Synopsis

 

Your home is more than an address – it’s a reflection of your soul. Your living space mirrors your inner space, telling the story of your life through your physical home.

Function and feeling go hand in hand. The sacred place you call home supports the foundation for your inner balance and an empowering, fulfilling life. When limiting beliefs, negativity, and stress surround you, it’s time to dive deep into who you are to build an environment where you are at home within yourself.

In OM for the hOMe, interior designer and life coach Carrie Leskowitz shares her holistic approach to intentionally curating an environment where you’ll thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Full of design philosophy, creative lifestyle tips, and introspective activities, this is your complete guide to decorating a space with your authentic self in mind so you can achieve zen, inside and out.

You’ll discover:

• How your house influences and reinforces your self-worth, aspirations, and joy
• C-O-R-E pillars of wellness to explore your identity, values, and the home you need
• Why energy in a room may be “off” – and how to invite a positive flow using natural remedies
• The physical and mental clutter limiting you from manifesting abundance
• Furniture, lighting, and coloring ideas for your unique style to promote health and happiness

When home and heart align, the door to transformation opens wide. Get OM for the hOMe and design a life you love from within the beautiful place you live.

 

 

Amazon

 

Excerpt from Chapter 1

 

Your home is within you and outside of you.

Whether we are talking about the human body or your living space, they are both vessels for your soul. Your home is so much more than an address. Home is experiential. It should capture your attention, integrate all your senses and allow you to explore what’s possible. It should be your sacred, safe space to land; it is your spiritual compass, pointing the direction to your north star. There is great power in making your home into a hOMe.

Think of your home as a giant living vision board, helping you aspire to and manifest goals. It is a foundation for your identity, telling all who enter how you see yourself and what you value. Your home is an anchor in the storm, safely keeping you moored to who you are in a way that nothing else can. You want to intentionally create environments that help you thrive physically, emotionally, and spiritually because there is a deep synergy between our inner state and our outer state. Consciously creating a home that supports you in mind, body, and spirit—and that mirrors your authenticity—is an act of self-care of the highest order. Your home is a state of mind as well as a self-portrait. Others look at your home and make assumptions based on the picture you paint.

When I talk about om for the home, I am talking about it in terms of energy, an energy whose balance requires that you need to be very mindful and thoughtful in your effort to feel your best in your hOMe. For me, that starts with a stillness that isn’t always easy to achieve.

 

 

About the Author

Carrie Leskowitz is a certified life coach and award-winning designer with more than 20 years of experience transforming both spaces and lives. As founder of Carrie Leskowitz Interiors, she helps clients nurture the holistic connection between their homes and their physical, emotional, and spiritual health through self-exploration and reinvention. Her beautifully curated homes focus on the mind-body connection to promote overall wellbeing and an abundant life.

Before her design business, Leskowitz worked as a fashion show coordinator, producer, and stylist, which continues to inspire her to design with a dash of drama. A Philadelphia native, she splits her time between her hometown and Boca Raton, Florida.

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Grenade Bouquets (Runaway Train, Book 2) by Lee Matthew Goldberg

 

Publisher:  Wise Wolf Books (August 5, 2021)

 

Series: Runaway Train, Book 2

 

Category: Young Adult, Runaways, Outcasts, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Depression, Mental Illness

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

I had stars in my eyes and I couldn’t see around them…

The year is 1995 and my parents have finally allowed me to take the summer to tour in a VW van across the country with my boyfriend Evan and our band. Yes, my dream to be a singer became reality. Even with Clarissa, Evan’s jealous ex-girlfriend, as the lead singer, it’s my presence on stage that led us to a major record deal. There are moments you’ll always remember in life, but I can’t imagine anything more cool than hearing your song on the radio for the first time.

But being a Rockstar isn’t as easy as it sounds. Using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, nothing but tension surrounded me, hurting my still blossoming relationship, and continued grieving over my sister’s death.

A love letter to the nineties and a journey of a girl becoming a woman, Grenade Bouquets charts the rollercoaster ride of a band primed to explode on the scene, as long as they keep from actually exploding.

 

 

Amazon * B&N * IndieBound

 

 

Praise

 

“An engaging ’90s pastiche with an earnest heart beating at its center.”- Kirkus Reviews

“Runaway Train is a high-energy testimonial to the redemptive power of a road trip with an awesome soundtrack. Lee Matthew Goldberg balances the urgency of youth with a whiff of anticipatory nostalgia for the music and misadventures of late adolescence. Attuned to way distinctions between music genres and teen idols can feel like impermeable walls worth defending, and then crumble as a teen like Nico Sullivan finds her own voice.”- Jenn Stroud Rossman, author of The Place You’re Supposed to Laugh

“Raw. Riveting. Runaway Train stays true to its title as it explores the deep pain of a teenager desperately trying to find peace in a world full of pain. Lee Matthew Goldberg is a master at bestowing sympathy and strength on deeply flawed characters. Realistic and shocking, hopeful and satisfying, Runaway Train will keep readers turning the page.”- USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Forster 

“It’s an incredibly challenging task for an author to utilize a darkly comedic tone without coming across as disingenuous–but Goldberg executes it here with expert precision. Brimming over with the visceral atmosphere of the early 90s grunge era, RUNAWAY TRAIN is a must-read for those willing to buckle up for the ride.”-Peter Malone Elliott (Director of Operations, Book Pipeline)

 

 

Guest Post

 

How To Research Your Story Before Writing Your Book

 

By Lee Matthew Goldberg

 

Research is a huge part of writing a novel. Even though you’re creating fiction, it has to be based in believability. For all of my eight novels, there’s been some degree of research, even before I started writing.

My first book Slow Down took place in the world of Hollywood, focusing on a director. I spoke with a few directors to get the ins-and-outs of their days and to answer some technical questions too. My second book The Mentor was set in the world of academia and publishing. I taught undergrad for ten years, so that research came from experience. One of my characters is a book editor and I spoke with editors about how they choose manuscripts and then champion them in-house. My third novel The Desire Card had the most research of the three because it was a thriller about a Wall Street Executive getting a liver of the black market. I did a lot of research prior to writing about working on Wall Street and the black market, which was not easy research to do. The book also had a part that was set in Mumbai, so the bulk of the research was recreating Mumbai on the page. An editor of mine lived in Mumbai for many years, so he helped with a lot of the details. For each of the books, research became a guide to developing the story. I got more ideas after researching, so it was so important to do before I began writing and plotting.

