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.
Audio Sample
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 GeorgeWashington. 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.
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.
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!”
Genre: Domestic Thriller Release Date: November 4, 2025
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.
Genres: Thriller & Suspense Release: November 4, 2025
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
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.
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.
Genres: Mystery & Thriller Release Date: November 1, 2025
REVIEW:
Oh my gosh! Jenifer Ruff has done it again! Does that surprise me? No. Not at all. She has written Lies In The Snow – An Agent Victoria Heslin Thriller 10. This is a series of stand alone thrillers that feature FBI Agent Victoria Heslin. You don’t have to read these books in order. The only thing that follows a timeline is her personal life. I have enjoyed reading them in order. I would urge you to jump right in and then if you love these books as much as I do, go back to the beginning and enjoy! I think I have the first two books to read yet. I’m going to save them. I just might need a Heslin fix down the road!
Lies In The Snow is about a vacation that goes all kinds of wrong. There is an avalanche and all the vacationers are trapped at the ski resort because the road in and out is blocked. Then a dead body discovered just off of one of the ski runs. Things go downhill throughout the book. There are some exciting, nerve-wracking times and I wanted to put the book down just to give my heart and brain a rest, but I was compelled to keep reading. It is a very intense read.
Of course, Victoria, Ned and her family are familiar characters but the others are all new. Some of them are typical of what you might think they would be. The bartender and the resort manager are examples of those people. The other ones you are trying to figure out if they are the culprits behind the crime that has been committed. My mind was working during my sleep to figure out who was the guilty one.
If you love a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat, keep your mind working to figure out what is going on and makes you wonder how in the world it is all going to work out, then Jenifer Ruff’s new thriller Lies In The Snow is the book you need to put on the top of your TBR pile. I think you will love 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.
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SYNOPSIS:
The weather outside is frightful… what’s inside is worse.
FBI Agent Victoria Heslin went to Black Ridge Ski Resort for a peaceful getaway with her fiancé. But a snowstorm triggers a massive avalanche that blocks the only access road, trapping them on the mountain.
Their isolation turns deadly when ski patrol finds a body on the slopes, and Victoria discovers the death is no accident. The killer is among them, and Victoria’s investigation threatens to expose secrets someone will do anything to protect.
With another brutal storm bearing down and panic spreading through the lodge, Victoria must identify the murderer before he or she strikes again.
An atmospheric, twisty thriller from USA Today bestselling author Jenifer Ruff.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jenifer Ruff USAToday bestselling author writes thrillers with shocking crimes and chilling twists. Her nineteen novels include the villain’s point of view, so you understand their twisted logic. She’s best known for her award-winning Agent Victoria Heslin series featuring a brave and compassionate FBI agent who, like Jenifer, shares her home with a pack of adopted greyhounds.
Visit Jenruff .com for more information and a world of page-turning intrigue and suspense.
Part literary adventure and part historical farce, Karl Marx and the Lost California Manifesto by Scott D. Carlson imagines what might have happened if one of history’s most radical thinkers joined the Gold Rush.
In 1849, Karl Marx escapes debt and disgrace in London by heading to California, chasing gold for both himself and his cause. There he meets Sixto, a bright, kindhearted teenager raised by padres and hunted by a dangerous sailor. The two become unlikely partners on a comic and perilous trek through the Sierra Nevada, pursued by bungling Prussian agents hoping to reclaim Marx’s Manifesto. As they encounter miners, Miwok tribespeople, fugitives, and dreamers, Marx begins to confront the contradictions between revolution and survival, and Sixto learns that freedom often comes at a cost. Through its humor and humanity, the novel asks timeless questions about greed, idealism, and belonging.
