his neck. “We’ll help in any way we can, but we’d need a lot of supplies.”

Blake walked over and shook Kelvin’s hand. “Thank you. That’s amazing. Yes, of course, you’ll have anything you need. The president has made this a top priority.”

“The president?” one of the other Jammer’s named Bruce asked, eyes wide.

“Yes, the president,” Blake said. “This is about saving the country. Actually, it’s about saving the world. We also think the Metavalents may be expanding, and that’s why this is so critical.”

Calena studied him as he spoke. His blond hair hung past his collar, a little too long for him to be much older than thirty. However, he was some sort of PhD and apparently extremely smart to have come up with this solution. She had to admit he was pretty hot, too. Well, maybe a little geeky and pasty white, but it looked like he worked out, and he had nice eyes…soft brown and melty. She shook off that thought, and forced away her stare. She’d given up hope on relationships years ago. It didn’t matter, she had other things to worry about than hot guys. Like protecting Pavilion, not traipsing off on some quest with an unproven weapon.

“I’ll go,” Katsu said with an apologetic look in her direction.

“What? No…” She grabbed his shoulders. A thrill of fear rushed through her. She couldn’t lose him.

“We have to do something, Cal. Things are getting worse and just setting up patrols is not going to make the problem go away. I want to help.” He wore his stubborn expression she knew so well. When he dug his feet in there was no moving him.

“Thank you,” Blake said to him. “We need a lot more help, too.”

“The first thing is to get the word out to other gamers and find out how many of them would be willing to train for combat,” the general said.

Kelvin tapped his computer screen. “We were getting ready to send out invitations all over the world for a virtual tournament. We can send out this message instead.” 

“You can send out international messages?” The general’s gray brows went up.

“Yes, we have a shortwave channel all the gamers use. It’s not consistent and takes a while to make the rounds, but eventually we can reach them. We have an antenna on the roof of this building. But how would they be able to travel here for training with the Globs roaming everywhere again?””

“We may be able to set up training in other countries as long as you can share the programming and we can send details on manufacturing the handheld units,” the general replied. “That way we can coordinate an attack from every corner of the globe when we’re ready.”

“All right. You write up what you want me to say, and I’ll send the message.”

“Do you think a few hundred people might be willing to take part?” Carla asked.

Nick let out a sharp laugh. “Hundreds? More like thousands. You have no idea how many gamers there are. Everyone will want a piece of this action if it rids us of Globs.”

Blake’s face lit up, and the general looked like a kid someone just handed the world’s biggest jar of candy.

She seized Katsu’s arm and pulled him away from the others. She had to talk some sense into him before he ran off on this cursed quest. “What are you doing? You can’t leave. This is dangerous. You could be killed.”

“I don’t care.” He pulled his arm from her grasp, his brows drawn together. “What do I have to live for? Huh? Tony doesn’t love me anymore, and chances are pretty damn good I won’t find anyone else. I don’t want to stay here just surviving with only the game for a life.”

“But people here need us,” she pleaded. She didn’t want to say she needed him, that was too cringy…but she did.

“If we can destroy the Globs, that will help everyone including our collectives. Come on, Cal, you’re the best at this game, you could make a real difference.” 

She threw up her hands in frustration.

“Cal, please go with me. I need you there.”

Damn his puppy dog eyes! He did need her. Who else would look after him? Maybe it was true, and they could do something that would help everyone. That would be worth it, right? It wouldn’t be like she was abandoning Pavilion if this worked.

“Okay, okay,” she muttered. “I’ll go. But you owe me.”

He let out a happy yelp of victory, and she shook her head. This was probably a big mistake.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lara J. Nance, Award-winning author brings authenticity and humanity to speculative fiction. Her global travels and life aboard a sailboat have shaped her storytelling into something visceral and vivid. Through her work, Nance invites readers to confront their fears, seek connection, and find adventure in the unknown. Visit her website to learn more.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3ILe6Vz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/241919280-rhythm-sword-warriors

I Didn’t Realize Being an Author Meant…

When I first started writing, I imagined the life of an author as something wildly romantic. Long afternoons in cozy cafés, scribbling brilliance into notebooks, appearing on the Oprah show to adoring audiences… Days on a sailboat (okay, that one I actually did), gazing at sunsets while characters whispered their stories into my ear. Fame! Fortune! At least a velvet chaise lounge and maybe a personal assistant named Nigel to refill my coffee.