My fourth novel The Ancestor had the most research of any. It was about fishermen in the wilderness of Alaska, so I did a ton of research about both. A third of the novel also takes place during the Alaskan Gold Rush in the late 1800s. I watched many documentaries and read many books about the era before I even attempted to write. And when I was writing those parts, I only read books set in that era, so I could immerse myself in those times.

For my Young Adult series Runaway Train and the second book Grenade Bouquets, the novels are set in the 1990s. I was a teenager at the time, so I remember a lot, but the main character is a girl. I asked friends to send me any info about what a teenage girl would be interested in in the 90s. I also watched a lot of TV from that era like the shows My So-Called Life and 90210. The books are heavily influenced by music as well. Each chapter is a different grunge song that the main character adds to her mixtape. Of all the research I did, this was the most fun, since I got to relive my favorite era of music. I even got the rights from the band Soul Asylum to use their song “Runaway Train” in the book.

Whether you set a novel in the past or the present, research is so important in creating a full picture of believability for the readers. These days, the internet is your best friend to find out any info, but it’s also good to talk to professionals as well. For me, it was getting in contact with directors, editors, people in finance, fishermen, and those who grew up in the 90s to give firsthand knowledge that would help round my characters.

Whatever you decide to write, make sure you put in the work to really bring it to life for your readers. Trust me, they’ll tell you if you don’t!

 

 

Guest Review by Gud Reader

 

There is something unique about young adult adventurous books with rock stars as their characters. When delivered perfectly they offer the reader some glimpse of the glamour, the glitz and even the downside including the drugs and the depression. One such good read which does this just right is the ‘Grenade Bouquets’ by Lee Matthew Goldberg. As a bonus, it takes place in the 90s. So, even though it is written with young adults in mind, their parents will enjoy it as well.

The book, a sequel of the ‘Runaway Train’ brings back Nico now a seventeen-year-old teenager whose life is now wrapped up in touring with her new band. Grenade Bouquets. For Nico performing on the stage is just like a dream come true especially doing so alongside the lead singer Evans who also doubles up as her new boyfriend. However, despite the band making huge strides in the rock arena, Nico has to keep on battling. First Clarissa who is Evan’s ex and also a member of the band is on Nico’s neck bashing her at every instance, secondly, while Nico’s star is rising, her fellow band members start harboring some resentment towards her. Also fresh from mourning her sister’s loss how will her inexperienced teenage self-deal with her newfound fame, Clarissa’s resentment, and the depression which is slowly creeping in?

The author Lee Matthew Goldberg does a marvelous job of featuring Nico who, despite being a teenager has that glorious sneer of a tough punk queen who knows how cool she is and does not care if you agree. Despite having a dark, provocative, and aggressive side complete with some confrontational dust-ups she knows she has to rise.

This one is your pick if you are looking for an adventurous book complete with the rock life thrill. Also, you will walk away with some behind scenes of the rock life involving the skullduggery, alcohol, and also depression.

 

 

About the Author

 

Lee Matthew Goldberg is the author of seven novels including THE ANCESTOR and THE MENTOR, currently in development as a film off his original script, and the YA series RUNAWAY TRAIN. He has been published in multiple languages and nominated for the Prix du Polar. After graduating with an MFA from the New School, his writing has also appeared in The Los Angeles Review of Books, The Millions, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, LitReactor, Monkeybicycle, Fiction Writers Review, Cagibi, Necessary Fiction, Hypertext, If My Book, Past Ten, the anthology Dirty Boulevard, The Montreal Review, The Adirondack Review, The New Plains Review, Underwood Press and others.

His pilots and screenplays have been finalists in Script Pipeline, Book Pipeline, Stage 32, We Screenplay, the New York Screenplay, Screencraft, and the Hollywood Screenplay contests. He is the co-curator of The Guerrilla Lit Reading Series and lives in New York City.

 

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Giveaway

 

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THE LAST TRIAL OF T. BOONE PICKENS

 

by

 

Chrysta Castañeda & Loren Steffy

 

 

Genre: Biography/Autobiography, Courtroom Drama

Publisher: Stoney Creek Publishing Group

Date of Paperback Publication: September 15, 2021

Number of Pages: 300 Pages

 

 

 

 

Finalist, 2020 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award 

T. Boone Pickens, legendary Texas oilman and infamous corporate raider from the 1980s, climbed the steps of the Reeves County courthouse in Pecos, Texas in early November 2016. He entered the solitary courtroom and settled into the witness stand for two days of testimony in what would be the final trial of his life.

Pickens, who was 88 by then, had made and lost billions over his long career, but he’d come to Pecos seeking justice from several other oil companies. He claimed they cut him out of what became the biggest oil play he’d ever invested in—in an oil-rich section of far West Texas that was primed for an unprecedented boom. After years of dealing with the media, shareholders and politicians, Pickens would need to win over a dozen West Texas jurors in one last battle.

To lead his legal fight, he chose an unlikely advocate—Chrysta Castañeda, a Dallas solo practitioner who had only recently returned to the practice of law after a hiatus borne of disillusionment with big firms. Pickens was a hardline Republican, while Castañeda had run for public office as a Democrat. But they shared an unwavering determination to win and formed a friendship that spanned their differences in age, politics, and gender.

In a town where frontier justice was once meted out by Judge Roy Bean—“The Law West of the Pecos”—Pickens would gird for one final courtroom showdown. Sitting through trial every day, he was determined to prevail, even at the cost of his health.

The Last Trial of T. Boone Pickens is a high-stakes courtroom drama told through the eyes of Castañeda. It’s the story of an American business legend still fighting in the twilight of his long career, and the lawyer determined to help him make one final stand for justice.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

Praise

 

“Think you know T. Boone Pickens, the larger-than-life business titan, energy trader, and corporate raider? Think again. The attorney representing Pickens in his final major court battle and the business writer who covered him most over the decades reveal a whole other T. Boone that few people outside his bubble could have ever imagined.” —     Joe Nick Patoski, author of Austin to ATX and host of the Texas Music Hour of Power

 

“Chrysta Castañeda and Loren Steffy have accomplished the remarkable. They’ve taken issues most familiar to lawyers and judges, woven them into an incredible story and presented to all an enjoyable journey through The Last Trial of T. Boone Pickens.” —    Craig Enoch, Former Texas Supreme Court Justice and founder of the Enoch Kever law firm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHRYSTA CASTAÑEDA is a Texas trial attorney specializing in oil and gas disputes. She formed her own boutique law firm in 2014 after more than twenty years as a partner and associate in some of the world’s top law firms.

