An unforgettable tale of courage, compassion, and the pursuit of freedom.
Maggie has always accepted life’s constraints: that is, until she witnesses a breathtaking moment of liberation as a butterfly breaks free from a spider’s web. And this small, defiant act sparks a fire within her soul.
That’s a dangerous thing for a field slave in 1850 Missouri.
As her daughter ascends to the coveted position of personal maid to the Mistress, Maggie’s family is thrust into the intricate dynamics of power and privilege within the House.
But in the shadows, a chance encounter between Maggie’s sons and Preacher, a burly, escaped slave, sets the stage for a risky alliance.
Meanwhile, Lucy, the Master’s lonely daughter, hungers for the warmth and kindness that Maggie effortlessly exudes. The boundaries that separate them are as rigid as the times they live in, but the desire for connection and understanding defies the odds.
Maggie, recognizing an opportunity for freedom, finds herself entwined in a perilous dance between liberation and the relentless pull of her current station.
Preacher had run out of Poplar Bluff and never slowed through Perryville. A dog caught him just outside Hannibal. Beating the hound off with a heavy branch, he’d limped free, though days later he could barely crawl. The pain had swelled, and his strength had ebbed.
He’d avoided plantations till now. Old Merlin had told him plantations were perfect—slaves helped slaves, and the masters couldn’t tell one from the other. But most slaves weren’t tall enough to look their master’s prize stallion in the eye, and Preacher could. And some slaves would turn you in for an extra portion of bacon fat. He’d found that out the hard way the night he ran. He’d stuffed food scraps into a feedbag as he had taken to doing several times a week. The next step was to snatch the last few scraps from the master’s ancient hound. The hound never minded—it ate too well and liked its sleep. But that particular night, Old Ned had seen him. The man had nodded friendly-like and started walking away—before Old Ned’s mother appeared and struck her son with a stick.
“He’ll tell the master for bacon,” she’d told Preacher. “Hell, he’d tell just out of spite. You go on now. Get!”
Seeing the look in Old Ned’s eyes, Preacher left the scraps and ran. He ran for six days.
He’d been able to eat here and there, doing some hunting but more stealing from gardens. Hadn’t ate much since that dog bit him. Last night he had crept into the plantation, dug up a potato, and devoured it dirt and all. The scent of honeysuckle had promised a sweet treat, but he found it too much effort to eat. So, he’d hidden in this bush, hoping the bit of food and rest would be enough to keep him going.
He woke to a sound.
“Snatch it off careful,” said a boy’s voice, innocent and unaware of life’s burden. “Now bite round the end, but not all the way. See? Like this.”
“And that drop’s the honey?” said another boy, seemingly younger still and full of wonder.
A movement caught Preacher’s eye, long and black and sliding through the grass toward his bad leg.
“That’s the honey.”
Preacher crept his hand into position. Saying a quick prayer, he grabbed the serpent farther down the body than he’d wanted, but close enough it couldn’t bite him. That dog had outsmarted him, but no damned snake would do the same.
“I thought honey came from bees.”
The reptile thrashed about, rattling the bush until two little heads popped through. “What you doing, mister?” asked the older boy, his eyes wide.
Preacher showed him the black snake. “Looks like I’m saving your ass.”
“Shoot. That’s just a king snake…he can’t hurt nothing.”
Preacher held it out to the boy, who pulled back. He then twisted around and threw it as far as he could.
“What’s wrong with your leg?”
“Hound dog got it.”
The little one finally spoke. “Booker had a hound dog.”
“Buster! Tweed!” called a far-off voice. “You youngins hear me?”
Both boys looked over their shoulders.
“Don’t tell on me,” Preacher whispered. “We men take care of each other.”
The older boy seemed affronted at the accusation. “We won’t tell!”
“Where you boys at? Buster!” The woman’s voice sounded annoyed but with an anxious tone creeping in.
“Our secret from the womenfolk.” Preacher tried to smile.
Then the younger boy burst out, “Mammy!”
There was nothing Preacher could do but lie there and wait. When that third head poked through the flowering branches, the woman’s eyes grew bigger than the boys’ had been.
“His leg is hurt,” the older one told her.
She didn’t reply.
She looked old enough and then some to be the boy’s mammy. Still had muscle, and she was a reasonable size as far as women went, with a faded purple scarf covering her hair. Her eyes were full of some emotion, but Preacher couldn’t guess exactly what. He didn’t know if he was safe or dead where he lay.
About the Author
At the age of three, her father found her with a book in her lap, yelling, “Read, read, read!” He quietly tiptoed away. Jo Sparkes took up a pen soon after.
As a contributing writer for the Arizona Sports Fans Network, where she was called their most popular writer, she garnered popularity with her humorous articles, player interviews and game coverage. Her body of work includes scripts for Children’s live-action and animated television programs, a direct-to-video Children’s DVD, and commercial work for corporate clients.
Her original script, Frank Retrieval, won the 2012 Kay Snow Award for best screenplay. Her fantasy series, The Legend of the Gamesmen, has garnered two B.R.A.G. Medallions and a 2015 silver IPPY award for Ebook Juvenile/YA Fiction.
When not diligently perfecting her craft, Jo can be found exploring her new home of Plymouth, England, where she and her spouse have embarked on a new adventure.