EXCERPT:
From Lt. Junger and Lt. Fischel to King Frederick William IV
May 14, 1849
To: His Excellency King of Prussia Frederick William IV Re: Herr Karl Marx
To our most high King, the greatest sovereign in all of Europe— Ja in all the world! Your servants have cleverly followed, if we do humbly say so ourselves, Herr Marx and his Junge companion to this settlement called Sacramento, in the hinterland of California. It is a place even more remote and Scheiß-ridden than San Francisco. A flood came and turned the entire settlement into one great cesspool of Scheiß, mud, offal, garbage, and dead beasts. There are no wonderful water closets here like those your Majesty has at Sanssouci—in fact, there are no water closets at all. Always the whole settlement smells like the hind end of a peasant horse.
Expertly disguised as miners from Chili, we left San Francisco on the same steamboat as did Marx, the Junge, and their donkey. Because of our Chilian dress, we met on the boat the hostility of some drunken Americans, who insisted we must keep first to the aft, then to the forward part of the boat. This conformed perfectly with our plan, as we could then stay close to Marx and his accomplice.
In the morning, we witnessed Herr Marx engage in argument with some of the passengers and then, as seems to be his habit, with the boat captain. Marx cannot tolerate anyone other than himself being the “captain.” As is also his habit of late, he came out on the losing end. He then ordered the boat captain to deliver him and the Junge to the bank of the river. The captain resisted but finally gave in, no doubt thinking it best just to be rid of Marx, and abruptly deposited them on a spit of sand in the river channel.
Soon after, we asked the captain to bank the boat and we disembarked. After fighting our way through the bulrushes, we came out at a point from which we saw Marx and the Junge setting off overland. On the boat, Marx had been engaging in some very odd gymnastics, and he continued these as they set off toward the east. They, and we, did not know that they were headed in the direction of a native village, which they eventually entered.
From a distance we waited as the subversives conducted in the village what we believe to be benign business with an American woodsman. After seeing them leave, we entered the village. Through the woodsman there, we learned that the natives had been entertained by Marx, and that they expected us to perform for them too. Wanting to please, your servants proudly represented the Prussian nation by performing a very creditable Lauschaer Galopp, for which we received a standing ovation. The woodsman also revealed to us Marx’s probable ultimate destination in the mountains beyond Sacramento. As much as we then wanted to continue with our surveillance, our native hosts said we must, before leaving, eat a local dish of mashed boiled acorns garnished with bits of tuberous material. We acceded, unfortunately, as almost immediately we were both befallen with, we are sorry to offend your Excellency, explosiver Durchfall, which disabled us for the rest of the day and that night.
However, the next day, we were able to muster the strength to set off for this sorry settlement that makes a Latvian hamlet seem like Baden-Baden. Here ensued some temporary trouble from which we will soon extricate ourselves and again be hot on the trail of Herr Marx, to wit: We eventually located Marx and the Junge in one of the several houses of drink and gambling—an establishment charmingly referred to locally as a “café chantant.” This house also featured music provided by a French woman and an American piano player who had to be, we are sure, working together for the first time. The music was not to our taste, nor was the very bad beer—how we greatly miss the beloved brews of home! The French woman was an apparent lady of the night posing as a mumbling chanteuse. The American played in the style of a Lutheran church organist, and the mismatch resulted in loud catcalls from the surly patrons.
We followed Marx and companion to a gambling table with the intent that we might be able to bankrupt him, but quickly discovered that the table, run by a Mexican card dealer, was exclusively for speakers of Spanish. The confusion caused by this language obstacle was compounded by the unfamiliar game being played, and further so by having to endure the awful music. Oh how we miss the strain of accordions playing the Hohenfriedberger Marsch in a Biergarten! In short, we have been unusually frugal with your Excellency’s money, but we risked an imprudently large bet in the game and lost. Conversely, Marx, aided by the Spanish-speaking Junge, bet against long odds with what we believe was one of his last coins—and won.