 

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LOREN STEFFY is a journalist and author of four other nonfiction books: Deconstructed: An Insider’s View of Illegal Immigration and the Building Trades (with Stan Marek) (Stoney Creek Publishing, 2020), George P. Mitchell: Fracking, Sustainability and an Unorthodox Quest to Save the Planet (Texas A&M University Press, 2019), Drowning in Oil: BP and the Reckless Pursuit of Profit (McGraw-Hill, 2010) and The Man Who Thought Like a Ship (Texas A&M University Press, 2012). His first novel, The Big Empty, was published in April 2021.

 

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STONEY CREEK PUBLISHING

 

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Swimming with the Fishes: An Ozarks Lake Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Arkansas
Publisher: BGM Press
Number of Pages: 220

 

Synopsis

 

She’s settling into a new life. But when a fishing trip totally capsizes, can she get a friend off the hook for murder?

 

Elizabeth Trout still feels awkward being back home. Discovering a BFF from her raucous high-school days has become the perfect mom is as weird as staying with her mother while awaiting construction of her new home. But she’s shaken to her core when her newlywed husband and beloved dog are nearly blown out of the water in a dockside explosion which leaves another woman dead … and her bestie is arrested for the crime.

To clear her friend, Elizabeth and her spouse set out to reel in a killer by sifting through the murky depths of small town drama. But between missing money, ominous strangers, and a shady ex-husband, these amateur sleuths net more motives than they can handle.

Can this dynamic detective duo dig up an answer before the big one gets away?

 

Swimming with the Fishes is the sensational second book in the Ozarks Lake Mystery series. If you like clever couples, delightful lakeside settings, and a rollicking good time, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s hilarious whodunit.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Character Guest Post

 

Guest Post from Suzanne Quentin, side character in

Swimming with the Fishes: An Ozarks Lake Mystery (Book #2)

copied from her blog:

 

 

Howdy again all y’all fans of Shear Heaven, the #1 salon in Jenkins, Arkansas!

Summer’s nearly upon us, along with its dreaded chigger infestation. Before you start slapping yourself silly to get rid of those bugs and sweating near to death, wouldn’t it be lovely to get yourself a new style?

It’s been a few months since my last update to y’alls but things sure have been crazy around here. We just wrapped up my ten year high school reunion—an exciting and fabulous time for all (well, nearly all) of us.

I have to thank the beauty treatments and special styling care that I receive at Shear Heaven for making me look like I’ve hardly aged at all in those ten years. The same can’t be said for certain classmates I shouldn’t mention.

Well, I can’t resist. Sometimes you just have to speak the truth. Her name is Elizabeth Trout, bless her heart. I’m sure she tries hard to look purty but she doesn’t take advantage of all the special treatments from Shear Heaven. I’m not being critical here; I’m just saying if you want to look your best—or even halfway decent unlike Elizabeth—come on over to Shear Heaven. Especially if you want to keep looking attractive for the men in your life—boyfriend, husband, or both.

Them Hollywood types have discovered the beauties of Jenkins too. In case you missed the biggest news sweeping through Jenkins in years, movie producers have been scouting our town. For your convenience, we’ve got signup sheets at our shop where you can register to be an extra and schedule yourself a refresh so you’ll wow them at your audition. We don’t rightly know when they’ll start shooting but looking good has never been easier with our new online booking system. That’s right, just visit our website and sign up today.

That’s all my update from Shear Heaven for now but I do have a special request. Our sponsor, the author of SWIMMING WITH THE FISHES, wants me to ask you to buy his book today.  Y’all really should go read it now. We really can use his sponsorship money as I’ve got big plans to expand Shear Heaven. Not a big reader myself but I hear tell it’s a fun clean read with lots of twists, town secrets and an ending with a strong right hook. I’ll consider adding it to my to-do list but just don’t be asking me to give away any surprises.

SWIMMING WITH THE FISHES is the second book in Marc Jedel’s new Ozarks Lake Mystery series. It’s available at getbook.at/Swimming. Don’t you agree it’s pretty cool of him to sponsor our blog? Perhaps he should come in for a treatment too. I mean, have you seen his author photo? I can’t do nothing about his hair, but still.

Plus, he’s still writing more books in his Silicon Valley Mystery series. I haven’t read those either but I hear they’re very funny. That doesn’t surprise me any as them Californians are strange folk, and none stranger than his main character, Marty. The first three of those books are also out on audiobook, available everywhere audiobooks are sold. All Marc’s books are free for Kindle Unlimited members.

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Marc Jedel writes humorous murder mysteries. He credits his years of marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley for honing his writing skills and sense of humor. While his high-tech marketing roles involved crafting plenty of fiction, these were just called emails, ads, and marketing collateral.

For most of Marc’s life, he’s been inventing stories. As he’s gotten older, he’s encountered more funny and odd people and situations. This has made it even easier for him to write what he knows and make up the rest. It’s a skill that’s served him well, both as an author and marketer.

The publication of Marc’s first novel, UNCLE AND ANTS, gave him permission to claim “author” as his job. This leads to much more interesting conversations with people than answering, “marketing.” Becoming an Amazon best-selling author has only made him more insufferable.

Like his characters Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent plenty of time in and around Arkansas. Like his character, Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, Marc now lives in Silicon Valley, works in high-tech, and enjoys bad puns. Along with all his protagonists, Marc too has a dog, although his is neurotic, sweet, and small, with little appreciation for Marc’s humor.

Visit his website for free chapters of novels, special offers, and more.

 

Website * Facebook* LinkedIn * Goodreads * BookBub

 

 

 

Giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

The past never sleeps.
The truth never dies.

Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubled history of the Big Purple House. When he’s hired to restore the historical mansion, he doesn’t foresee the secrets—secrets that entangle his family in deceit and murder.