What I didn’t realize being an author actually meant was:

● Endless googling of bizarre things. “How long does it take a body to decompose in a swamp?” “Where can you buy enriched uranium?” “Would dragon fire cauterize a wound?” If anyone checks my search history, I’m doomed.

● Talking to myself—loudly. Entire conversations happen out loud at random times. Sometimes in accents. Sometimes while cooking eggs. My neighbors probably think I’ve opened a small, unlicensed theater troupe.

● Wrestling with commas like they’re wild animals. Should there be one here? Or there? Or not at all? By the end of a draft, I’m convinced commas are malicious little gremlins plotting against me.

Your Writing Life

● Becoming a part-time graphic designer, marketer, and accountant. I thought writing books was the job. Surprise! Apparently, I also needed to master cover design feedback, spreadsheets, social media algorithms, and figuring out why Amazon won’t display my author page correctly.

● Discovering that characters are bossy. I am allegedly the one in charge of the story. My characters disagree. They go rogue, fall in love with the wrong people, or insist on dramatic deaths I never planned. Honestly, I’m just the secretary.

● Finding glitter in strange places. Okay, this one might just be me, but I swear speculative fiction is 50% typing and 50% sweeping up the magical mess left behind by my imagination.

In short, being an author is less about sipping lattes while muses descend from the heavens, and more about caffeine-fueled chaos, stubborn characters, and the frequent deep dives into Google rabbit-holes.

And you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because for all the commas, coffee, and chaos, there’s nothing quite like building worlds, living a thousand adventures, and then hearing from readers who’ve come along for the ride.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go argue with a fictional sea princess who refuses to attend her coronation.

— Lara J Nance, Award-Winning Author of Speculative Fiction

Writing Process & Creativity

How did you research your book?

The idea first sparked for me as an avid player of the virtual reality game, Beat Saber. I envisioned the cube that I attacked in the game as alien blobs, and had the thought, hey, what if a person was playing this game and then found that the skills used were very specialized and needed to kill alien invaders that couldn’t be killed any other way. From there my creative brain took over and imagined how this could play out in a dystopian world setting. I did a lot of research on the science side which included data about muon particles to validate the way the swords could work to kill aliens while taking into account the highly volatile nature of the particles. It was an interesting exercise in staying true to the science.

What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why?

Calena was a difficult character. She was a bit crusty and salty in the beginning due to her trauma and chronic depression, so finding ways for readers to connect with her and pull for her was a challenge. The hardest scene was the one where she attempts suicide. I also suffer from chronic depression and felt that although this is a tough subject, writing about it in a way that might make those without depression understand it a bit better, and those with depression find common ground was a message I felt was extremely important.

Where do you get your ideas?

As far as the spark of the ideas and general plot, things just pop into my head based on random thoughts, as in this case it was playing the game. From there, like most writers, I begin to dig into the specifics in research and go down a bunch of rabbit holes that can spark additional ideas. So, Yay, Google. LOL

Also, for some of my novels and this one in particular I took a lot of ideas from my work as a nurse practitioner. I treat patients with depression, anxiety and PTSD with ketamine treatments and have been very interested in the amazing promise of treatments with psychedelic medicine. I drew on that for the issues with Calena and her use of mushrooms (psilocybin) as a healing modality in this book. I wanted to get this message out there that there is hope for those who haven’t had success with traditional psychiatric meds, that there may be other options that could help them. It’s a timely topic for our times as many of these drugs are set to be approved for use by the FDA in the future. In fact, there is hope that MDMA can be approved in 2026 for treatment for PTSD as there are about 17 deaths by suicide among veterans every day due to PTSD as reported by the VA in 2024. 