Apparently feeling flush, Herr Marx proceeded to drink several glasses of the lousy beer. Then, in a break in the chanteuse’s “music,” and presumably inspired by her nationality, Marx stood upon a table and began singing the revolutionary Marseillaise anthem. We were alert that this might be a signal or coded message to other revolutionaries in and around the “chantant,” but the catcalls grew very loud and Herr Marx was struck by bottles thrown by a table of Australians. One of the Australians then turned his attention to us. He wanted to know “what the hell you’re gawkin’ at” and wrongly accused us of Sodomitic desires. His compatriots soon joined in abusing us. We could not speak openly without giving away our identities to Marx. And we are not French puffs “de crème.” One thing led to another, and we found ourselves outside in a fistfight with the Australians. We fought bravely but were outnumbered and were pitched into a mudhole caused by the recent flooding. To add insult to injury, the Australians exposed us to several lewd gestures which were of a nature unlike any we have ever seen, even in a Prussian enlisted men’s barracks. However, the Australians received a comeuppance of sorts as they—and we, too, unfortunately—were arrested by constables and arraigned by the local justice of the peace, who apparently makes his living by taxing foreigners with outrageous fines, nonpayment of which results in confinement. We had only a small sum left after the gambling table and thus are enduring an unpleasant stay in the “hoosegow” with the Australians but expect to be released shortly.
Your Excellency may be assured that despite losing Herr Marx’s trail for a short time, we are confident we will be able to find him, as we know of his intended destination. However, we regret to report that we are very short of funds. Our accidental gambling loss has drained our “treasury,” so to speak—please send money, your Highness! You may send it to Sacramento, in care of our cover names, “Hozay and Horhay the Chilians.”
We thank you profusely and remain deeply dedicated to your service. Your servants, Lt. Ernst Junger Lt. Franz Fischel
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Scott D. Carlson’s writing reflects a life spent exploring the many layers of human experience. He’s worked as a teacher, lawyer, cook, and farmhand, and his storytelling is steeped in the wit and empathy of someone who’s seen the world from many perspectives. He holds an MA in Creative Writing from New York University and lives in the Bay Area, where California’s history continues to fuel his imagination. Learn more on his website.
I’m lucky to have a good public library, and access to a university library, that both have a lot of books containing first-hand accounts by “49ers,” of their experiences coming to California and what it was like in the mountains. A lot of these books are online, via the Internet Archive or Project Gutenberg, which are great resources.
What’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why?
I think the “action” scenes in the book are difficult. For example, the duel, and later Sixto and Marx roping the Prussians. I want readers to be able to “see” these clearly in their imaginations, so you have to be pretty detailed about who does what in space, and when and how, etc.
Where do you get your ideas?
The idea for this book came from reading a biography of Marx. In 1850, he and Friedrich Engels both seriously considered coming to America, but were so broke they couldn’t afford the boat fare. I had to wonder: What if he had come? Reading about gold miners’ lives also gave me more ideas than I could handle.
What helps you overcome writer’s block?
Ego. Seriously, the writer Flannery O’Connor said something like “Just get behind your machine!” And another writer, E.L. Doctorow, who I studied with, said that he was sitting at his desk staring at a wall, started writing about the wall, and it turned into his novel Ragtime.
Your Writing Life
Do you write every day? What’s your schedule?
I try to write every morning, Monday to Friday, for anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, sometimes a little longer. Weekends are mostly reserved for other parts of my life.
Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train?
I can’t write anywhere but home, and when I’m there, not anywhere but in the little world of my “office.” With the two doors closed. I can stare out the window there, at a bunch of oak trees.
Behind the Book
If your book became a movie, who would star in it?
Good question, but tough. The real Marx would have been 31 years old in 1849. If Timothy Chalamet can pull off Bob Dylan, he could maybe do Marx. I haven’t really watched the show, but I’m wondering if a couple of the guys in Reservation Dogs could play Sixto. He’s just as important, or more so, than Marx.
Fun & Lighthearted Qs
Which author(s) most inspired you?