Phaedra is selling the house that has been in her family for decades. As her friends-to-lovers relationship with Harlan escalates, she puts her values on the line and chances losing him.

After a stranger comes to town, weaving her web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance connected to the house, dark revelations of the past implode the present. Harlan and Phaedra are thrown on a dangerous path, not only risking love but possibly their lives.

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Excerpt

 

As soon as Harlan crossed the threshold, he was sheathed in a gray cloud. His calf muscles tensed with a message to walk away. His head spun. He braced himself on the wall until the dizziness passed. When the room quit spinning, he imagined giving himself over to the mood of his surroundings. His body hummed with sensuality as if teased by sexual temptation. He strolled farther into the room, his breathing shallow and fast. “What the—” A spike of anger knocked out all pleasant sensation. He wanted to lash out. At what? He gripped his tape measure, took two quick breaths, and rolled his shoulders. Find some control. He widened his eyes as if to see more clearly and pivoted in a circle. Four walls. A window looking out on the side of the house. I’m missing something. He rotated in a circle again. Four walls. No closet. His throat constricted.

Dark. Sensual. Hidden desire. Secrets. Fear. I need air.

As if in a fog, he squinted and found the door. In the hall, he inhaled, bent with hands on his knees, and closed his eyes. “Son of a bitch.”

Gradually, his heart rate normalized. He took slow steady breaths. He had no way to decipher the overload of impressions the closet, the stairwell, and now this room gave him. He righted. I have to find out. Whatever happened in this house he felt certain tied him to its past.

****

“Guess who I just ran into?” Phaedra asked him.

“Uh, Jon Bon Jovi? I hear he’s considering opening a winery in Joshua.”

She snorted. “No. Nora the writer.”

“And?”

“You know how you said something seems off about her? I ran into her in the hardware store. So, I engaged her in conversation. She doesn’t know about The Ravine. Who doesn’t know about The Ravine if you’ve done any research on Joshua? And why would a writer come to Joshua if she hadn’t done even preliminary research? She told me she carries books with her. In a case. Doesn’t everyone use the Internet now? Why would she carry actual books with her?”

Harlan rubbed the back of his neck. “She said something about a book her mom had. One chapter on Joshua and mining moguls.”

“And on that little information she takes off for Joshua? Where’s she from?”

“I don’t know if she’s said. Why?”

“No reason. But wouldn’t a writer find out more about an area before just taking off and hoping she gets enough material when she gets there? And she bought tools at the hardware store. What’s she going to do, build a book?”

“Now that you question it, she mentioned driving around to find appropriate houses. But then she also told me about the book her mom had.” He ran a hand through his hair and huffed. “One more mystery connected to this house.” He glanced toward the bedrooms then across the ceiling as if he had X-ray vision and was mapping coordinates.

She shoved at his knee to bring his gaze back. Something bothered him. “What do you mean, Harlan? What’s wrong?”

“My ‘clear vision’ isn’t exactly working with me on this house.” He gestured quote marks. “A woman with purple eyes shows up asking questions. Purple eyes. Purple house.” He rubbed the back of his neck again. “The original owner’s maiden name is the same as my mother’s middle name. And one of the bedrooms doesn’t have a closet.”

She scooted closer and ran fingers along his arm, registering the nice biceps. Tense. “Hey, don’t get so distressed. You’ll do a great job even if the house isn’t disclosing its secrets.”

He canted toward her, slipping the arm she touched around her waist. “Thanks.”

Although not exactly a hug, his gesture caused a ripple across her breasts. She took a short breath to maintain her calm. “Maybe they didn’t put a closet in that room, and your mom’s middle name, although unusual, could be a coincidence. And you must be worrying about the house too much, because Miss Round-butt Writer—”

“Round-butt writer?” With a deep-throated chuckle, he hugged her.

“Yes, she has blue eyes, and if you’re seeing purple—”

“I’m not color blind.” He trailed a finger down the side of her face. A teasing smile tipped the corner of his lips. “Her eyes are purple.”

“Whatever.” She poked his arm the same way she’d done a million times when they were kids. “Yeah, well, I’m sure you noticed—”

His mouth covered hers as he looped his other arm around her.

 

 

About the Author

 

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

 

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She blogs and has guests: https://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Even the strongest of families aren’t immune to malice, betrayal, and deceit. Supportive, loving, and affluent, the Pierson family is delighted to celebrate the marriage of sensitive middle son Paul Pierson and his wife, Pamela. Everyone rejoices that Paul has finally recovered from the tragic loss of his beloved first wife and looks forward to Paul and Pamela’s new life together. But just as family members are celebrating his happiness, they start noticing that his beautiful bride may not be what she seems.

As the strain between siblings and spouses worsens, the Piersons discover that neither their money nor their considerable influence can keep the family safe from one woman’s malicious intent. When the true nature of this family member is revealed, each of the Piersons is confronted with the quandary of human conduct and moral responsibility.

Darkness and Grace is a compelling story of the classic struggle between good and evil, as well as the violent undercurrent running beneath the illusory serenity of a close-knit Midwestern family.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

A Note from the Author

 

Darkness and Grace was inspired by real-life events involving my family in the early 1990s. Each time I would discuss the true occurrences, people would comment, “This is a great story. You need to write a book.” After initial trepidation, I recognized this was not only a story worth telling, but it was one that comes to an author only once in a lifetime.

Originally published in 2007 under a pseudonym with the title Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace, this book is a work of fiction. To write the narrative, I employed aspects of historical fiction, using authentic news accounts, world events, settings, and descriptions involving entirely fictional characters. Darkness and Grace is of the domestic thriller genre in which familial relationships can prove to be far more dangerous than the world at large.

 

 

Review

 

I am always intrigued by stories that are inspired by true events and this is one that you might expect to see on 20/20 or Dateline. I know that this probably happens more than I realize, but I guess I lead a sheltered life where I don’t know anyone that has had to endure a gold-digging spouse and the aftermath of that relationship.

This is a close-knit family so I can only imagine how hard it is to watch one sibling be sucked into a life with a destructive spouse. Pamela seems to take her role as a gold-digger to a new level and Paul isn’t the first one this has happened to with her. Kay is Paul’s sister and while this is told from her point of view, we do see how the situation impacts everyone in the family and how they react to Paul and Pamela’s life. As always, there are red flags that everyone seems to ignore.

There is so much drama surrounding Pamela and perhaps that is the way that she likes to keep situations so that she gets what she wants in the end. However, the rest of Paul’s family isn’t going to let that happen. They have too much at stake including the family business.

This book made me cringe only because it goes against my moral compass when it comes to Pamela and her selfish attitude. I was disappointed that Paul didn’t stand up to her but perhaps he knew he got in too deep and was just trying to keep things peaceful for the sake of his daughter. There is a major twist at the end I didn’t expect and it was very surprising but looking back, we see how it all came about.

This story pulled me in and had me wondering what could Pamela possibly do next? The answers sometimes surprised me.

We give this book 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Kathryn Schleich has been a writer for thirty years. Her most recent publications include the short story “Reckless Acts,” featured in After Effects: A Zimbell House Anthology, and her story “Grand Slam,” published in The Acentos Review in May 2017. She is the author of two editions of the book Hollywood and Catholic Women: Virgins, Whores, Mothers, and Other Images, which evolved from her master’s thesis. Her guest posts have been featured on the Women On Writing blog, The Muffin, and she writes for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s volunteer newsletter. When she’s not writing, Schleich is likely volunteering in the education and arts communities in the Twin Cities, where she lives. Friends, family, good food, wine, and traveling are important aspects of her life.

 

 

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Synopsis

 

Paloma thought her perfect life would begin once she was adopted and made it to America, but she’s about to find out that no matter how far you run, your past always catches up to you…

Ever since she was adopted from a Sri Lankan orphanage, Paloma has had the best of everything—schools, money, and parents so perfect that she fears she’ll never live up to them.

Now at thirty years old and recently cut off from her parents’ funds, she decides to sublet the second bedroom of her overpriced San Francisco apartment to Arun, who recently moved from India. Paloma has to admit, it feels good helping someone find their way in America— that is until Arun discovers Paloma’s darkest secret, one that could jeopardize her own fragile place in this country.

Before Paloma can pay Arun off, she finds him face down in a pool of blood. She flees the apartment but by the time the police arrive, there’s no body—and no evidence that Arun ever even existed in the first place.

Paloma is terrified this is all somehow tangled up in the desperate actions she took to escape Sri Lanka so many years ago. Did Paloma’s secret die with Arun or is she now in greater danger than ever before?

 

 

 

 

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Review

 

This psychological suspense thriller has a lot packed into the pages and just might keep you guessing as to what is going to happen next.

The story alternates between 2002 in Sri Lanka at an orphanage where our main character, Paloma, resides, and 2020 in California. Paloma is in the home after being given up by her mother at birth. She is 12 and has basically won the lottery when a family comes in to visit the home and decides to adopt her and take her back to California to live with them. I enjoyed the back and forth because it gave us an insight into Paloma as a child and where she is now 18 years later. I’m just going to say I don’t think she is in a very good place in the present. She has taken in an undocumented man to help pay the rent until he discovers a secret of hers and blackmails her to keep it quiet. She is worried about how to handle the situation and it only goes from bad to worse when she finds him dead in the apartment and there is no evidence as to who did it or where his body went. The story gets wackier from there when a neighbor goes missing, the woman across the street seems to be stalking Paloma, and Sam, who seems like a good guy but is he?

There were so many surprises that were dropped on us throughout the book. Some I guessed, some I was quite surprised, others had me flabbergasted especially the ending! I think I probably saw that coming but you really don’t know until that last scene. I felt for Paloma because it felt like she was being gaslighted and she was to a degree. I can only imagine how Paloma felt and if she was going crazy especially considering she was on medication and drinking alcohol. That could make anyone second guess their actions. But it also made her unreliable as a narrator because we didn’t know if we could trust what she was saying or doing at various parts of the book.

Overall, a good read from a debut author. If you like suspense/thriller books you just might like this one.

We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

Ratmalana, Sri Lanka

 

2002

 

The shadows from the torch Maya held under her chin made her smile look evil, like the devil mask hung in the assembly hall to ward off the evil eye.

We were all too excited to sleep, so Maya called all the girls to her bunk to tell us ghost stories. I didn’t really want to listen. I’m too old to believe in ghosts. But I didn’t want to be the only one in bed when everyone else was all the way on the other side of the dormitory.

Lihini grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I gave it a squeeze back. She loved ghost stories, which I didn’t really understand. Why would anyone want to be afraid on purpose?

“Relax, Paloma,” she mouthed. I usually got annoyed when people told me to relax. Like saying the words was enough to make me forget what was upsetting me in the first place. As though ghosts and demons would just go away if we simply relaxed. But Lihini was my best friend. I could never get angry with her. I scooted a little closer to her on the floor. There was no such thing as ghosts. It just made me feel safe to be near her.

Maya needed to hurry up. If we got caught out of our beds, we would definitely be scolded. Maybe even punished. They might even cancel the visit tomorrow.

I took a deep breath and shook my head. They would never do that. We hadn’t gotten many visitors to the orphanage in a few months now. Tomorrow was important. Everyone told us so-our headmaster Perera sir, Miss Chandra, even Miss Sarah, our English teacher. We were to be on our best behaviour and make sure we knew exactly what we were supposed to do or say. Miss Chandra supervised the rehearsal today. Everything had to be perfect, and we were so excited that none of us could sleep.

Of course Maya would decide this was the best time to make it all about her. Sometimes I wondered if she even wanted to be adopted. She needed to be more responsible than this. She was twelve now, same as me. It’s not like we were little children anymore.

“She walks slowly. Her feet are bare and dirty and covered in scratches. She wears a long, white dress.” Maya purposely made her voice into a throaty whisper so every one of us leaned forward, barely breathing.

I knew this story. Vana-Mohini, or Mohini, as we call it. We’ve all heard it a million times. We’ve all told it a million times. But I still held tight to Maya’s words.

“There’s blood under her nails, and they are long and sharp, like talons.” She made a sudden clawing motion, and Lihini leaped back, her hands over her mouth.

We all giggled nervously.

“And her long, black hair hangs over her face, like this.” The torch flickered as Maya messed her hair over her face so just her eyes glinted through in the dim yellow light.

“Mohini walks only in the night, revealing herself to people who are all by themselves. Help me. Help me, she begs.” Maya made her voice high and raspy now, like when the chalk slips when you’re writing on a blackboard.

“Some people say Mohini’s eyes are red. Red as blood. And when you look into them, you can see straight into hell. And if you stop to help her, she smiles, and before you know it-”

Maya dropped the torch and lunged forward, wrapping her hands around Lihini’s throat. Lihini couldn’t help it this time. Her small scream rang like an alarm through the dormitory.

I pulled Lihini away from Maya and put my arms around her. If I could have slapped Maya, I definitely would, but there wasn’t time.

“Haiyyo! Quickly, everyone, to bed before we get caught,” I hissed, getting Lihini to her feet and pushing her into her bunk.

Thankfully, the other girls followed.

We all lay very, very still for a few minutes. I could hear nervous panting echoing through the dormitory. Maya really did give everyone a shock. But thankfully none of the matrons came.

What on earth was she thinking? Getting us into trouble the night before Mr. and Mrs. Evans got here. Those were their names. Mr. and Mrs. Evans. Perera sir told us so we could memorise them. Evans-like when Miss Sarah told us about Mary Ann Evans, who went by George Eliot, who wrote The Mill on the Floss. I suppose I could understand why you would want to pretend to be someone else. But I could never, ever understand why someone wouldn’t want to go by the name Evans. It was beautiful.

I whispered it out loud.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans. I hoped they liked us. And me. I really hoped they liked me.

 

 

About the Author

 

Amanda Jayatissa grew up in Sri Lanka, completed her undergrad at Mills College, CA, and lived in the UK before moving back to her sunny little island. She works as a corporate trainer, owns a chain of cookie stores, and is a proud dog-mum to her two, spoiled huskies.

 

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RIO BONITO

 

The Three Rivers Trilogy, Book 2

 

By PRESTON LEWIS

 

 

Categories: Western / Historical Fiction

Publisher: Five Star Publishing

Pub Date: August 18, 2021

 

Pages: 336 pages

 

 

Scroll for the Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

With Lincoln County teetering on the edge of lawless turmoil, small rancher Wes Bracken avoids taking sides, but his goal is complicated by his devotion to what he sees as justice and by his friendship with William H. Bonney, who’s developing a reputation as Billy the Kid.

As Lincoln County devolves into explosive violence, Bracken must skirt the edge of the law to guarantee the survival of his family, his spread, and his dream. But dangers abound from both factions for a man refusing to take sides. Before the Lincoln County War culminates on the banks of the Rio Bonito during a five-day shootout in Lincoln, Bracken is accused of being both a vigilante and a rustler. As the law stands idly by, Bracken’s ranch is torched, and his wife is assaulted by the notorious outlaw Jesse Evans. Survival trumps vengeance, though, as Bracken tries to outlast the dueling factions aimed at destroying him.

At every turn Bracken must counter the devious ploys of both factions and fight against lawmen and a court system skewed to protect the powerful and politically connected. Against overwhelming odds, Bracken challenges the wicked forces arrayed against him in hopes of a better life for himself, for his family, and for New Mexico Territory. And throughout it all, Bracken stands in the growing shadow of his sometime pal, Billy the Kid.

 

 

 

 

 

Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Books-a-million

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview with Preston Lewis Discussing Writing

 

 

Every writer has a unique writing approach to a novel.  What’s yours?

 

I go through three drafts.  The first is the worst because you’re staring at a blank screen.  You don’t have anything to work with until you finish the first draft, so I try to get through it as quickly as I can.  Then with the second draft I work on resolving plot issues, improving transitions, polishing the dialog, ensuring story coherence and sharpening the prose.  In the third and final draft, I focus primarily on polishing the prose and finalizing it for the editor.

 

Do you use an outline or plot your chapters in advance?

 

It depends.  If I’ve got between 100,000 and 120,000 words to work with, I generally just start writing and let the plot take me where it goes.  I generally in these cases know where the story will start and how it will end, but not necessarily what happens in between.  This is the most fun because the story twists and turns often surprise me.  Now when I’ve got a word target I’m shooting for, say 75,000 to 85,000 words, I generally do a chapter by chapter synopsis so I hit the word target.  That takes more time on the front end, but generally saves time in the writing process, though it is less spontaneous.

 

How do you deal with deadlines?

 

My background is in journalism so I started out working for four daily newspapers in Texas.  I dealt with daily deadlines every workday and on longer pieces weekly deadlines.  So, deadlines are not intimidating.  I also know my limits.  There was year when I had contract for five books.  Four I managed okay around my day job, but the fifth was closing in on me so I took ten vacation days and completed the first draft of 300-plus pages in that span.  The first draft is always a chore, but the subsequent drafts are a breeze.

 

What is the best advice you ever got about writing? 

 

Perseverance trumps talent.  That came from Jeanne Williams, an award-winning and best-selling author of historical novel.  I consider Jeanne my writing mentor and her encouragement helped me in my early years of writing.  She said she had seen many talented writers give up, but lesser writers succeed because keep at it.  Jeanne told me if I kept at it, I would eventually earn some writing awards.  Her encouragement and faith in my abilities kept me going.  The second best piece of advice came from western novelist Elmer Kelton, who told me as he did all other young writers, “Don’t quit your day job.”

 

Were you ever tempted to quit your job and try writing full-time?

 

No, I had a family to support and my first obligation was to them.  Writers face two limitations:  time and money.  Some writers can deal with money issues and others can manage time constraints.  I’m disciplined enough to make efficient use of my time, but I could never have kept my writing sanity and temperament if I was worried about making the next mortgage payment or putting food on the table for my wife, son and daughter.  It’s a moot issue now that I am retired.

 

Any advice for aspiring writers?

 

Perseverance trumps talent and don’t quit your day job are still solid starting points, but writing has changed so much in the 40 years since I began developing novels.  There are more opportunities and options than ever before for your writing through the Web.  So the key is determining what it is you want out of writing, whether it’s a living or riches, whether it’s the personal satisfaction or public acclaim, and then mapping out a strategy that you think will get you to your goal.  There may be bumps along the way, but I’ve found the journey was as much fun as the destination.

 

 

 

 

Preston Lewis is the Spur Award-winning author of 40 westerns, historical novels, juvenile books, and memoirs.  He has received national awards for his novels, articles, short stories, and humor.

In 2021 he was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters for his literary accomplishments.  Lewis is past president of Western Writers of America and the West Texas Historical Association.

His historical novel Blood of Texas on the Texas Revolution earned a Spur Award as did his True West article on the Battle of Yellow House Canyon.  He developed the Memoirs of H.H. Lomax series, which includes two Spur finalists and a Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award for western humor for his novel Bluster’s Last Stand on the battle of Little Big Horn.  His comic western The Fleecing of Fort Griffin and two of his YA novels have won Elmer Kelton Awards for best creative work on West Texas from the West Texas Historical Association.

He began his writing career working for Texas daily newspapers in Abilene, Waco, Orange, and Lubbock before going into university administration.  During his 35-year career in higher education, he directed communications and marketing offices at Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Angelo State University.

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University and master’s degrees from Ohio State in journalism and Angelo State in history.  He lives in San Angelo with his wife, Harriet.

 

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GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

 

TWO WINNERS:

1^st: Signed copies of Rio Ruidoso & Rio Bonito;

2^nd: Signed copy of Rio Bonito.

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 9/17/21)

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily.

 Or, visit the blogs directly:

 

9/7/21	Review	Jennifer Silverwood
9/7/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
9/8/21	Excerpt	All the Ups and Downs
9/8/21	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
9/9/21	Author Interview	Chapter Break Book Blog
9/10/21	Review	Julia Picks 1
9/11/21	Excerpt	The Book’s Delight
9/12/21	Author Interview	StoreyBook Reviews
9/13/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
9/14/21	Sneak Peek	KayBee’s Bookshelf
9/15/21	Review	Missus Gonzo
9/16/21	Review	The Clueless Gent

 

 

 

 

 

blog tour services provided by

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Summer on the seaside . . . a perfect place for romance.

Join us for three novellas in one collection:

 

The New Countess, by Josi S. Kilpack

 

Diane knows why the earl asked her to marry him; he needed a mother for his daughter, an heir for his title, and a hostess to assist with his position in Parliament. With two sons of her own, and no security to speak of, she never thought twice about accepting his proposal. Summering at his holiday cottage at the sea was meant to be reward for a busy first year as the new countess, and a time for her to rest before their baby is born. She is expecting lazy days on the beach with the children, simple meals, and keeping her own schedule. When the earl surprises her with a visit, she does her best not to resent the intrusion. When she learns that he came for the sole purpose of being with her and getting to know her better, she realizes that perhaps this marriage can be more than she expected. Is she ready for him to know her and love her and explore this new possibility together? She wants to be, but it is not an easy thing to let go of expectations and open up to an entirely new way of life.

 

Mishaps and Memories, by Martha Keyes

 

Judith Jardine’s one chance at a brilliant match is doomed from the start when she is ignored and then mocked by the ton’s most sought-after gentleman. Under a gloomy cloud of failure, Judith is exiled to a seaside cottage to spend the summer helping her sister—and living a life far below the one she experienced for her week in Brighton. When she discovers the man responsible for her misfortune unconscious on the beach, she heeds her better impulses and has him brought to the cottage to be seen to. But James Carlisle has no recollection of who he is, what happened to him, or how he has wronged her, and Judith sees the opportunity to teach him a valuable lesson—unless the deception and her feelings get the best of her first.

 

Moonlight Summer, by Heather B. Moore

 

Oscar Rosewell’s life is not lacking in many things even though he lives on the fringes of society due to his father’s ruined reputation. He’s sworn off having any personal relationships with ton members—his only interest lies in keeping his business thriving. He’s content with his day-to-day anonymity, and business keeps his heart from getting exposed. It’s safer that way. Until Oscar meets Miss Dorothea Atkinson. A woman capturing his interest is a rare thing, but Miss Atkinson is nearly engaged to a man of her parents’ choosing. Would it be wrong to wish for something to go terribly wrong between the couple? Soon, Oscar learns that wishing can become a reality, but often, the price is an even heavier thing to pay.

 

 

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Excerpt

 

Moonlight Summer, by Heather B. Moore

 

Eight trunks and seven valises packed into two carriages, and still Dottie had the feeling she was forgetting something as she stood in the doorway of a London townhome. Oh, no—all the baggage wasn’t for her alone. She could only claim one trunk and one valise. A feat for a twenty-year-old lady, to be sure. But Dottie’s mother had given her strict instructions to pack modestly. She’d bring along her small sketchbook in her reticule in the morning.

“That way, my dear, you’ll have to shop for what you need,” her mother had said earlier that day as her pale blue eyes sparkled. “You have a new father now. And he will provide for us.”

Her mother’s color was heightened these past few months, and her voice had taken on a higher octave. Perhaps it was because of her new marriage? Still a blushing bride?

Dottie didn’t want to think about her own mother, at thirty-eight, having a romantic time with Viscount Fisher of Turnberry, Dottie’s new stepfather.

But there was no denying it.

Last night after supper, her mother had announced that she was with child.

Well.

Dottie was already feeling misplaced enough with a new home, three new stepsisters, and a new stepfather who said hardly a word to her.

Now, Dottie knew why they were quitting the London season early. A season that was meant for her, at least originally. She’d missed her first season because she and her mother were in mourning for Father. And her second one? Her mother had secured the husband, not Dottie.

One day, Dottie might find it amusing, but at this very moment, she could hear someone crying. Wailing, really.

“Dorothea!” Her mother’s voice echoed from the upper level.

Dottie turned from the doorway and all the preparations. She hurried up the stairs, wishing for one quiet moment. She’d never appreciated those moments before, when she was the only child to her parents, Lady Atkinson and Lord Atkinson, who had been the Baron of Rutland.

“I don’t want to leave my dollhouse!” This was followed by another wail.

Dottie stepped into the nursery, where her mother, the nursemaid, and the housekeeper were all surrounding six-year-old Alice. The young girl was as fair-haired as Dottie was dark.

“Dorothea, do something,” her mother said, touching her perfectly coifed hair as if a piece of it had strayed. “My nerves can’t take this. I’m expecting, you know.”

I know, Dottie wanted to say, but instead, she crossed to Alice and knelt in front of her.

The child’s clear green eyes were filled with tears, and the flush on her cheeks told Dottie she was about a half a minute from a full breakdown. Wailing was only the beginning. Dottie’s heart went out to this young girl, though. A child who’d lost her mother last year. Just as Dottie had lost her father.

“What do you want to take on our trip to the seaside?” Dottie said in a quiet, calm voice.

Alice sniffled. “My dollhouse.”

Dottie didn’t miss the fact that her mother and the housekeeper had quit the room. Only the nursemaid, Mary, remained, hovering by the door.

“This one?” Dottie said, resting her hand atop the roof of the nearby dollhouse. “I love it too.”

“You do?” Alice’s eyes widened. “But you don’t play with dolls. You’re too old.”

Dottie smiled. “Perhaps. Do you know if you take the dollhouse to the seaside, then we can’t take all your favorite dresses? There won’t be room for both.” She could see the understanding growing in the girl’s eyes. “What will you wear? A blanket?”

Alice’s small, rosy lips curved upwards.

“Oh, I know. You can wear my shawl.”

Alice giggled. “It’s too big for me.”

Dottie touched a finger to her chin. “Let’s see, then. How about you wear one of my dresses?”

“That’s too big!” Another giggle.

Dottie held back a laugh. “Oh well, I guess we’ll have to bring your dresses. But I have an idea for your dollhouse.”

Alice’s green eyes rounded. “You do?”

“We’ll put a special drape over it so that it will stay here, safe and sound, for you,” Dottie said. “Nothing will be touched, and it won’t even get dusty.”

A line appeared between Alice’s eyebrows, but she turned and gazed at the dollhouse for a long moment. “All right.”

Dottie’s heart did a victory leap. “Wonderful. Now, let’s find the drape that you want. It has to be very pretty, just like the house.”

 

 

About the Authors

 

Josi S. Kilpack is the bestselling author of several Proper Romance, Timeless Romance series, and a Cozy Culinary Mystery series. Her books, A Heart Revealed and Lord Fenton’s Folly; were Publishers Weekly Best Romance Books of the Year. She and her husband, Lee, are the parents of four children

 

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Martha Keyes is a Whitney Award winning author born, raised, and educated in Utah—a home she loves dearly but also dearly loves to escape whenever she can by traveling the world. She received a BA in French Studies and a Master of Public Health, both from Brigham Young University.

Word crafting has always fascinated her, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that she considered writing her own stories. When she isn’t writing, she is honing her photography skills, looking for travel deals, and spending time with her family. She lives with her husband and twin boys in Vineyard, Utah.

 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than seventy publications. She’s lived on both the east and west coasts of the United States, including Hawaii, and attended school abroad including the Cairo American College in Egypt, and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. She loves to learn about anything in history and, as an author, is passionate about historical research.

 

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Giveaway

 

Mirror Press is pleased to offer one digital copy of any of the 16 previous books in the Timeless Regency Romance Collection to one unique winner at each stop on the tour.

 

To enter, please leave a comment with this blog post before 11:59pm, September 26, 2021. Visit each stop on the tour and leave a comment to increase your chance to win a book.

 

This contest is open internationally. The winner will be drawn randomly from the comments and announced on each blog on September 27, 2021. The winner must claim their prize before October 04, 2021. Good luck to all!

 

 

Tour Stops

 

Aug 23           Austenprose

Aug 24           My Jane Austen Book Club

Aug 24           Getting Your Read On

Aug 25           The Bibliophile Files

Aug 26           Heidi Reads

Aug 27           Our Book Confessions

Aug 30           The Lit Bitch

Aug 30           Wishful Endings

Sept 01          The Book Diva Reads

Sept 01          Rosanne E. Lortz

Sept 02          Laura’s Reviews

Sept 04          Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Sept 07          Probably at the Library

Sept 08          Gwendalyn’s Books

Sept 09          Books and Socks Rock

Sept 10          Christian Chick’s Thoughts

Sept 11          Storeybook Reviews

Sept 13          From Pemberley to Milton

Sept 13          My Bookish Bliss

Sept 14          Bookworm Lisa

Sept 15          Relz Reviewz

Sept 15          Reading with Emily

Sept 16          Lu Reviews Books

Sept 17          Greenish Bookshelf

Sept 17          Austenesque Reviews

Sept 17          Bringing Up Books

Sept 18          Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

Sept 19          Eli’s Novel Reviews

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Concepcion Chapa, an Army veteran, FBI special agent, and the orphaned daughter of two CIA agents, has lived a life of sacrifice for her country. When she learns that her parents may not be dead, just undercover, she allows herself to be recruited as a killer-for-hire for the CIA.

Faking her death and undergoing surgery to change her looks, Concepcion leaves everything behind—her friends, family, and country. Under the identity of Sofia Paltrini, she travels the globe doing the dirty work of the US government. But in a world of subterfuge and hidden motives, no one is quite who they seem. Concepcion is left not knowing who to trust and wondering if there’s a way to live a life for herself that’s beyond sacrifice.

 

 

Amazon

 

 

Review

 

This is a mashup between Alias and Leverage – where the bad guys are taken out by professional hitmen and women. Now it probably is closer to Alias than Leverage since no one in Leverage dies, but the concept is the same in my opinion.

Concepcion is former military with parents that were spies in their own right. An unfortunate incident has her under scrutiny and placed into an undercover job for the US Government, doing what can’t be done by legitimate branches of the government, killing those that have been proven to be a threat to our security. Not only does she have to go undercover, but she is also subjected to cosmetic surgery to alter her appearance and a name change. I can’t imagine what that might do to someone’s psyche.

I found this to be a well-written journey for this woman and what she had to give up in her life. It showcases what these people do for the sake of their country. There is plenty of action, some romance, and also some sad moments that take Concepcion/Sofia and the reader by surprise. I saw the hardness in Sofia and doing what it takes to get the job done. But at times I saw a softer side when it came to her best friend Joelle, who assumes she is dead. There is also the neighbor that she becomes attached to learning to dance and enjoy good food.

This story takes no prisoners and there is a myriad of emotions that run through the story. We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

ALICIA DILL is an Army veteran, journalist, public speaker, and award-winning author. Originally from Missouri, she joined the Iowa Army National Guard at the age of 17 and received a degree in journalism and international studies at the University of Iowa, and has a Masters from the University of Dubuque. Her first book, Squared Away, was a 2020 International Next Generation Indie Book Award winner and a finalist for the National Indie Excellence Award.

 

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