What sets your book apart from others in your genre?

I don’t know of another book that incorporated elements of the Beat Saber game, so that is one area. There are other uses of virtual reality out there, of course, but not directly related to Beat Saber.  Also, I think Calena is a unique character with her many flaws but yet maintaining that core of goodness and courage that ends up saving the world. 

What helps you overcome writer’s block?

Taking a break and playing Beat Saber. LOL. Also, just getting away from the intensity of the writing for a while helps to kind of reset my brain and open up fresh ideas.

What’s your favorite compliment you’ve received as a writer?

Probably the one I valued the most was from my first professionally published book, Memories of Murder. It’s a paranormal romance/mystery that won several awards and was reviewed in Romantic Times magazine receiving the highest rating and the reviewer commented that a new star in mystery writing had entered the publishing world. That gave me a lot of hope and validation that I needed as a new author at that time.

Do you write every day? What’s your schedule?

When I am working on a novel, I write every day, but I do take breaks after finishing because I am usually mentally exhausted at that point. I deeply immerse myself in the world and events of a story, so I need time to detach from that before I can start on anything new.

Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train? 

Mostly at home but I have been known to meet up with other writers for extended writing sessions at a Starbucks now and then.

Any quirky writing rituals or must-have snacks? 

Maybe not too quirky, but if I am writing a sexy love scene I need to listen to some sexy music like “Red-light Special”  by TLC. I put on some noise canceling headphones and listen as I write, sort of like a soundtrack for the scene. It really helps put me in that frame of mind to describe the love-making properly.  

Must-have snacks –  Dry Crispix cereal – not too fattening and satisfying crunch!

Behind the Book

Why did you choose this setting/topic?

An idea popped in my head while playing Beat Saber that it would be a cool weapon in a Sci-fi story and then it took off from there. I dearly love a dystopian world also. The idea of people thinking out-of-the-box to survive and using whatever they have on hand in different ways out of necessity is intriguing to me. I also am drawn to the idea of having the nobler traits of humans emerge in a crisis to overcome evil or to survive when they could have gone the other direction and become more violent, a la Mad Max.

If your book became a movie, who would star in it?

Oh, I love this question. It’s so nice to dream about your book becoming a movie!  I think all writers do this.  I’d pick, Daisy Ridley because she  proved her action chops in Star Wars and I see her doing well in Sci-fi type roles, also, she can carry vulnerability with strength as a fighter.

Which author(s) most inspired you?

Probably two. First of all, my favorite book of all time is Dune, by Frank Herbert. He was really epic in world building. He didn’t just create a desert planet and set a story there, he built an entire ecosystem along with its religions, politics, economic, ecology and made it believable. His characters were complex with flaws and moral ambiguity that made you think. He also dealt with themes that resonated beyond a mere sci-fi story, which I think is amazing because it is still relevant today even though he published that book in 1965.

Second is Anne McCaffrey. Her Dragon Riders series is one that I read over and over. She was able to make Sci-fi more accessible, I think as she wove in so many character plots and I also loved how she always managed to sneak in detail about food. LOL. Her books about the Crystal Singers had one of my favorite female heroines who had her flaws but also strength and determination.

Fun & Lighthearted Qs

What’s your go-to comfort food? 

Pizza

What are you binge-watching right now?

I am actually re-watching the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series in anticipation of the new series coming out. It’s one of my favorites!

If you could time-travel, where would you go?

I’d love to live in the Regency period of England. I loved Georgette Heyer’s books and it seemed like a time when the focus was more on parties and clothes than war and violence. That would be refreshing right now. But only if I could be invited to Almack’s and fall in love with the duke who is flawed but sexy and strong. 

What 3 books would you bring to a desert island?

Dune, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Bible.

What’s something that made you laugh this week? 

Finding out I was pronouncing October wrong in Korean and it came out as the Korean word for “f-ck”. My Korean teacher pointed that out to me and we both had a good laugh. I’m really hoping I didn’t say that in public anywhere. LOL.