There’s a whole host of them, but to name a few: J.M. Coetzee; Saul Bellow, John Updike, Joan Didion, Hilary Mantel; Vladimir Nabokov, and Richard Ford.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
I’m a chocoholic. But for “real” food I like…beans and lentils? And eggs. Do they count?
What are you binge-watching right now?
I don’t do a lot of bingeing, but recently I did do season three of The White Lotus. I was prepared to not like it, but I got hooked. I thought it was much better than season one.
If you could time-travel, where would you go?
If I knew I would survive them, almost any of the epic early sea voyages, like Magellan’s and Drake’s circumnavigations, or Cook’s voyages. But the food would have been horrible. No comfort food there.
What 3 books would you bring to a desert island?
The American Heritage Dictionary, so I wouldn’t forget my language, and, believe it or not, entertain myself with it. Probably a complete collection of New Yorker cartoons, for when I need a laugh. And “The Yale Shakespeare,” his complete works.
What’s something that made you laugh this week?
A sentence that I wrote in a novella I’m now writing. It’s a good sign, I think, if I can laugh at my own writing.
I have read a few books by Tess Thompson that have been part of a series with other authors. Second Act is the prequel to a new series that is coming out. It is called The Parent App. I had so much fun reading the prequel and am looking forward to the series and am hoping to be able to review it for you. The first book comes out in November and book two in December. Be watching for them.
This is a series about five women who have five children the same age. They bonded over a coffee get together the first day their kids started school. They had so much in common and have formed a family of choice. The five kids decide their moms need a man in their lives when they head off to college in a few years. They just finished Junior High and are headed to High School next year. They have decided to put a profile for their moms on a dating site to see what happens.
I can just imagine what happens when they tell the moms about their scheme. Can’t you? I really want to read that book. Then the following books have to be the moms going on first dates and finding Mr. Wrong and Mr. Right. There has to be some funny and heartbreaking moments. Don’t you think?
In just this short prequel, I found the characters are beautifully developed. I feel like I’ve met some new friends to spend some time with. I love characters that are so open and relatable. It allows me to just fall into the story and enjoy myself and their antics.
I think these books are going to be right in my wheelhouse and bring me a lot of enjoyment. If this sounds like anything you might like, I encourage you to check out The Parent App Series! The Second Act is free right now so, go grab a copy for yourself. If you put these on your nightstand, let me know what you think. I can’t wait to hear from you. 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:
What happens when the kids put their single moms on a dating app?
Unexpected connections, heartfelt confessions, and the first sparks of second chances in this clean & wholesome small-town romance prequel.
Five kids. Five single moms. One unforgettable summer.
In the coastal town of Willet Cove, five kids have grown up side by side, bound together like family. Their moms—five single mothers who’ve built a found family of their own—have given them everything.
But as high school looms, the kids see what their mothers won’t admit: behind the laughter and busy lives is a quiet loneliness. And they’re determined to fix it.
The plan? Create dating profiles for all five women on a matchmaking app called Second Chance.
What begins as a secret experiment soon opens the door to truths, risks, and possibilities none of them imagined. Because sometimes it takes a child’s love to spark the second chance you never saw coming.
Heartwarming, emotional, and full of healing and hope, this novella launches The Parent App series of small-town romances about single moms, lasting friendship, and the second chances we all deserve.
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.
Genre: Holiday Fiction Release Date: October 21, 2025
REVIEW:
Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors for a darn good Christmas Story. If you haven’t found your Christmas book for this year, I highly recommend to you A Ferry Merry Christmas. It is such a heartwarming and feel good story, it will keep you in the holiday spirit for days.
A Ferry Merry Christmas takes place mostly on a Ferry in the Puget Sound. I have memories of taking that Ferry and of some of the other places mentioned, it was a good book to reminisce while reading. This particular trip didn’t go as planned. The ferry broke down right in the middle of the trip to Seattle. This never happens and people were a little put out because it was so near Christmas and they were headed to see Santa, family and do a little Christmas shopping. This breakdown was really sinking the plans of a lot of folks who were on board.