1858. Magic and danger surround Twilight Wild Adams, but she doesn’t really notice—until her 16th birthday. Upon reading her special birthday letter filled with secrets from her beloved GrandMama—abolitionist and champion of a covert mystical sisterhood—everything changes.
Opening her eyes, Twilight speaks out against slavery. But almost everyone around her wants her to keep her beliefs to herself.
Doing what she knows is right and believing her emerging powers will guide her, she rushes in with wild conviction to stop the enslavement of children at a wicked plantation, only to discover what the captives know all too well—survival isn’t freedom.
Richly historical, low fantasy, high tension—Wild Conviction is a coming-of-age, socially conscious, epic adventure with touches of magic and love.
Sprinkled with Magical Realism.
Laced with Southern Gothic.
Steeped in the heated tensions of antebellum America.
Note: For this novel, the author created a scenario within a historical setting in which the terms Rich-tone and Pale are used for skin tone—and without historical and contemporary derogatory terms.
From her shrine honoring beloved GrandMama, Twilight Adams lifted a book of poetry by Phillis Wheatley, pressed it to her chest, and whispered, “It’s time.”
Gingerly, she opened the book and removed her patient gift: a letter that GrandMama, four years ago and near death, had tucked inside.
This was Twilight’s birthday—another one her mother and sisters celebrated by ignoring it.
“By the full moon, I wish they cared.” She sighed, then kissed the letter. “Doesn’t matter. All that matters is this gift, full of love, waiting for me.”
As she’d done countless times, she traced her forefinger along the swooping blue inscription on the back of the folded paper:
Open On Your Sixteenth, Not Before, My Darling Twilight
She took a breath, turned over the tidy dense package of overlapping pages, then slid a letter opener under the rose wax seal embossed with the image of a doe beneath the sweeping branches of a tree. Carefully unfolding the letter, she was surprised to find small gifts: three tiny gems—rose quartz, black obsidian, lapis lazuli—and a thin ring. The gems she recognized as GrandMama’s. The ring was unfamiliar. Positioning the gems and the ring next to GrandMama’s Bible on the small bedside table she had made into a shrine, she, excited, began reading the long-awaited words.
As she read, she could feel GrandMama’s maternal caress. She could hear her soothing voice. But the words jarred her to her very core. After reading twice to be sure, she pressed the letter to her heart, then sank to the floor.
If another Earth realm exists, I’m certain I’ve left the place I know and entered that new world.
She read aloud GrandMama’s final words to her:
Burn this letter.
Instead, she buried it in her left pocket, patted another secret in her right pocket, and strode from the bedroom to the yard. Her electrified mind worked to untangle the letter’s words and how they stitched together her identity.
Who am I?
GrandMama, you told me a lot in my birthday letter, but not nearly enough. It’s time I see what I’ve purposely avoided.
In one swift move, she leaped onto her palomino mare, Spirit. With gliding strides, Spirit nearly flew along the streets—expertly weaving through the relentless march of wagons, gigs, pedestrians, and riders—to the despicable marketplace Twilight called Atrocity Square.
On the auction block, muscles taut, a young man stood. Though Twilight was seated atop Spirit on the far edge of the crowd, she sensed the youth’s quiet defiance, the restraint of his fever to break free, to know for once his life, unowned. Witnessing a person being auctioned caused her to shudder with fury. Raised until age twelve by her abolitionist GrandMama, Twilight wondered how it could be that in America people were sold, bought, owned. She’d always hated slavery. Now, ignited by her birthday secrets, she hated it to the gates of hell.
Two stinky men stood near her. She’d been ignoring the one who first yelled abuse at the enslaved youth on the block then turned to yap lewdly at her. Relentlessly he spewed his wretched breath and words through his missing front teeth. She reached inside her right pocket where, waiting and loaded, a pistol hid. She’d never shot any living thing, not even a heckler. And she didn’t plan to. But if her life, or her virginity, depended on it, she could. Gallatin had taught her well. A sharpshooter, she’d aim to wound. Regardless, being female, she’d probably be noosed for shooting any man, even a predatory breathing manure heap like this one.
Review
This coming-of-age story has a lot of intricate details woven into the story. It is set in the 1850s when times were much different from what we know today. Twilight has just turned 16, and a letter left to her by her grandmother tells of powers and a secret that could jeopardize her whole life.
Twilight is idealistic and wants better for everyone, regardless of race. She is against slavery and seeks to educate and free all those that she can. Her plans are thwarted when she marries Jackson. He is a slick operator and says all the right things but then does the opposite. His father is a piece of work, too. He believes that all pale men are superior to everyone else. He doesn’t even consider anyone else human other than pale men. Not even women!
This book covers about three to four years. It does jump forward, and not every single day is reflected, but if it were, this book would be even longer than it is already. The story moves steadily, not fast, but not too slow. I did feel like there were some parts that were superfluous, such as detailing when different states seceded from the Union during the Civil War. I skimmed those parts. But I do appreciate the author’s attention to detail and to be historically accurate.
I felt like the story picked up at the end as it was all coming to a head. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into much detail. I think the book has a happy ending for Twilight, especially when she was at such a low point due to various events.
We give the book 4 paws up.
About the Author
An author of stories and poetry as portals to possibilities, Mary Dezember writes to inspire champions to find their magic for a new and better day.
Mary believes it helps to make life magical, even if that means simply cuddling a cat, donning a tiara, talking with a unicorn, channeling the muse, or reading a good book. She lives in the Land of Enchantment.
A lover of the beauty and power of language, she states: “We spell words and, arranged well, words can put a spell on us.”
Her debut novel, Wild Conviction: Sixteen is Power (Brilliant Moon Press), and her two books of poetry—Earth-Marked Like You (Sunstone Press) and Still Howling (CreateSpace Independent Publishing)—explore the rite of passage to identity, including the hero’s emotional and intellectual quest.
She holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with an emphasis in Comparative Arts from Indiana University. Professor Emeritus of English at New Mexico Tech (New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology), she is a scholar of the arts, literature, and writing.
Echoes of a Voice for Justice: The Story of Barry A. Murray
by Anita Hackley Lambert
Publisher: HLE Publishing
Pages: 296
Genre: Historical Biography
Synopsis
Experience the extraordinary life of Barry Antonio Murray, an unwavering champion for the progressive Black movement of the post-Reconstruction era. Ms. Lambert masterfully tells the riveting tale of this unsung civil rights activist, influential publisher, and uncompromising editor in this historic biography. Uncovering a 50-year-old family secret, Ms. Lambert’s captivating narrative begins at her book’s debut, where chance encounters forever altered her life. Delve into Barry Murray’s legacy, his ties to F.H.M. Murray, a civil rights trailblazer and the great-grandfather he never knew—yet, walked in his shoes. Readers gain insights into the nation’s racial divide and witness the heart-wrenching conclusion and his questionable sudden death. This captivating biography sheds light on Barry’s remarkable journey, celebrating his unwavering activism, pursuit of justice, and empowerment of the community. This saga intertwines history, personal struggles, and family secrets, leaving an indelible mark on readers, showcasing the indomitable spirit of one man’s triumphs and divine destiny.
Interview
Why Barry A. Murray? What was it about him that made you want to write a book about him?
Anita: Why, because it’s truly supernatural—all a part of God’s plan. Barry Murray’s life and legacy had a date with destiny. The Lord chosen, inspired and facilitated every aspect of Barry Murray. Really. From, personal spiritual experiences I have learned there are no coincidences. As fate would have it, the time had arrived when Barry’s legacy and my destiny would merge. Barry Murray is the cousin I came to know through exploring his life. Just as there was an appointed time for Barry’s legacy to be revealed, God had orchestrated the appointed for me to write Barry his story—just as He did for the F.H.M. Murray legacy.
Anyone who knows me, understands that I live my life is Spiritually-based. I do not focus on my desires but solely on how the Spirit of God leads me. There are no words to express my gratitude that God allowed me to the author of both Barry A. Murray and F.H.M. Murray’s historical biographies that otherwise may never have been written.
Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?
Anita: As a spiritual-connected individual, I’m thrilled you requested that page because, for me, it was the beginning manifestation of a promise I received from Lord, years before. It’s still awe surreal.
Prologue
Echoes of a Divine Encounter
God blessed me, then set me up to bless me again.
Call it an omen if you like. I know better. It was a clear demonstration of God’s favor in my life, as He has always been present. In His infinite wisdom, the Holy Spirit sent a message to my spirit, assuring me that great things would transpire once my book, F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice was released. Little did I know how astonishingly accurate that message would prove to be.
As a first-time author entering the arena of Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, the journey behind the creation of this book is remarkable in itself. Allow me to indulge in a few eventful affirmations leading to this book.
During this time period, was there much turmoil going on in the country?
Anita: In the crucible of 1963, a twelve-year-old Barry Murray began his journey through a harsh reality dominated by systemic racism. It was a pivotal point that laid the foundation for his unwavering commitment to addressing the glaring absence of support and representation for the black community. Submerged in newspapers, Barry keenly observed the injustices reported and pledged to become the advocate his people sorely needed.
The era spanning the mid-1960s to 2000 witnessed the prominence of civil rights luminaries such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Julien Bond, Eleanor Holmes Norton, John Lewis, Dorothy Height, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Yet, following King’s tragic assassination, a shift occurred in the landscape of activism. Many leaders assumed federal positions, trading some of their boldness for comfortable roles, which, ironically, did not afford the freedoms they once enjoyed. The struggle for justice became entangled with financial gains, and the waves of change began to recede.
Compounding this transition, both white and black press adopted a superficial approach to news reporting. White media, driven by advertiser interests, skewed their narratives, neglecting the pressing issues affecting black communities. Simultaneously, the black press, grappling to stay afloat, found itself caught in a cycle of rehashing stories originating from the white press.
Barry, disheartened by the distortion of facts, recognized a critical gap in the narrative. The community remained uninformed, devoid of an authentic voice that truly represented their concerns. This realization sparked an unyielding determination within him. He envisioned a future where he would assume the self-appointed role of advocating for the black race – a mission to make waves, empower the community, and disseminate the unadulterated truth. Barry Murray emerged as a symbol of resilience, propelled by a commitment to fill the void and ensure that his people were not merely heard but accurately informed about the realities shaping their lives.
This “closely guarded secret” that you hint about in the book description, can you give us a hint at what that is?
Anita: I’ll reveal only this much: had the secret not been guarded with utmost care, the narrative of Barry Murray might never have unfolded. What I am willing to assert is that, in my perspective, the true hero—or should I say, heroine—of this entire saga is an impoverished, solitary, and perplexed orphan girl. She, against all odds, defied expectations and made a pivotal decision that became the genesis of this entire tale.
Do you believe we need more people like Barry A. Murray and, why or why not?
Anita: AT the moment and based upon the current fallen state of humanity, more people like Barry Murray is not what this country needs. While the prospect of such a transformation may seem like wishful thinking, the landscape of our times has indeed undergone significant upheaval, leaving everything topsy-turvy. Our current reality reflects an ungodly societal shift, where the lines between right and wrong, good and bad, have become blurred. Regrettably, our society and the global stage have evolved into a marketplace of hatred, indifference, and intolerance. It is disheartening to observe that those with malicious intent are causing disruptions, and there seems to be a deafening silence in response. Society appears to have succumbed to a state of collective ignorance, fear, and confusion. The struggle for survival has become a daily reality for many, with the simple act of providing for their children becoming an arduous task.
True change, it seems, hinges on decisive actions from our government or military to reclaim power for the people. Until then, the narrative remains stagnant. A pivotal aspect missing from our current discourse is the absence of God and the Bible, which, if reinstated, would serve as a beacon to steer humanity away from self-destruction.
Speaking from a personal standpoint as a woman of faith, having traversed two near-death experiences has granted me glimpses into the future. I am certain that a day of reckoning is on the horizon. Positive change will manifest, ushering in a season of change for the betterment of the people. However, the inevitable corruption cycle repeats itself, with evil rearing its head once more, presenting new challenges. It is during these times that figures like Barry Murray and other advocates for humanity will need to unite or stand alone to uphold justice.
Then our nation would urgently require powerful like-minded advocates of civil rights and full equality—men and women alike—who will courageously champion what is right and stand against the prevailing injustices targeting humanity. The strength derived from an unwavering connection to the Word of God will be the determining factor in prevailing over adversity. Sadly, amidst this struggle, millions, perhaps billions, may perish, highlighting the urgency for a collective awakening and a return to foundational Christian values this nation was founded upon.
Is this a series of books and if so what are the others?
Anita: My writing career had to be appointed by God, because although I write historical biographies, that would not have been my genre of choice. I am on a divine mission to write a host of nonfiction books, not a specific series. As 2024 approaches I shall strive to complete as many of the following book projects as possible:
Second Edition – F.H.M. Murray biography (to highlight his major contributions and to add more research details)
The F.H.M. Murray’s Family Member Biographies & Genealogy Charts of selected individuals who devoted their lives and careers to the betterment of humanity during a time when Jim Crow laws prevailed.
Authorized biography: an amazing “outhouse to the White House” story of a poor orphaned girl who against all odds, emerged to work for some of the world’s wealthiest families before working for two former U.S. presidents.
Memoir: My two near-death experiences and my transforming life
Inspirational/Encouragement: about the supernatural connection between dreams and achieving your goals
Memoir: based on the unpublished book (No Where to Run), I wrote when I was 14 about the deep dark secret that nearly shattered and almost ended my life.
If I were to stop and think about it, this might seem like a lot. However, each of these volumes either have either a rough draft or summary chapter outlines, which will help move things along. I will do my best as I am still learning to write.
Last questions: What do you believe would put an end to racism?
Are we going about it all wrong and that’s why nothing’s working?
Or do you believe we are doing everything we can and are going in the right direction?
Anita: Based on my observations, racism appears to be a learned behavior, sustained by the persistence of prejudiced hearts. It seems destined to persist until either those harboring such malice undergo a transformative change or the world itself comes to an end. The key to eradicating racism lies in the willingness of parents to instill values that prioritize judging individuals based on their character rather than the color of their skin.
Reflecting on the historical dynamics of white infants raised by black caregivers, I’m reminded of instances where deep bonds were formed. A white friend who experienced such an upbringing shared, “To this day, I cherish my ‘mammy’ as if she were my biological mother. Her kindness, warmth, nurturing nature, and love were unparalleled. My biological mother was seldom involved in my upbringing.”
However, the present reality is marked by a troubling landscape of opposing groups seemingly fueled and funded to incite racial and civil unrest. A concerning trend involves uneducated and ignorant youth from various ethnic backgrounds falling into a trap, unwittingly contributing to civil discord. Many seem to lack a clear understanding of the protests they join, functioning as followers without leadership skills, ambitions, or dreams—essentially becoming unwitting puppets.
In my perspective, the role of the federal government in curbing hatred and racism has been notably limited. Insights from media and digital platforms reveal a disheartening truth: politicians, regardless of party affiliations, often prioritize personal wealth accumulation over serving the people. The pervasive issue persists because little concrete action is taken to address the root problems.
While some assert that a solution would require an act of Congress, I posit an alternative view. Real change, I believe, necessitates an Act of God—an intervention beyond the conventional realms of human governance. Until a higher force intervenes, inspiring genuine transformation and a commitment to resolving societal ills, the status quo prevails, and the cycle of unaddressed issues perpetuates.
Excerpt
Revelation At Harpers Ferry
DAY 1. Over three remarkable days, I experienced an extraordinary blessing. The journey began with a captivating audience of history enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the scholarly presentation of my book. Hosting the event was none other than the talented actor and orator, Fred Morsel, adding an extra layer of prestige to the occasion.
DAY 2. The second day brought an unforgettable collaboration as I joined forces with the esteemed Dr. Henry Lewis Gates. Together, he and our volunteer group embarked on a historical reenactment that transported us back in time, allowing us to breathe life into the past. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
DAY 3. As the event’s third and final day unfolded, it delivered an exceptional finale that surpassed all expectations. Amidst a captivating photo shoot, I had the incredible honor of meeting the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and esteemed historian, David Levering Lewis. His approval of my book was a momentous validation, solidifying its significance in the literary world. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of engaging with readers and selling and signing copies of my book–an experience that felt like a dream come true for a first-time author.
But the wonders did not end there. On this very same day, I had the privilege of capturing memories alongside the illustrious Dr. DuBois Irving, the great-granddaughter of the legendary W.E.B. DuBois, as well as Reverend Walter Fauntroy. It was a surreal convergence of influential figures embodying the legacy and impact of the subject I had delved into within my book.
In retrospect, I realized how mistaken I was to believe that the day couldn’t get any better. This trifecta of days had become the pinnacle of a first-time author’s aspirations, a once-in-a-lifetime culmination of success, connections, and reflective experiences. It was an unforgettable chapter in my life, ever etched in my memory.
The true purpose behind our fateful meeting that day in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia became crystal clear, and its significance can never be underestimated. It felt as if the forces of destiny were at work, orchestrating every detail. Joan Anderson and her daughter Kelly had embarked on a journey with a singular objective in mind: to find me and engage in a discussion. Their presence was no mere coincidence; they sought me out with a determination reminiscent of an eagle’s relentless pursuit of its prey.
As they made their way across the paved courtyard towards me, I immediately sensed an air of urgency and purpose. Joan, with a noticeable limp and relying on a cane for support, locked eyes with me. The tremor in her voice betrayed her emotional state as she began to speak. What she revealed next left me utterly stunned. “My son, Barry, has been a closely guarded family secret for half a century,” she confessed. Her words hung heavy in the air. “He is none other than F.H.M. Murray’s great-grandson. He shares a bloodline with you.”
Sensing the watchful eyes of curious onlookers, Joan guided me away from the crowd, creating a cocoon of privacy amidst the bustling celebration. She revealed that other family members were in attendance, yet she chose to trust me, a stranger, with her most painful secret. As she spoke, her words carried a weight of sincere love and immeasurable loss. It was palpable how deeply she cherished her son and the devastation she felt in his absence.
The burden she had carried for so long was finally lifted, and she entrusted it to me, a confidant she had only just met.
In that moment, the weight of generations converged, extraordinarily intertwining our lives. The revelation brought forth a deep sense of connection as if a hidden mystery of familial ties had been unveiled. Our encounter was far more than a chance meeting—it was a cosmic convergence guided by an unseen hand. It was as if the universe itself conspired to bring us together, weaving together our shared heritage and the legacy of our ancestors.
I sat in awe as Joan continued to unveil the depths of her long-held secret, her words flowing uninterrupted. It was as if she bore the weight of this revelation for years, and now she was resolute in her purpose. There was a certainty in her voice, an insightful understanding of the task before her. With a firm determination, she looked directly into my eyes as if she could anticipate my very thoughts.
You have been chosen,” she declared, her gaze piercing into the depths of my soul, “to write Barry’s story.”
At that moment, the weight of responsibility and privilege intertwined. For over fifty years, the truth about Freeman Murray’s audacious fight for African-Americans had remained buried, neglected by historians and authors who failed to uncover his significant contributions. Yet, she believed that I, and only I, possessed the ability to breathe life into Barry’s legacy, to connect him to his Murray lineage, and to share his untold journey with the world. Joan was adamant, unyielding in her conviction that it was my divine purpose to write Barry’s biography.
An inexplicable connection enveloped us instantaneously as if the threads of fate had bound our lives together across the ages. It felt as though I had stumbled upon the long-lost sister I had conjured in my childhood fantasies. Joan articulated that our bond symbolized her “freedom,” a newfound purpose that propelled her forward. As I grappled with the weight of this extraordinary opportunity, I contemplated whether I dared embrace an encounter that would bind me by an unbreakable oath while simultaneously liberating her.
Though cognizant of the commitment that awaited me, I recognized it as a remarkable honor to undertake. The magnitude of this chance was too extraordinary to overlook. It held the promise of a cherished friendship, a sisterhood forged in the depths of shared secrets, a bond of cousinhood, and the revelation of a hidden familial legacy. Moreover, it presented an unparalleled opportunity to craft yet another captivating book, exceeding my wildest aspirations. The first book had merely set the stage, but this authorized biography, bestowed upon me like precious rubies, was a treasure of immeasurable worth. It came accompanied by invaluable documentation, slashing through the dense thicket of research and providing a shortcut to truth.
About the Author
Ms. Lambert, a distinguished genealogist, historian, and biographer, achieved historical acclaim with her inaugural book, praised by luminaries such as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Levering Lewis and historian Charles Patterson. As an unrivaled familial authority, she penned insightful biographies of visionary businessmen and civil rights champions F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, Ms. Lambert continues her literary journey, poised to add two more captivating biographies and contribute to a quartet of nonfiction gems, that showcases her unwavering commitment to illuminating the human experience.
The Great Escapes Team is happy to share with you the
cover of Anna St. John’s new Josie Posey Mystery.
It will be released on February 6, 2024
Clocked Out – A Josie Posey Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Level Best Books (February 6, 2024)
Setting: A small town in Sunflower County, Kansas, named English Village
Synopsis
Josie Posey and her posse of Mahjong Mavens are at it again in this cozy mystery where the retired big city crime reporter turned small town crime solver uncovers another murder in picturesque English Village.
When the clockmaker’s daughter returns home for a visit, reporter Josie Posey is assigned the task of interviewing the talented watch designer. That very afternoon the young woman falls from a ladder while inventorying antique clocks.
At first, Josie is certain the fall was an accident. Everyone loved Ella McGregor Benjamin. But Ella’s deathbed statement is a mysterious riddle that can’t be ignored. With her Old English Sheepdog Moe by her side, and an ever-growing list of suspects, Josie scrambles to identify the killer before anyone else gets hurt.
The local police chief wants Josie to help solve the puzzle, but stay out of his murder case. The editor of The Village Gazette wants an in-depth story for the next edition. And somebody wants Josie to stop asking questions. Deadlines loom.
In this fast-paced rollercoaster ride of a mystery, the clock is ticking as Josie vows to find the killer before time runs out.
Anna St. John writes cozy mysteries featuring a mature yet feisty former crime reporter, Josie Posey, as the amateur sleuth.
Her debut novel, DOOMED BY BLOOMS, was released by Level Best Books in February 2023. CLOCKED OUT is the second book in her Josie Posey Mystery Series. It is scheduled to release Feb. 6, 2024.
A former journalist, award-winning advertising copywriter, and ad agency owner, Anna is married to her high school sweetheart. She writes from her home office in Kansas, with her Old English Sheepdog by her side.
Anna is represented by Cindy Bullard of Birch Literary Agency. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Kansas Authors Club.
The Great Escapes Team is thrilled to share with you the cover for Samantha Larsen’s new book Once Upon a Murder, the 2nd Lady Librarian Mystery which will be released on February 20!
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Hardcover : 304 pages
Synopsis
Miss Tiffany Woodall must sleuth the slaying of a footman to clear her beloved’s name in the second Lady Librarian mystery, in the vein of Deanna Raybourn and perfect for fans of Bridgerton.
1784 England. Officially hired as the librarian for the Duchess of Beaufort, Miss Tiffany Woodall is through with masquerades and murders for good. That is, until she stumbles upon the frozen dead body of former footman Mr. Bernard Coram. The speed with which her peaceful new life is upended is one for the record books: the justice of the peace immediately declares her the primary suspect in the murder.
As Tiffany hunts for the truth to clear her name, she learns that Bernard got into a fight over a woman at the local pub the night of his death–but he was also overheard blackmailing Samir. The justice of the peace arrests Samir, and Tiffany realizes that her life may have more in common with a tragic play than a light-hearted romance.
With her love locked up in jail and her own reputation on the line, Tiffany must attempt to solve the murder before the book closes on her or Samir’s life.
Samantha Larsen met her husband in a turkey sandwich line. They live in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she spends most of her time reading, eating popcorn, having tea parties, and chasing her four kids. She has degrees from Brigham Young University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Reading (UK). She also writes historical romances under Samantha Hastings.
The mysteries found in the night sky. The joy of welcoming Spring after a long, cold winter. The simple pleasure of enjoying birds singing, swinging on a swing with a grandchild, or walking the woods amid the oranges and reds of autumn colors.
These are gentle poems, and this collection captures Jim’s love of nature and life in a short, six-line format. He writes about rain and draught, thunderstorms and lighting, morning sunrises and evening sunsets. He writes about sharing times with loved ones and missing those who are no longer with us. In short, these poems are a window into life with all its joys and beauty, the good and the bad, the ups and downs, and, most of all, the special love that can be found there.
Jim Bates recalls moments in time with poems that lead you through the door of his imagination into such memories as winter mornings, classrooms, icy ponds, and building model airplanes. From childhood loss, to adventure and joy, he explores emotions we have all experienced. Some life lessons are hard. Others are magical. Each poem stands on its own, yet when read all together, he blends each piece into one another seamlessly. As he reflects upon baking oatmeal cookies with his mother, our own memory banks open and we withdraw events from long ago. We, too, want to help stir the cookie dough. We, too, reflect on the fine line between life and death when a young boy falls into a lake, and conjure up our own ghosts. And we, too, can enjoy a simple day cast in a simpler time.
Peaceful Presence
The morning was so quiet you could hear the bees buzzing
You could almost hear the butterfly’s wings fluttering too
The sun was floating low in the east
Suspended like an orb of soft rosy hue
A walker out strolling slowed his pace to a crawl
Soaking in the peaceful presence and the magic of it all.
About the Author
Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Last year, I read 219 (maybe 220, trying to reconcile) my books. Wow…that is a lot! Although I have seen others read more than that, it is a lot for me. However, I was looking at 2020 and 2021’s challenges, and I read 235 books in each of those years. I was a slacker this year!
I suppose having this book review blog contributes to that high number. I did find myself reading five books over the weekend to try and finish some book challenges. Nothing like waiting until the last minute! I missed one challenge by one book – an author with a last name beginning with X.
Now, the hard part. Which books were my favorites?
One of the last books I read last year was The Quiet Tenanat by Clemence Michallon. This was a surprisingly good book! If you like suspense, this is a good one to read.
15-year-old Emma Chan is an aspiring musician with her eyes aimed at the stars. Sure, she might not have won any notable competitions, but she isn’t “bad” by any means… unless you’ve met her easygoing and charming best friend, Naomi Lin, who seems to have the unique ability to accelerate Emma’s heartbeat.
On the surface, Naomi has her life together. Outside of being dubbed a child musical prodigy, she’s just another 15-year-old who likes coding, spending time with her friends, and reading celebrity gossip. But deep down, she longs to escape her life of expectations and build one that she truly desires, even if she doesn’t know what it means yet.
When the two friends team up to compete in a coding contest hosted by their childhood idol, their seven years’ worth of friendship falls into the danger of being jeopardized by deepening feelings, desperately hidden secrets, and the pressure of growing up. Emma and Naomi will have to adapt to the changing shape of their relationship, even if it means realising that life can be so much more complicated than they imagined.
While I am not a teenager anymore, I found this book to be engaging and hit on some important topics that impact teens today – mental health and sexuality.
Naomi and Emma met through music and became fast friends for many years. They happened to be at the same school, which helped forge that friendship. It was never easy; they lived different lives, but their love for music is what bonded them. However, the path wasn’t always easy. Emma is somewhat confident in her sexuality (Bi, but it isn’t clear until much later in the book), while Naomi is not. A misunderstanding of Emma’s feelings that are not reciprocated leads to more issues for Emma. But it was really just that final straw since she was having issues at home with her parents fighting and a path towards divorce. I appreciated how the authors made Emma vulnerable and did not shy away from her suicidal thoughts.
Naomi’s issues were different. She didn’t love music anymore, or at least not playing, performing, or competing. She may have been a prodigy at a young age but started losing that love for the piano. Perhaps it was the pressure of practicing and competing, or maybe this wasn’t what she was meant to do in the long run. Or maybe she just needs a break to rediscover who she is.
I enjoyed the world that this book opened up for me. I have never visited Hong Kong, but I felt like I had an insider’s look into that city. The situations that these teens face are very common, and they are not hidden in this book. They are brought out into the open for us to understand and perhaps even relate to.
We give this book 4 paws up.
About the Authors
Kylie Wang was born in Taiwan in 2006 and moved to Hong Kong soon afterward, where she attended school until she was 12. She is now a high schooler in the San Francisco Bay Area who writes to procrastinate on her school assignments. So far, she’s been awarded or published by YoungArts, the Ron L. Hubbard Writers of the Future Award, BlueFire, and more than 30 other venues. She started her first book, Stuck in Her Head, with her friend Liana when she was 14. You can find her editing her latest short story or attending California Writers Club meetings in her spare time.
Liana Tang is a 17-year-old writer from Hong Kong who has been published or is forthcoming in 55+ publications. When she was 14, she reached out to Kylie to craft a #ownvoices book that would hopefully resonate with other teens’ experiences. She is enrolled at the University of Toronto and plans to study English Literature. She started playing piano when she was 3 and acquired an ARSM Level 4 Diploma in Music Performance with distinction when she was 13. She plays Pokémon, Identity V, and probably watches YouTube more than she reads.
Elements seventy-eight through one-hundred on the periodic table serve as inspiration for this fourth and final volume in Jim’s Periodic Stories series. In it, two materialistic millennials get hooked on their platinum credit card with disastrous results. Do they learn a lesson? A young girl discovers there’s more to life than winning a gold medal in boxing. Find out what it is. And you will meet Stacy and Arnie, two science geeks who are devoted to each other and befriend the element fermium. Like in the previous three volumes, these stories are character driven and delve into the complexities of what it means to be human in this day and age. They are lovingly written and thought-provoking. Oh, yes, in every case, science plays a role.
Boy, I didn’t realize how lonely I was until I met Stacy and Arnie. I mean, I was a friendly element. I tried to chat with the guys on either side of me, but to no avail. Einsteinium didn’t have much to say and seems always thinking about something way out there on the other side of the universe, and mendelevium was the same way, thinking of ways he could add to the already bursting at the seams periodic table.
The same was true with the other elements. I spent hours and hours attempting to engage them in conversations about isotopes or subatomic particles like quarks and muons, but no go. I tried not to take it personally, but sometimes I wondered, was all this rejection because I was number 100 on the periodic table? Maybe they thought it should be a feather in my cap having that coveted three-digit number. Maybe they were envious of me.
Whatever the case, I had no clue as to the answer. It’s hard to find out what people are thinking if no one talks to you.
But that’s what’s awesome about Stacy and Arnie. They have no arrogant attitudes. In fact, they have no airA at all. They like to talk to me, and I think that’s really cool. And I like talking to them.
For those who don’t know, I’m a synthetic element, which means I was made from another element (thank you very much plutonium!) My symbol is Fm on the periodic chart, and, like I said, my atomic number is 100. By the way, the atomic number refers to the number of protons in the nucleus, just in case you didn’t know. I’m named after Enrico Fermi, one of the pioneers of nuclear physics.
I could go on and on, but what I really wanted to tell you about was my new friends, Stacy and Arnie. I first met Stacy when she was beginning to work on a science report. We hit it off right away because we both love science.
In my mind, she’s great, although she will not say that. Instead, she’ll say that she’s what they call “challenged mentally” because her mom is a drug addict, which caused Stacy all sorts of problems in the womb before she was born. And then she ate some leaded paint that was peeling off the wall of the apartment they were living in when she was two or three, so, not a good combination. But I don’t care. She’s nice, and she’s fun to talk to. Plus, like I said, she likes science, and that really helps.
About the Author
Jim’s stories and poems have appeared in nearly five hundred online and print publications. His collection of short stories, Resilience, is published by Bridge House Publishing. Short Stuff, a collection of flash fiction and drabbles is published by Chapeltown Books. Periodic Stories, Periodic Stories Volume Two, Periodic Stories Volume Three – A Novel, and Periodic Stories Volume Four are published by Impspired. Dreamers, a collection of short stories, is published by Clarendon House Publishing. Something Better, a dystopian adventure novella, and the novel, The Alien of Orchard Lake, are published by Dark Myth Publications. In the fall of 2022, his collection entitled Holiday Stories was published by Impspired as was his collection of poetry, Haiku Seasons. In February 2023, Periodic Stories Volume IV was published, as was his collection of poems, The Alchemy of Then, both by Impspired. In June 2023, a collection of flash fiction, Dancing With Butterflies, was published by Impspired.In July 2023, his YA novella The Battle of Marvel Wood was published by Impspired. His short story “Aliens” was nominated by The Zodiac Press for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His story “The Maple Leaf” was voted 2021 Story of the Year for Spillwords. He was voted December 2022 Author of the Month for Spillwords. He also reads his stories for Talking Stories Radio and for Jim’s Storytime on his website. He lives in a small town west of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
A millionaire and a woman who thinks he’s a house flipper are stuck living in a house together with a menagerie of rescue dogs as roommates, in this heartfelt romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton.
After her ex took all their money and bailed, Hazel Bristow is left broke and homeless. A kind friend whose home is on the market lets Hazel and her foster dogs stay there until it sells. It’s the perfect setup, until her friend forgets to tell Hazel she’s sold the house.
Linc Kennedy is shocked to find Hazel and her pups squatting in the house he just bought, but after some negotiating—she offers to cook amazing meals for him in return for a paycheck—he agrees to let her remain while he’s renovating the place. Linc tells Hazel he’s an investor who renovates homes for fun—he just leaves out the part about being wealthy.
Hazel’s intrigued by Linc. He’s funny, sweet, ridiculously hot, and loves dogs almost as much as she does. But her track record with men? Not great. She worries her trust meter isn’t in working order.
Linc’s never met anyone like the quirky beauty who puts everyone’s needs—human and canine—before her own. He didn’t tell her about his wealth because he’s been burned by women who only wanted him for his money. But with Hazel, he’s never felt more like himself. Now he has to figure out how to tell her the truth without losing her. Because Linc realizes what he feels for her isn’t puppy love—it’s true love.
This was just the right book for me to read at this moment. A light romance filled with DOGS!!! There are 6 of them altogether, which made my dog lovin’ heart happy.
I really liked Hazel and Linc’s characters. They were down to earth but still flawed. Hazel is getting over a disastrous marriage, and Linc is trying to move past women who only see him for his money. The chemistry between these two is HOT!
I read this just to enjoy the story and a little light reading. I sped through this book and didn’t want the story to end. I don’t know if this is a series, but I think Linc’s brother, Eugene, needs a book. I just feel like there is more to him than meets the eye. I think it would be cool is there was also a book about his other brother, Warren, and how he meets his husband and their relationship.
I also liked Linc’s mother. She is very down to earth and can see what her boys don’t see. But isn’t that a mother’s job? Hazel’s mom and sister are a bit of a handful, and while initially, I was very disappointed in their treatment of Hazel (they treated her as if she was ten and not a grown woman), I know they cared about her. However, things turn around when Natalie (the sister) has her own issues that need to be resolved.
If you are in the mood for a light, fun romance filled with adorable dogs, read this book!
We give it 5 paws up!
About the Author
Jaci Burton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Boots and Bouquets series, the Brotherhood by Fire series, the Hope series, and the Play-by-Play novels.
Ms. Lambert, a distinguished genealogist, historian, and biographer, achieved historical acclaim with her inaugural book, praised by luminaries such as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Levering Lewis and historian Charles Patterson. As an unrivaled familial authority, she penned insightful biographies of visionary businessmen and civil rights champions F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, Ms. Lambert continues her literary journey, poised to add two more captivating biographies and contribute to a quartet of nonfiction gems, that showcases her unwavering commitment to illuminating the human experience.