We get to meet some really nice people on board and some who are waiting at the terminal for family members to arrive. You can imagine there are people grumbling over the delay in their plans especially when the wait is longer than promised. There is at least one circumstance that ultimately brings them together in harmony and helps to solve a problem in a most unique way. It reminded me and the ones involved what the season is really all about.
If you love a great story that reminds us about the spirit of Christmas and the love we are supposed to have for our fellow human beings, then Debbie Macomber’s A Ferry Merry Christmas deserves to be on the top of your tbr pile on your Nightstand. Until next time…Happy Reading!
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #DebbieMacomber, #Netgalley and #BallentineBooks. The opinions I have expressed are totally 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:
A delayed ferryboat brings people together in the best of ways during the holiday season in this enchanting Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
Avery and Reed Bond grew up sharing a close-knit relationship, weathering life’s storms side by side. Even so, Avery often finds herself exasperated by her brother’s relentless matchmaking, while Reed can’t resist teasing his sister—after all, isn’t that what siblings do?
Facing their first Christmas without their beloved Grams, the woman who lovingly raised them, Reed and Avery decide to spend the holiday together at Reed’s home. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when the ferry Avery’s traveling on stalls in the middle of Puget Sound, stranding its passengers and leaving Reed waiting a now undetermined length of time for her arrival. What is at first an inconvenience threatens to ruin the plans of a number of commuters, but Avery and Reed soon discover that this unforeseen delay might end up being be a perfectly timed blessing in disguise.
While stuck on the ferry, Avery meets a handsome sailor and witnesses a Christmas miracle that reignites her belief in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Reed runs into a coworker who’s also waiting for a family member to arrive, and sparks a surprising and delightful connection.
In this tale of holiday magic, the Bond siblings find themselves taking a chance on love, proving that sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
Genre: American Horror Release Date: September 1, 2025
Today’s feature is The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon by Barry Maher, a supernatural thriller that’s wickedly funny, deeply unsettling, and impossible to put down. If you’re looking for a story that fuses dark comedy with bone-chilling suspense, this one belongs on your list.
It’s 1982, and Steve Witowski is running from his past and the law when he saves a woman named Victoria from a brutal assault. Victoria has just bought a crumbling church with a dark history, and Steve’s single act of heroism entangles him in her world of grave robbing, occult rituals, and secrets that demand blood. Steve refuses to believe in the supernatural, but as visions torment him and the demon’s grip tightens, he learns denial can be fatal. The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon is a thrilling descent into horror and humor, where reality and nightmare blur until neither can be trusted.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Barry Maher may be the only horror novelist who’s ever appeared in the pages of Funeral Service Insider. In his misspent youth, his articles were featured in perhaps a hundred different publications and, in order to eat, he held nearly that many different jobs. Sometimes he lived on the beach. Not in a house on the beach. On the beach. With the sand and the seagulls.
After a sentence with a Fortune 100 company, he started speaking professionally. He told stories to audiences across the country and around the world: his client-list a Who’s Who of multi-national corporations and large associations.
Awhile back, Barry lost the ability to tell time, courtesy of a baseball-size, cancerous, brain tumor. He awoke from having his skull cut open without the tumor, but with the story that became “The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon,” a darkly funny, supernatural thriller set in California in 1982. Early praise calls the book “wholly fresh and original,” “witty, literate, scary, sexy,” and “an absolute blast.”
On the downside, Maher’s actually been incarcerated twice. Once for not making a left hand turn out of a left hand turn lane, and once for aiding and abetting a loiterer. He’s deeply repentant.
Barry Maher has lived many lives — poet, journalist, syndicated columnist, and international speaker. Known for his dark humor and sharp perspective, he’s been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and appeared on The Today Show, CNN, and CNBC. His work, whether on the page or on stage, always surprises and captivates. Learn more on his website or connect with him on Facebook.
Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews 