Diane Calabrese has been included in Marquis Who’s Who. Ms. Calabrese obtained a Bachelor of Science in therapeutic recreation from Saint Joseph’s College and a Master of Science in health care policy and management from Stony Brook University. While at Stony Brook University Diane served on various boards including the Mental Health Advisory board, and the Healthier U board including the programming and budget subcommittee.
Ms. Calabrese gained valuable expertise in the field of recreational therapy working as a recreational therapist for 30+ years in hospitals, nonprofit agencies, public schools, and universities. In recent years, Diane worked in higher Education for FIU, and as a recreational therapist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, from which she recently retired.
Ms. Calabrese continues to excel as an adjunct professor for Florida International University. She continues to teach numerous classes there–since 2014. She has certified two courses through Quality Matters- https://www.qualitymatters.org/reviews-certifications/course-design-reviews. (LEI3542: Principles of Parks, Recreation and Sports Management, and LEI3723 Assistive Technology Lab course.) Diane has also taught LEI4705: Program Planning in Recreational Therapy, and currently teaches LEI4720/6726 Trends, Issues, and Managerial Aspects of Recreational Therapy as well as two holistic healing labs: LEI3723 Reiki Lab and LEI3723 Aromatherapy Lab.
Due to her considerable breadth of knowledge, she is also an author, having written–” Meditations for the Mind-Body-Spirit” and “Mind, Body, Spirit and Discovering the Purpose of Life,” a self-help book that shares her experiences in professional life, providing insight into how holistic healing modalities can be integrated into therapy for people who struggle with pain and mental health disabilities. More can be found about her written works at https://www.dianecalabrese.com Diane’s areas of expertise including aromatherapy, meditation, reiki master, psychotherapy, spirit card reader, crystal healing, leisure counseling, spirituality.
I hadn’t gone looking to write a book. And although I love to write, especially poetry, and editorial responses of educational articles, writing can be arduous and was never cathartic for me. I would rather take pictures. My dream was to be a veterinarian, to heal, support positive training, and be the voice for those who spoke a different language. God had that same plan, albeit a very different path.
Life can be messy. It can flip your world upside down in an instant and force you into situations that could ultimately break you if you let them. My family experienced one such life altering event when my little brother, Bruce, was born. He wasn’t like David, my other brother, or me. You see, Bruce had down syndrome. While our parents struggled to come to terms with what this meant for their future and the challenges they would now have to face, David and I saw our newest sibling for who he was – a special, wonderful gift. I was an immediate advocate fighting to keep him from being given away and then for inclusion despite inconveniences or discomfort for those, speaking a misunderstood language. After sending my brother to live in a KenCrest Group Home, he slowly began to became an afterthought for my parents, and I didn’t want that to be the case with the rest of my family. He was involved in David and my life and we in his, and he was just as committed to us as we were to him. We all flourished alongside him, and I wanted to honor him and his story.
My plan to include Bruce with others was to open his world. We accomplished so much more, my baby brother and I. We opened theirs.
Living only a forty-minute drive from Bruce’s group home allowed for Sunday visits and family dinners with my daughter, husband and me, phone calls with his nieces living in Florida and France, and holiday visits with my son’s family when they visited from Florida. However, what I feared most, his becoming an afterthought, happened after my move to Florida. No one made time to see him, I was no longer there, the voice with whom to reckon.
Now with his death, I was more determined than ever to keep my brother’s memory alive so my children, grandchildren, nieces, and close friends who knew of him, but never met him would remember Brucie. Vail, Colorado, my home during the summer months was my refuge when Bruce was diagnosed with cancer, COVID preventing any visits to the hospital but guardianship offered constant communication with doctors and hospital staff. Nothing got done without my approval, constant support from the nurse and personal advocate from KenCrest readily available. I hiked those trails with a vengeance, miles of climbing, listening to The Killers, dancing with the forest nymphs, crying and reliving our life together. My Inspirational Moment took hold and I was driven to write this memoir about my life with my very special brother, filled with these stories from my memories and those closest to Bruce. That is when I also realized so many who had loved and cared for him, his KenCrest family, and now mourned his loss as well would have a way to share him, read about him, and hear his voice within these stories. The challenge, how to write a memoir that told the story in the most positive light while sharing painful experiences, the good, bad, and ugly and not sounding resentful or bitter. Of course, there were angry moments and not sharing those would be dishonest, especially at my age of thirteen, reliving the beginning and feeling guilty having left David for college. Our parents were gone so I was not burdened with the fear of hurting them.
“Listen to Me” was Bruce’s mantra to be heard and understood as individuals with down syndrome struggle with an enlarged tongue preventing many words to be pronounced correctly. The subtitle, ‘How My Down Syndrome Brother Saved My Life’ is in reference to the voice and passion I developed throughout my life because of Bruce. It was because of the continuous need to advocate for my brother when I was younger, I eventually learned to have a voice and advocate for myself. As an adult, I had passion and a drive to make Bruce feel as normal as he could, and through that I learned patience which ultimately led me to become a teacher, coach, and Administrator with the School district of Philadelphia. I don’t know what kind of life I could have had if Bruce had been born normal, perhaps I would have become a veterinarian, but I doubt it would have been as purposeful as it turned out to be.
For more than fifty-three years, Bruce lived a life full of love, laughter, community, but also pain and hardship as he battled kidney disease and pancreatic cancer. He fought his diagnosis with a smile on his face, but ultimately, cancer won. I never meant to tell this story, to share the beginning of Bruce’s and my journey. My family knew the middle and, of course the end, but not what created the drive, the fire they admired to ensure his inclusion and my guardianship. But sometimes something or someone touches your heart, your deepest soul, and you just know their story needs to be told. The angst of not telling outweighed everything else. For those who have lived with, loved, and lost handicapped siblings and family members, I share your pain and revel in your joys. This is that story.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,893 A PERILOUS PREMIERE by Gail Meath.(New Traditional Detective Series) 1930s Historical Mystery Series.Book 1 of 1: STONE & STEELE MYSTERIES. Solving their own murders is the least of their problems…and the beginning of Stone & Steele, a reluctant yet surprisingly skilled investigative team. The Golden Age of Hollywood,… Continue reading →
Author Janice Spina Invites You To Open The Special Book Page Links Below! You Don’t Want To Miss A Single Book Series Or Single ‘Jems’ Book!
Family and Friends: Tales for Children by Janice Spina.
Chapter Book With Six Stories For Children Ages 5-8 Or Younger.
This is a children’s book with six stories for ages 5-8. Each story is a stand-alone story. Children will read about two little sisters, two young boys, a boy and a toad, rabbits, a bluebird, and a mouse and a piece of cheese.
They are feel-good stories that children will want to read again and again. One story will make children laugh out loud while others will teach them important life lessons about kindness to others, friends and family matter, believe in yourself, and you can do anything if you just try.
Editorial Reviews: Family and friends is a chapter book with six stories written in rhyme with life lessons for children ages 5-8 or younger. These stories will delight and engage children with the rhythmic verses and colorful illustrations. Children will learn important life lessons and the value of family and friends and want to read these stories again and again.
From The Author: This book is dedicated to two little girls I met while dining at a local restaurant. They captured my heart when I spoke with them. When I saw one crying I offered them a book mark. It stopped the tears as they listened to me tell them that I would write a story just for them if they like to read. They answered, ‘Yes.’ The first story is for them.
All the other stories are for children everywhere who have ever had trouble with bullies, needed a friend, wanted to be accepted, and those who wanted to succeed but were afraid to do so.
From The Back Cover: This is a children’s book with six stories for ages 5-8. Each story is a stand-alone story. Children will read about two little sisters, two young boys, a boy and a toad, rabbits, a bluebird, and a mouse and a piece of cheese.
They are feel-good stories that children will want to read again and again. One story will make children laugh out loud while others will teach them important life lessons about kindness to others, friends and family matter, believe in yourself, and you can do anything if you just try.
5 Stars For ‘FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Tales For Children’ by Janice Spina.
Award Winning Author Janice Spina shares the importance of family and friends for children of all ages. What impressed me was her dedication to the two little girls that she met, who love to read, so she promised to write them a new book about friends. She dedicates all her ‘Jembooks’ to children who love to read and the parents/grandparents who take the time to enjoy books with the children in their lives.
Beautiful Book Cover Design and one illustration at the beginning of each Chapter by John Spina (Illustrator). I encourage you to purchase this book and all the ‘Jembooks’ for your children, grandchildren, classrooms, libraries and all the places where children and parents gather.
I quote a snippet about each chapter:
AMELIA AND CASSANDRA: SISTERS AND FRIENDS: This story was dedicated to two little girls I met while dining at a local restaurant. They were so adorable when I interacted with them. I promised to write a story just for them to share since they told me they love to read. I hope they enjoy this story.
MATEO AND EIDEN: This story was written for all young boys who have ever been bullied. A true friend is someone who stands by you in good times and in bad. Stay strong and don’t let others put you down.
A BOY AND A TOAD: This was written for all young boys who love toads. Being kind to animals is what we all must do. Also, friends can be whatever you choose whether an animal or a human.
RABBITS IN THE WOODS: Family must always stick together in good times and in bad. Watch over your family and keep them safe.
THE SAD BLUEBIRD: This story was written for anyone who sees someone in need. It’s important to always be kind even to those who are not kind in return. They may become kinder in the end.
THE MOUSE AND THE TASTY BUT SMELLY CHEESE: This was written for anyone who has tried to succeed and failed. We must always pick ourselves up again and keep trying as this little mouse did even if the cheese is smelly. I hope readers had a good laugh over this as you read the cadence with tasty but smelly cheese. I did as I wrote it!
Janice Spina is a retired administrative secretary from a public school system in Massachusetts. This is the 48th book Janice has published. She also has two mystery series of six books each, one for boys and the other for girls, even though both are enjoyed by either sex, and three books in a YA fantasy series. She has published 22 other books for young children. She also writes under J.E. Spina and has published nine novels and a short story collection for 18+.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Jjspina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun new book for children! Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2025.Family and friends is a chapter book with six stories written in rhyme with life lessons for children ages 5-8 or younger. These stories will delight and engage children with the rhythmic verses and colorful illustrations. Children will learn important life lessons and the value of family and friends and want to read these stories again and again.
Product Details: Paperback: 72 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (March 4, 2025) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Age: 5-8 Years
MISSION OF HOPE (Branyrd the Angel Series Book 4) by J.E. SPINA.
Book 4 of 4: Branyrd The Angel Series.
Branyrd must face evil on Earth in this latest book. The LORD instructs her to give Hope to the people who are suffering from injustice, persecution, and evil factions that force them from their homes. The Angel must help those who are preyed upon, others who are straying from good, and still others who are lost.
Benedicto, her Guardian Angel, will be her constant companion during this tough mission and support her on her path of leading all peoples to GOD.
5 Stars: Hope Is The Expectation And Desire For What Comes Next!
When I started reading ‘Branyrd The Angel’ Series, I had no idea it would capture my heart in the way that it has. I invite you to purchase this series if you haven’t already, read ‘Mission of Hope’ as each book in this series stands alone. I encourage you to give this series as a gift to someone who needs hope.
In book one (The Misunderstood Angel), we learned Branyrd is a different kind of angel. She has earned Angel First Class and is given missions to travel to Earth to help humans in trouble. In this book Branyrd was assigned to help a battered woman and her child.
In book two (Mission of Mercy), Branyrd begins a second assignment to earth, accompanied by her Guardian Angel Benedicto, Angel First Class on High, who guides and advises her. The mission assignment is to help a homeless vet named Lucas, who suffers from PTSD, and his young son, Ezra.
In book three (Mission of Love), Branyrd is sent to earth while bombs are falling on a small island. This will be her biggest challenge yet. This story will tug at your heartstrings, given the wars going on in our world today. You will see the desperate circumstances, hear the cries for help and read the prayers ascending to heaven. You will see the love and compassion of Branyrd Angel First Class. You will not want to miss the Lord’s reaction to Branyrd when she returns to heaven after completing her earthly mission.
Now in book four (Mission of Hope), First Class Angel Branyrd with Benedicto (Guardian Angel on High) are sent to earth on a multi-layered mission, as the earth erupts in unrest, criminal factions and wars that threaten all of humanity. Even repentant fallen angels are given assignments in hopes of gaining entry back into heaven. You will see that many events in ‘Mission of Hope, mirror current events. That is the genius of Author J. E. Spina. She writes with compelling details and weaves comedy into the story line to lighten the reader’s load. If Author J. E. Spina can’t become a superhero herself and solve the world’s crushing injustices, she can send in a fictional Angel with God’s blessing to heal our people, unite our leaders, bring peace and restoration to our world.
The author states “things in this book that cannot be explained to younger children, making this suitable for ages 15+.” The author dedicates this series “to all who believe in Angels around us”. I am counting the days until this unforgettable Angel, with golden wings, is given her next earthly mission.
Janice Spina, who also writes under the name J. E. Spina, has 47 published books. Her ‘Jems Books’ include 22 children’s stories for young children, two mystery series for middle-graders and preteens. She has written a fantasy series with more to come for YA. Janice has published nine novels and a short story collection for 18+.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Book Details: Print Length: 204 Pages Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 15-18+ Years Publisher: J.E. Spina; 1st Edition (November 24, 2024) Language: English Fantasy (Humorous) Fantasy (Religion & Spirituality) Fantasy (Literature & Fiction) Fiction (Literature) Fiction (Humor & Satire) Fiction (Paranormal) Christian Literature & Fiction Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy Metaphysical Fantasy
Branyrd is a different kind of angel. She has a difficult time being understood because of her habit of getting into all kinds of trouble and for her unacceptable language. Angels are not supposed to swear.
This angel must earn levels to be accepted by the LORD. She is presently at Angel Fourth Class and must ascend to Angel First Class in order to be given a mission to travel to Earth to help a human in trouble.
Once she reaches Angel First Class, she is given a mission and travels to Earth to help a battered woman and her child. Since she is so new to the ways on Earth, Branyrd is accompanied by her Guardian Angel Benedicto, Angel First Class on High, who guides and advises her.
Branyrd doesn’t know what she will do or how she will complete this mission. She must show her strengths and succeed, or she may be demoted. What she finds on Earth is not what she expected. It certainly is nothing like Heaven. There are dangerous people but also those who she will miss dearly when she must leave.
5 Stars: Endearing Story, About A Misunderstood Angel On A Mission.
Branyrd is Angel Fourth Class, working to advance levels needed, to be acknowledged by the Lord.
Benedicto, is Guardian Angel First Class. He is assigned to accompany and mentor Branyrd, when she is finally given her first assignment to Earth.
Branyrd finds Earth to be a strange place, filled with unusual customs, and dangerous people. Branyrd’s mission is to help Maggie Preston and her young daughter, Annie. When Maggie’s husband Nate, becomes involved with the White Stag Gang, he and his family are in grave danger. Can Branyrd overcome her own issues to complete her earthy mission?
Here is what Maggie is thinking while she clears tables at the diner where she works (Chapter 27): “She was grateful for her new friend’s help. Branyrd was truly sent from Heaven, she mused and chuckled to herself. Annie kept telling her that Branyrd was a real angel who didn’t have wings yet. Her daughter had such an imagination.”
As someone who has seen two angels here on earth, I found this story captivating.
Author J. E. Spina shares this: “This is the first book in this series about an angel. I infused some comedy into this sometimes-serious story. It deals with many issues that are evident in our world today. I dedicate this book to all who believe in angels around us. I think at the conclusion of this book those unbelievers may become believers too.”
This new ‘Branyrd the Angel Series’ is paranormal fiction. This series is written for young adults ages 18+. Watch for more books in this series coming over the new few years. All J. E. (Janice) Spina’s books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Gigi Sedlmayer, Book Excellence Award Finalist winning author of the Talon series. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Inspiring and motivating. Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2023. Verified Purchase. A fantastic story about a misunderstood Angle, Branyrd.
Branyrd, Angle of 3rd Class, has difficulty to hold her tongue with bad words. But she is longing to become a First-Class Angle to get missions to go to Earth to help people.
She tried hard and finally, HE made her First-Class angle and send her to earth for a special mission.
Earth was different than Haven. But her guardian Angle, Benedicto, an Angle First Class on High, is helping her and guides her in the ways of Earth, when she meets Maggie and Annie, her assignment. Maggie’s husband went astray and got involved with a gang selling drugs. She faces difficulty and danger.
Will she with her love and the help of her guarding Angle bring that family together again?
Review by Mrs. D.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A special assignment! Reviewed in the United States on October 4, 2023. “The Misunderstood Angel” is the first book in the series Branyrd the Angel, who was sent to Earth for her first mission. It is an intriguing story, full of excitement and life.
The forces of good to combat evil. The protection of a family in need and today’s social issues. A good humor and serious, dangerous situations await readers as they take a risky journey with the Angel, who was not sure of herself.
Sent to Earth by God to help a young mother and her daughter, the new angel is facing many obstacles, but her determination to carry out her duty made her a guide that protects, loves, and keeps growing to be her best. She learns how to be kind, compassionate and true to herself.
It is a heartwarming book with well-developed characters, showing readers that there is always a way to grow and climb one mountain after another. I am looking forward to Book 2.
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great character! Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2023. We are introduced to a wonderful new character in this story by J E Spina. Branyrd, who is new at being an angel, is sent to earth by God to help a young mother and her daughter who are having a difficult time. She is quite unsure of herself but determined to fulfill her task so she can move up to Angel First Class. Her love and compassion help her guide and protect her new friends and complete her mission on Earth. This was such an enjoyable story! So glad this looks like it will be a series! Looking forward to Branyrd’s next adventure.
Review by Canadian reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved This Story!! Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2023. I loved this story about angels who are both trying in their own ways to find their true mission in this incarnation. There is the amazing Benedicto, a Guardian Angel First Class who despite their experience is still trying to prove themselves. Then, there is the novice angel, Branyrd an Angel Fourth Class who is keen to learn and grow in her new mission.
Come along as these two beautiful angels help each other to grow and assist Maggie and her daughter Annie to believe in hope and magic again. Whether you believe in angels or not you will be rooting for this pair to succeed in their goals. It will make better angels of us all.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved Branyrd! Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2022. “The Misunderstood Angel” is the story of Branyrd, who has just been promoted to Angel First Class. She is sent to Earth for her first mission: to use the forces of good to combat evil and to protect those in need of protection, like the family she is assigned to help in this book. As the plot unfolds, it touches on some of today’s societal issues, such as spousal abuse, homelessness, and alcoholism in a non-threatening way. I really appreciated how the author interjected a good amount of humor amid some serious and dangerous situations. “The Misunderstood Angel” is well written and compelling. It is not overly religious, didactic, or judgmental. I found it hard to put down, and hope there are more adventures for Branyrd as she completes her time on earth. As Ms. Spina comments in her Preface, we all will need help at some point in our lives. For me, that time is now, and I can say that my load has been lightened and my spirits lifted after reading The Misunderstood Angel’.
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Poor Branyrd. Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2022. Branyrd wants so badly to move up the ranks, but her saucy mouth always gets her in trouble & higher-ranking Angels aren’t allowed to befriend her. Finally, God gives her a special assignment, but she thinks she messed it up, too. It is heartwarming to see how she “grows up” & how forgiving God is!For a different genre from Janice, it is very good!
About the Author: J.E. Spina aka Janice Spina is an award-winning author of books for all ages ranging from children to 18+. She has 40 published books at this writing and has quite a few ideas waiting on the back burner. She has been writing since the age of nine years old. J.E. Spina’s husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator.
Janice’s goal is to encourage all ages to read to help enhance their health and wellbeing. She plans to continue to write for all ages as long as her muse is there to encourage her along. Her motto is Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Soar with Jemsbooks.com all year round. She is also a blogger, copy editor, avid reader and reviewer, and supporter of her fellow authors. She loves to hear from readers and welcomes reviews.
She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two tanks of fish.
Product Details: Paperback: 219 Pages Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 18+ Publisher: Janice Spina (October 13, 2022) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Fantasy (Humorous) Fantasy (Religion & Spirituality) Fantasy (Literature & Fiction) Fiction (Literature) Fiction (Humor & Satire) Fiction (Paranormal) Christian Literature & Fiction Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy Metaphysical Fantasy
Branyrd goes on another mission to Earth, this time she has been enlisted to help a homeless vet and his young son. The Angel goes out of her way to put things right for Lucas and his son, Ezra. She finds it difficult through with the influx of empathic messages and feelings that threaten to overload her. Will she be able to help Lucas get his family back together and find his way to recovery after suffering from PTSD?
Branyrd is a funny, sweet, strong, resilient, and capable Angel who is not afraid to take on the toughest tasks, who strives to pave the way for those in need, who creates change and makes a difference in the lives of others that enables them to find their way forward to a good life.
When Branyrd visits a homeless community, she meets with the mayor to work out a plan to solve the problems the homeless have there. Will others stop her from helping those in need? Will Benedicto be there in case she needs his intervention? Will Branyrd be able to break free from the connections she has made when it is time for her to leave Earth and return to Heaven?
5-Stars For Mission Of Mercy, Book Two In Branyrd The Angel Series.
In book one (The Misunderstood Angel), we learned Branyrd is a different kind of angel. She has earned Angel First Class and is given missions to travel to Earth to help humans in trouble. In this book Branyrd was assigned to help a battered woman and her child.
In book two (Mission of Mercy), Branyrd begins a second assignment to earth, accompanied by her Guardian Angel Benedicto, Angel First Class on High, who guides and advises her. The mission assignment is to help a homeless vet named Lucas, who suffers from PTSD, and his young son, Ezra.
As the story unfolds, it is fascinating to see what solutions Branyrd comes up with to solve a very serious homeless crisis. Branyrd must convince the community and those in authority, that homelessness can be solved. She must get the businesses in the vicinity to buy into her plan. At the same time, she needs to convince the homeless population, they are not powerless.
One of her first tasks is the meet with the city mayor. Each step forward, is met with resistance from others. Her determination is fierce, and her Guardian Angel Benedicto is not far away, in case she needs his intervention. Will she be able to complete her task on time?
In both books, I am touched by Branyrd’s ability to form a special bond with humans. In heaven angels are unable to cry, but on earth they discover intense emotions. In book one it was hard from Branyrd to leave the humans she helped. Will her bond to Lucas, especially young Ezra, make it more difficult for her to leave earth when her mission is complete?
I encourage older teens and adults to read both books in this paranormal fantasy. Author J.E. (Janice) Spina is an amazing storyteller. Elements of each story is serious with real life scenarios, yet Janice weaves in a little humor and makes it easy to connect with all the characters. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.
Author J.E. Spina aka Janice Spina is an award-winning author of books for all ages ranging from children to adults. She has 40+ published books and her husband John, is her illustrator and cover creator.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Gigi Sedlmayer, Book Excellence Award Finalist winning author of the Talon series. 5.0 out of 5 Stars Real life scenario. Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024. Verified Purchase. Book 2 of ‘The misunderstood Angle’ series “Mission of Mercy” Branyrd, the Angel is going on a different mission to Earth, to help homeless people. A near impossible task. But no for Branyrd. It is fascinating how she comes up with solutions, she herself thought it wouldn’t work, to solve a very serious problem. And it worked wonders. It’s a series with real life scenarios, yet Janice is weaving a little humour and it’s easy to connect with all the characters. Book 1 and 2 really touched my heart.
Review by Canadian reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. An Adorable Angel. Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2023. Mission of Mercy, Book 2 in the Branyrd the Angel Series is another highly entertaining read by author Janice Spina. Once again, our heroine has been entrusted to help another poor soul on earth. This time, it’s a very deserving homeless vet who is struggling to get by with his young son.
Branyrd is a sweet and adorable creature. She is an Angel, after all. But dealing with homelessness and trying to find solutions to real life problems down here is very hard. But, of course, she finds a way. The only real challenge that she has is how to go back to heaven when she makes so many good friends here on earth. Whether you believe in Angels or not, you will believe in Branyrd. If you enjoy this story, don’t forget to go back and check out Book 1 The Misunderstood Angel, in this heartwarming series.
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another Mission to earth for Branyrd. Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2023. Branyrd heads back to earth on a new Mission to help a homeless Vet & his young son who have been abandoned by his drunkard wife. Branyrd is a sweet angel with a few faults, who feels more like a human the longer she is on earth. She meets with a crooked Mayor to try to help the homeless community & with a little help from her friends, she works through lots of obstacles. She surprises herself once again how well she completes her Mission without realizing it. Janice has done another outstanding job!
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable read! Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2023. This is the second wonderful and heartfelt story in this series. Branyrd is learning to be an angel. She is compassionate and kind, but not without flaws. These stories remind us how coming together and giving of ourselves not only benefits those in need but is also truly rewarding to oneself. I hope there are many more stories in this series!
Product Details: Paperback: 288 Pages Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 15-18+ Years Publisher: Janice Spina (March 31, 2023) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Fantasy (Humorous) Fantasy (Religion & Spirituality) Fantasy (Literature & Fiction) Fiction (Literature) Fiction (Humor & Satire) Fiction (Paranormal) Christian Literature & Fiction Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy Metaphysical Fantasy
Mission of Love: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 3 by J.E. Spina.
Book 3 of 3: Branyrd The Angel Series.
This is not a children’s book.
Branyrd is on another mission which may be the toughest one so far. She has been sent to a troubled island in the South Pacific that is being attacked by the fellow islands in the archipelago. Her mission is to rescue some children from an orphanage during the attacks.
She is escorted, once again, by her Guardian Angel, Benedicto, who is there as counsel and aide as she completes her mission. What Branyrd finds there is devastation and heartbreak as she tackles the mission, this time one of love for the children and the rest of the islanders who have lost family and homes.
There are many obstacles that stand in her way and danger for the children and others as she must rescue not only them, but also another island that is in danger of sinking.
5-Stars: Divinely Inspired For Such Times As These!
In book one (The Misunderstood Angel), we learned Branyrd is a different kind of angel. She has earned Angel First Class and is given missions to travel to Earth to help humans in trouble. In this book Branyrd was assigned to help a battered woman and her child.
In book two (Mission of Mercy), Branyrd begins a second assignment to earth, accompanied by her Guardian Angel Benedicto, Angel First Class on High, who guides and advises her. The mission assignment is to help a homeless vet named Lucas, who suffers from PTSD, and his young son, Ezra.
Now in book three (Mission of Love), Branyrd is sent to earth while bombs are falling on a small island. This will be her biggest challenge yet. This story will tug at your heartstrings, given the wars going on in our world today. You will see the desperate circumstances, hear the cries for help and read the prayers ascending to heaven. You will see the love and compassion of Branyrd Angel First Class. You will not want to miss the Lord’s reaction to Branyrd when she returns to heaven after completing her earthly mission.
I am convinced that this fiction ‘Branyrd the Angel Series’ is divinely inspired for such times as these! Whether you believe in angels or question their existence, Branyrd Angel First Class will cut to your core, send chills up your spine and cause you to think with your mind, heart and soul.
I encourage you to read Janice (J. E.) Spina’s ‘Branyrd the Angel Series’. Pass it alone to others and put this series on your year-round gift giving book list.
Janice Spina is a multi-award-winning author with 46 books of which there are 22 children’s books,12 MG/PT books and three books in a YA series with three more coming over the next few years, eight novels and a short story collection for 18+ written under J.E. Spina. She is also a copy editor, blogger, book reviewer and supporter of fellow authors. Her husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator. Watch for more books to come over the next few years.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Heartwarming Story of Branyrd the Angel’s Third Mission. Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2023. Branyrd is sent on another mission to help the people whose lives and homes have been disrupted by attacks by others in their island chain, but most especially the children who live in the orphanage.
To complicate matters, another island is sinking and Branyrd must rescue those who remain and take them to the island that was hit by the bombings.
As in her other two missions, she is accompanied by Benedicto, her Guardian Angel, whose job is to guide Branyrd.
The story is touching even though it is a fictitious pair of angels send on this mission by the Lord.
Happy reading!
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A good read. Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023. Another tale of angels, Branyrd and Benedicto as they take on a mission to help a chain of small islands that are at war with each other. These stories are very entertaining and might make you a believer in the possibility of angels helping us throughout our lives.
J.E. Spina brings adventure, suspense, and excitement in this bittersweet series. Well worth the read!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Branyrd Does It Again. Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2023. Branyrd & Benedicto help children from an orphanage & hospital in a war-torn Island in the South Pacific by people from another Island who are losing their Island to sinking. Branyrd has many obstacles to conquer to complete her mission. There is heartbreak as well as joy. I LOVE how J.E. Spina has even given the LORD a sense of humor the way HE communicates with Branyrd! This is another wonderful book that will have you believing in Angels, too!!
From The Author: This series came to me after watching the news one night about the problems caused by many different forms of social abuse, homelessness, etc. Though I don’t have a magic solution to fix the problems, I created a character that possibly could.
Branyrd came to life in this story and worked her magic on everyone she came into contact with besides solving the problems that no one else wanted to tackle. She never gave up until she came up with a solution to make life better for all those concerned.
There will be four books in this series unless Branyrd insists on sharing more. I hope you enjoy these stories and believe that there is a solution to every problem in our world today if we only had an Angel like Branyrd who cared enough to try.
About The Author: J.E. Spina has been writing since she was a young girl beginning with children’s stories under Janice Spina. She loves to write for all ages in multi-genres and encourages all ages to read daily to help enhance their health and well-being. At this writing J.E. Has published 8 novels and a short story collection under J.E. Spina and under Janice Spina, 22 children’s books, 12 books for MG/PT and 3 for YA. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband who is her illustrator and cover creator.
Product Details: Paperback: 251 Pages Teen and Young Adults Reading Age: 15-18+ Years Publisher: Janice Spina (October 18, 2023) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Fantasy (Humorous) Fantasy (Religion & Spirituality) Fantasy (Literature & Fiction) Fiction (Literature) Fiction (Humor & Satire) Fiction (Paranormal) Christian Literature & Fiction Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Religious Science Fiction & Fantasy Metaphysical Fantasy
This is Book 1 of a fantasy series that will have six books in all. In this book, learn about the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. The children have had powers since they were quite young.
Serena was three years old when she learned of her power to move objects with her mind. Her brother, Simon, can fly and their sister, Catalina, can become invisible or blend into her surroundings. They live with their parents in Sovorotskina, the Land of Light.
With these powers comes responsibility. The children must try to use their powers for the common good and responsibly to help others. The three children befriend a Sprite named Spindle who accompanies them on their adventure. Along the way they meet up with their aunt and uncle, their mother’s brother and his wife, Wizard Hotenfaran and Fairy Procelina. The group must travel into the evil land of Parotovina, Land of Darkness, to save King Gateskin, who was kidnapped, and rescue some of the descendants of their friends and fellow Sovorotskinans who were captured and taken by the Evil Ones. These descendants have been waiting a long time to be free to return to the villages of their ancestors.
The children have many trials and adventures along the way. Will they be able to rescue their father and fellow Sovorotskinans without endangering their own lives? Will the evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina stop Serena and her siblings from being successful or will they turn Serena and her siblings to their dark ways?
5 Stars: With Powers Comes Responsibility!
‘THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES’ is book one of six planned in the ‘Gateskin Chronicles’. Award-winning Author, Janice Spina, is writing this fantasy series for ages 13-17, but I can attest to the fact, adults will enjoy it too.
Serena Anya (age 14 is the heroine of story, sister to Simon Andolferan (age 12) and Catalina Leahna (age 10). Their mother is Solinara; Queen Fairy of Sovorotskina. Their father is Gateskin; King Wizard of Sovorotskina. Serena has the power to move objects with her mind. Simon can fly, and Catalina can become invisible. With these powers comes responsibility.
Sovorotskina (Land of Goodness & Light) was one of the villages that make up the Territory of Noella Province (later known as Votovia). The other villages are Votovia (Land of Magic & Mystery), Merona (Land of Peace & Harmony), Merlina (Land of Myths & Legends), Amora (Land of Faith & Love), and Parotovina (Land of Evil & Darkness).
I think to understand the story you must understand the ‘Votovians’. The Votovians were feared by other villages that did not have fairies and wizards. The Votovian children were taught these five simple rules in Votovian School from the age of four. They used rhymes and simple language so that the youngest children could understand the rules.
Rule#1: Never use your powers to hurt anyone (not even to injure, move or hurt even flowers).
Rule#2: Help your fellow villagers out in any way you can.
Rule#3: Always band together for the common good.
Rule#4: Above all, protect the children. If danger comes, fast we will flee, and stay together using our powers only in an emergency.
Rule#5: Powers are to be used in emergency situations if agreed upon only by the governing council with final approval of the King and Queen of Votovia.
The Votovians were all hoping they would never have to use their powers. Their powers collectively were so strong they could destroy everyone in their path. They were a peace-loving people, and this did not come easy for them, but they would do whatever they had to do to protect their children and the children of their friends in Sovorotskina and any of the other neighboring villages.
I will let you discover on your own ‘THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES’. I highly recommend Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1. Author Janice Spina always has valuable lessons in her storylines, which make her stories true ‘Jems’. Janice has written 19 children’s books and has multiple series, for ages 10 and up.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars: Pure magic! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021. Kings and Queens, Fairies and Sprites! This story has it all. Follow the King and Queen of the Land of Goodness and Light along with their amazing children, who are coming into powers of their own. They set out with their followers and some tenacious little sprites determined to rescue the Taken Ones from the land of Parotovina and it’s evil king. Their skills and powers come into action during their difficult quest. The author left us with a cliff hanger for the much-anticipated book 2! An enjoyable read of all ages.
Reviews by Canadian Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved the story. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021. I loved The Legend of the Taken Ones by Janice Spina. It is the first book in the Gateskin Chronicles and follows the adventures of the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. This is a fantasy book so of course one of the children can fly while another has what was once known as a cloak of invisibility. Not to be outdone the third child can move objects with her mind with some form of telekinesis.
I haven’t read a fantasy book since I was a child myself, which feels like a very long time ago. But I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Spina’s writing brought me into her fantasy world. And how much I enjoyed being there. I am looking forward to more adventures in this series as I travel along with the children through Sovorotskina, the Land of Light and other magical places.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, Fairies, Sprites, and Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2021. The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book! The author gifted me an ARC and I have given my honest review.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, fairies, and sprites, oh my! Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021. If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil, you will LOVE The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin chronicles, Book 1). It has all of these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very fun Wizard & Fairy book. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
Product Details: Print Length: 500 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina; 1st Edition (August 28, 2021) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Fantasy (Mythology and Folk Tales) Reading Ages 13-17
The adventures continue in this edition of Gateskin Chronicles. Many new characters and creatures are introduced. Spells abound with magic all around. Many visitors come to Sovorotskina looking for asylum from the evil King Kaposkaran of Parotovina. Will King Gateskin accept them all or even be able to trust them not to be spies for the evil King?
Serena uses her powers to assist when wolves come their way. Other creatures are also about and threaten the safety of the village.
Kaposkaran finds himself in trouble when his village is attacked by creatures. Will he turn to Gateskin for help? If he does, what will Gateskin do?
There is a spy about in Sovorotskina. Will the spy be discovered and somehow stopped from undermining the magic of King Gateskin and his family?
5 Stars: Equally Enchanting As The Harry Potter Series.
‘THE UNKNOWN TERRITORY’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2) continues from ‘The Legend of The Taken Ones’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1). The Gateskin Chronicles can be read out of succession, but you will not want to miss any of this exciting, magical, fantasy series.
I believe ages 13+ will enjoy this series, as Award-winning author, Janice Spina has an amazing way of telling the story, and capturing the attention and imagination of her readers. ‘The Unknown Territory’ takes you to the TERRITORY OF NOELLA PROVINCE, which is made up of six villages, with the Sea of Shakelle off the southern borders. New characters, new creatures, new dangers, and new spells abound.
This book opens with a new breed of wolves stoking fear among the villagers, as they search for new hunting grounds.King Gateskin (powerful wizard of Sovorotskina) reassures his people; the wolves are kind and friendly. The province is not without danger though. Sovorotskina (Land of Goodness & Light), Votovia (Land of Magic & Mystery), Merona (Land of Peace & Harmony), Merlina (Land of Myths & Legends), and Amora (Land of Faith & Love), all had reason to fear Parotovina (Land of Evil & Darkness). I decided to share this quote so you will understand the true danger that exists for the TERRITORY OF NOELLA PROVINCE.
…King Gateskin created a Channel Spell to open a connection to all the other villages except Parotovina. He kept that window closed. Once he had all the rulers of the villages virtually in his Meeting Room, he called the meeting to order.
…He explained what had happened in the Village of Parotovina and the dangers they faced from the roaming Catlings.
… “We need to help Parotovina. I know all of you have had unfavorable treatment by King Kaposkaran and his guards, so have I. But we cannot let these people suffer like this. We have to do something.”
… “Will we have to use dark magic to take out these creatures, King Gateskin?” King Cavelan asked.
… “Never! We have to try something else. Please let’s use first names only here. We are all rulers and don’t need to use the pomp and circumstance in these serious times.”
… “I agree, Gateskin,” Cavelan said.
…Noderan of the Village of Amora asked, “Do you have something in mind, Gateskin?”
… “Well, I think I can come up with a few spells with the help of all of you and my Wizards. Please let me introduce you to the former Parotovinan Wizards.”
…Gateskin spread his hands across the table and pointed out the four Wizards to the rulers. They all nodded and waited for more information about what they would be doing.
It is up to you to discover. Who is the spy in Sovorotskina? Will the spy be discovered and somehow stopped from undermining the magic of King Gateskin and his family?
‘The Gateskin Chronicles’ will you on a magical journey, equally enchanting as the Harry Potter series. Once you begin, you will anxiously wait for the next book to be released.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Pure magic! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021. Kings and Queens, Fairies and Sprites! This story has it all. Follow the King and Queen of the Land of Goodness and Light along with their amazing children, who are coming into powers of their own. They set out with their followers and some tenacious little sprites determined to rescue the Taken Ones from the land of Parotovina and its evil king. Their skills and powers come into action during their difficult quest. The author left us with a cliff hanger for the much-anticipated book 2! An enjoyable read of all ages.
Review by Canadian Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved the story. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021. I loved The Legend of the Taken Ones by Janice Spina. It is the first book in the Gateskin Chronicles and follows the adventures of the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. This is a fantasy book so of course one of the children can fly while another has what was once known as a cloak of invisibility. Not to be outdone the third child can move objects with her mind with some form of telekinesis.
I haven’t read a fantasy book since I was a child myself, which feels like a very long time ago. But I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Spina’s writing brought me into her fantasy world. And how much I enjoyed being there. I am looking forward to more adventures in this series as I travel along with the children through Sovorotskina, the Land of Light and other magical places.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, Fairies, Sprites, and Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2021. The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book! The author gifted me an ARC and I have given my honest review.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, fairies, and sprites, oh my! Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021. If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil, you will LOVE The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin chronicles, Book 1). It has all of these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very fun Wizard & Fairy book. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
From The Author: This series began many years ago in 2009. A spark was created, and my muse worked overtime to create two books simultaneously – a historical fiction and this fantasy series book 1. Once I began writing the story flowed and continued into book 2.
This isn’t my favorite genre, but my muse seems to like it and keeps coming up with new ideas for the next book. It was fun coming up with strange and complicated names for these characters, creatures, lands, and spells. Sometimes I have no idea where they come from. All I know is that they pop into my head when I need one.
Watch for books 3-6 coming over the next few years. They are epic stories with hundreds of pages. Each book grows larger than the previous one. I hope you enjoy this fantasy series and forget your troubles and fly away with Gateskin Chronicles.
Product Details: Paperback: 615 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (July 1, 2022) Language: English Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Fantasy (Mythology and Folk Tales) Reading Ages 13-17
King Gateskin must be vigilant to protect his land and people when another creature threatens to cause harm. He fears for his land when visitors come asking about the lost Medallion which he knows is still buried somewhere in his village of Sovorotskina.
Some of these visitors from a far-off island come in peace while another threatens the safety of Noella Province with her Dark Magic. The King must enlist all the help he can muster to protect not only his village but all of Noella Province from peril.
King Kaposkaran of Parotovina once again is a nuisance rather than a help to the other rulers of the lands in the province. He is only concerned about his own problems. Will King Kaposkaran be a hindrance or a way for the evil to enter Noella Province once again? Will King Gateskin be able to conjure up enough magic to save them all?
5 Stars: The Search For The Medallion Puts Every Villager In Danger Of Dark Magic!
‘SEARCH FOR THE MEDALLION’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 3) continues in this exciting, magical, fantasy series for ages 13-17+. Readers will find the ‘Map Of Territory Of Noella Province’. The ‘Characters List’ in each book helps because the author brings in new characters.
Book three finds King Gateskin of Sovorotskina opening the Channel Spell to conference with the other rulers of the neighboring villages. Panic is setting in as a dangerous moss is creeping into the villages which is putting livestock and others at serious risk. This is not the only danger facing King Gateskin as he struggles to protect his village. Equally as distressing as the creeping moss to King Gateskin are strangers and visitors searching his village for the allusive Medallion that everyone is talking about.
“Gateskin rounded up every villager who had any kind of power, and then stopped by to see Spindle and Mitteran to explain what needed to be done. “You are to oversee the digging and search for the Medallion. Meet the villagers who are coming from the other lands to help and get them started in plots assigned on the map.” Gateskin handed the map to them. “I will be meeting in my conference room with my Wizards and others who I will be sending your way soon.”
The two head guards nodded and flew to the site marked on the map.
The King then led the villagers with powers to his home and seated everyone before beginning his instructions. He had also summoned his Wizards to come right away. They were there in a split second after his summons and stood along the side of the conference room walls until needed.
Gateskin gazed at all the people who were gathered there and sighed. “There is much to be done. We must find the Medallion before a person from the island of Dragonaria finds it and uses it to increase her Dark Magic.”
Can King Gateskin and his search party find the Medallion?
Can enough magic be conjured up to save Sovorotskina and all the other villages?
Make sure to read Gateskin Chronicles Book One through Three of this series, so you will be ready for even more adventure, magic and fantasy coming in book four. Check out all the Jems Books (for all ages) by Author Janice Spina.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Jjspina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A fantasy adventure that is an epic tale! Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2024. Verified Purchase. This epic series is a fantasy adventure that will keep readers engrossed as new characters, unusual creatures especial colorful dragons are introduced with plenty of magic, mayhem and surprises. Will the evil forces be able to overtake the powerful King Wizard Gateskin in Noella Province? Gateskin is continually tested in this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the addition of the dragons to this series. I look forward to more exciting adventures to come!
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Mysteries Abound in Sovorotskina. Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2024. I’ve read many books by Janice Spina, and though I’m not usually a fan of series and prefer stand-alone books, the Gateskin Chronicles have me hooked. I anxiously await each book in the series to discover what mysterious happenings are in store for King Gateskin, his wife, Queen Solinara, and their three children in the Land of Goodness and Light, otherwise known as Sovorotskina in Noella Province.
All the characters have very unusual names, just as the various Kingdoms do. What I loved about Search For the Medallion, as well as the other books in the series, are the imaginative names for everyone and everything, the conjuring up of creatures, and fantastic talking dragons, and the spells that are cast. Even the children have powers. There are both good and evil characters and creatures with powers to do harm or good. The author’s creativity is nothing short of amazing.
Though the Gateskin Chronicles are intended for the 13-17-year-old audience, I can attest that adults will also enjoy them.
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. New visitors to the village of Sovorotskina. Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2024. Once again King Kaposkaran of Parotovina & his wife are being nuisances again to King Gateskin & his village. While King Gateskin tries to deal with this, new visitors come to Gateskin’s village out of curiosity. They became a big help when the Catkins were getting out of control. Toss in someone with Dark Magic trying to get her hands on the Medallion, & poor King Gateskin & his family really have their hands full trying to restore order. The cliffhanger at the end makes a great lead-in for the next Book! What a wonderful, fun book! Exited for the next book in this series.
Product Details: Paperback: 600 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (May 15, 2024) Language: English Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths) Fantasy (Mythology and Folk Tales) Reading Ages 13-17
About The Author: Janice Spina is a multi-award-winning author with 47 ‘Jems Books’ of which there are 22 children’s books, 12 MG/PT books and three books in a YA series with three more coming over the next few years, nine novels and a short story collection for 18+ written under J.E. Spina. She is also a copy editor, blogger, book reviewer and supporter of fellow authors. Her husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator. Watch for more books to come over the next few years.
Jance has received the following awards for her books:
12 Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medals, 5 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Honorable Mention and Finalist, 21 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, 1 AUTHORSDB – Cover Contest, 2 Book Excellence Award Finalists, 2 Top Shelf Awards – First Place & Runner up and 1 Media crest Awards.
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks.com! Happy Reading!
Broose the Moose on the Loose: (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey: (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Colby the Courageous Cat: (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe: (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab: (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier: (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
The First Star: (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day (Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards Top Shelf Awards – Runners-up).
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar (Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards).
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 3: Delbert Finds Himself (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem (Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards).
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 5: Drago Does a Good Deed (Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards).
Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 6: Dragana Helps a Fairy (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
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BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AGES 5-8 BY JANICE SPINA.
Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 2 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
Makie Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 4 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal).
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MIDDLE-GRADE/PRETEEN BOOKS – 10+ BY JANICE SPINA (Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult).
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 1: The Case of the Missing Cell Phone (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Honorable Mention- Readers’ Favorite Book Award).
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 2: The Case of the Mysterious Black Cat (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 3: The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Reader’s Favorite Book Awards – Silver Medal).
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 4: The Case of the Brown Scraggly Dog (Top Shelf Awards – First Place & Finalist in Red City Review Awards & 5-Star Book Review – Readers’ Favorite Book Awards).
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 5: The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Authorsdb Cover Contest – Silver Medal).
Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Finalist – Readers’ Favorite Book Awards & Finalist – Book Excellence Awards).
Abby & Holly School Dance (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Bronze Medal from Readers’ Favorite Book Awards).
Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Honorable Mention).
Abby & Holly Series, Book 3: Secrets of the Trunk (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Abby & Holly Series, Book 4: The Hidden Stairway (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Abby & Holly Series, Book 5: The Copper Key (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
Abby & Holly Series, Book 6: Faulty Timeline (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award).
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BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS (13+) BY JANICE SPINA.
The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles Book 1 (Book Excellence Award & Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Medal).
The Unknown Territory: Gateskin Chronicles Book 2 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Medal & Maincrest Media Book Award).
Search for the Medallion: Gateskin Chronicles Book 3 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Gold Medal).
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BOOKS BY J.E. SPINA FOR 18+.
Hunting Mariah-Maincrest Media Award-2024
Mariah’s Revenge
How Far is Heaven
An Angel Among Us: A Short Story Collection
In A Second
Lubelia Alycea: One Hundred Years
The Misunderstood Angel: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 1
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!
Janice’s hobbies besides writing are crocheting, exercising to keep in shape, going to the movies with her husband or out to lunch or dinner, reading, book reviewing, blogging, and spending time with her five grandchildren who are her writing inspiration.
Janice loves to hear from readers and appreciates and happily welcomes reviews.
Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina: Multi-Award-Winning Author Jemsbooks for All Ages! Mom’s Choice Award Winner!
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# 6: A very special thank you to Janice Spina, my talented copy editor, without whose help I never would have been able to publish my book of poetry. Janice’s editing protocols are extremely professional; her line-editing and proofreading suggestions being clearly understandable and easily incorporated into my manuscript. Janice’s contract and fee were fair and reasonable. Her results, quick and thorough. Thank you Janice! Richard Buchanan-Author. https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Buchanan/e/B0086FR554/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1475671915&sr=1-2-ent
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With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life—to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.
Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena. Now, she wants nothing to do with that world—or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory. But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny. . . and his unexpected gentleness too seductive to resist.
5 Stars: Warm, Romantic Tone!
Lynx sets a warm, romantic tone for book one in Connie Vines’ Rodeo Romance Series. This is short, easy, lazy afternoon read. With strong characters like Lynx, Rachel, Dan and Charlene the Rodeo small town country environment breeds friendships, excitement, danger, attraction, reluctance and full-blown passion.
As a reviewer I read many genres and this is my first Rodeo romance. To my surprise this short story and colorful characters kept me turning the pages and refilling my coffee cup.
The fact that Connie’s father is from Texas and she spent summers in the Texas panhandle as a child is interesting. Her father rode broncs in amateur rodeo events while in high school. I’d like to imagine that the Texas setting is probably is some ways kin to the author’s real home environment set in the “quirky suburbs of Southern California” where she lives with her husband “in a butter-yellow house shaded by mimosa and magnolia trees”.
Lynx is a romance with a couple of Texas recipes thrown in for extra spice. This first book in the Rodeo Romance Series was selected as the H.O.L.T Medallion Finalist and the Orange Rose Finalist. Only time will tell us where the series will go and how many hearts will be won or lost.
Lynx (book one) in Connie Vines’ Rodeo Romance is for the romantic and young at heart.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Series: Rodeo Romance (Book 1)Paperback: 184 Pages Publisher: Books We Love Ltd. (August 11, 2014) Language: English Romance (Western) Romance (Suspense Thrillers) Romance (Contemporary)
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,994 Seattle Author Jennifer Conner! The Mac Brothers: Seaside Escape by Angela Ford & Jennifer Conner. In the mood for a man who is a little more complicated… We have two for you! The Mac Brothers. Sworn to Fun…Loyal to None. They have everything. But Love. Confidence. Attitudes. Tattoos…. Continue reading →
The Arcane Arcade by Leonard Streitfeld and Jay Dubya.
Introduction: The Arcane Arcade is a collection of sixteen short fiction stories. The general theme of the book is paranormal experience and the tales are presented as short stories, novellas and novelettes. The stories have been rewritten and edited many times until they have evolved into their finished form.
The characters and events depicted in The Arcane Arcade are strictly the products of the authors’ imaginations. Any resemblance to any real person or persons is absolutely coincidental, and it is the hope of the authors that readers will appreciate the pure fantasy identities, personalities and plots presented in the sixteen-fictional works.
5 Stars: It takes advanced and gifted writing skills to successfully write a short story collection that will capture the imagination of the readers and hold their interest to the end. Two authors skilled at their craft have teamed up to bring you ‘The Arcane Arcade’.
Dr. Leonard Streitfeld had been John Wiessner’s eye doctor for many years. Len Streitfeld and Jay Dubya have written and rewritten the stories “The Chess Set,” “The Cups,” “The Incense Burner,” “Reflections,” “Stained Glass” and “The Black Magic Pen” many times until all sixteen tales appearing in The Arcane Arcade have evolved into their present quality literature form.
The Arcane Arcade collection is book crafted in the paranormal experience and have evolved into this great example of short story literature.
Here are my short descriptions, of each story in ‘The Arcane Arcade’.
In “The Chess Set” the wealthy chess master is confronted by the Black Knight.
In “The Cups “a snow globe scene pales in comparison to this coffee mug collection.
In “A Christmas Doll “it is the gift of a ballerina doll that changes everything.
In “Reflections “we are reminded that charity begins in the heart.
In “The Dark Side “we witness “One perpetual nightmare that’s been moving in perpetual motion.”
In “Photographs “we are reminded that a picture is worth a thousand words.
In “Premonitions “is it a chance encounter, coincidence or something much more.
In “The Combat Mission That Never Was” we learn “Heaven Can Wait but Hell Cannot”.
In “The Skull “we read what happens to an unclaimed corpse that might surprise you.
In “Stained Glass “it is the mystery surrounding the broken heavenly stained-glass window.
In “The Image “conjures up the question is it “animal, vegetable, mineral, or strange thing”.
In “An Incense Burner “New Orleans Mardi Gras turns into a veritable nightmare.
In “The Dye Is Cast “as the song titled “16 men on a dead man’s chest, yo-ho, ho and a bottle of rum” pierces through the Bermuda Triangle fog.
In “The Talismans “we examine the actions of one persistent seeker of wisdom.
In “The Tattoo “finds Dennis in the throws of an inebriated ink nightmare.
In “The Black Magic Pen “a writer’s dream of literary perfection and international fame makes the tools of his trade a necessary phenomenon.
I would have to say that the short story titled “An Incense Burner” is my favorite out of this well written collection. Let me bring you into the story here:
…..At 11:55 p.m., the New Age black magic medium prepared the ‘spiritual laboratory operational card table’, the very essential incense burner, the vital red votive candles, and the male voodoo doll was then dressed in similar white shirt and black pants, just as Jason’s principal adversary had been wearing at the coin club meeting. Newman then spread Rosco Scola’s former note scraps over the male doll’s body. The obnoxious, loudmouthed Coin Organization President had never conceived or realized that he had made an immense blunder by inadvertently leaving behind the hand-shredded documentation with his indecipherable, crude handwriting scribbled upon it.
…..As the den’s grandfather clock pendulum signaled the stroke of midnight, Jason snickered as the black arts’ prestidigitator began performing his ‘other world methodology’. The devil’s new metaphysical priest then roughly thrust the red-hot pin into the doll’s throat and next, the hex practitioner meanly and spitefully twisted the pin back and forth several times to dramatically emphasize his great enmity for his avowed enemy. Four more pins were soon viciously inserted, a separate representative one shoved into each of the doll’s arms and legs.
…..The incense burner was then wildly smoking-out dense fumes and billows, and a moment later a ghost-like cloud rose and wafted, and then the dark gaseous mass hovered above the voodoo operating card table. The fog formation slowly drifted towards the targeted doll, and when the fumes encountered the lying figure’s throat, the thick, hazy mass mystically swished into the doll’s voice box, and then the visible gas phenomenon suddenly disappeared from visual existence.
…..The unearthly ceremony was over at precisely 1:00 a.m. and the vital items that had been used for the “spiritual retribution communication” were again stealthily placed and concealed inside their respective storage hiding compartments. However, the five malignant pins still remained implanted in the doll’s anatomy.
…..“Languish in your anguish,” laughed the contemporary warlock to the tiny representation of corpulent Rosco Scola. “Your pain is my gain!” Jason Newman humorously rhymed. “Let’s see what happens to your throat and to your four doomed appendages. Ha, ha, ha!”
Did this voodoo from this self-learned witch-doctor work? I will let you discover for yourself.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 358 Pages Publisher: Bookstand Publishing (February 11, 2020) Language: English Short Story Collection
About The Author: Jay Dubya is author’ John Wiessner’s pen name. John is a retired New Jersey public school English teacher, having diligently taught the subject for thirty-four years. John lives in Hammonton, New Jersey with wife Joanne and the couple has three grown sons.
Counting London: Lashed, Lacerated, Lampooned and Lambasted, along with its companion books Twain: Tattered, Trounced, Tortured and Traumatized, Poe: Pelted, Pounded, Pummeled and Pulverized and O. Henry: Obscenely and Outrageously Obliterated, John has written and published thirty-seven total books. Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight, Part II, Pieces of Eight, Part III and Pieces of Eight, Part IV all contain short stories and novellas that feature science fiction and paranormal plots and themes. Nine New Novellas, Nine New Novellas, Part II, Nine New Novellas, Part III, Nine New Novellas, Part IV, One Baker’s Dozen, Two Baker’s Dozen, Snake Eyes and Boxcars and Snake Eyes and Boxcars, Part II are short story collections all written in the spirit of the Pieces of Eight series.
Other Jay Dubya adult-oriented fiction are the works Black Leather and Blue Denim, A ’50s Novel, and its exciting sequel, The Great Teen Fruit War, A 1960′ Novel. Frat Brats, A ’60s Novel completes the action/adventure trilogy. Jay Dubya also has produced two irreverent Biblical satires, The Wholly Book of Genesis and The Wholly Book of Exodus. A third satire Ron Coyote, Man of La Mangia is a parody on Miguel Cervantes’ classic novel, Don Quixote published in 1605. Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, TSTC, Part II, TSTC, Part III and TSTC, Part IV are satirical works that each corrupt thirteen classic stories from American and British literature and from Greek mythology. Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces and FFFF & FF, Part II satirize and corrupt famous children’s literature stories. Mauled Maimed Mangled Mutilated Mythology is an adult-oriented satirical/parody work that pokes fun at twenty-one famous classical myths. Finally, Shakespeare: Slammed, Smeared, Savaged and Slaughtered and Shakespeare: S, S, S and S. Part II lampoon the famous works of the great playwright.
The author has also penned a young adult fantasy trilogy: Pot of Gold, Enchanta and Space Bugs, Earth Invasion. The Eighteen Story Gingerbread House is a collection of eighteen new children’s stories. And last but not least, two Jay Dubya non-fiction works are So Ya’ Wanna’ Be A Teacher and Random Articles and Manuscripts.
Jay Dubya’s books are available in hardcover and paperback formats at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and Booksamillion.com. Kindle versions are available at Amazon.com. Jay Dubya’s e-books are available at Amazon Kindle and at Barnes and Noble Nook.
Jay Dubya (John Wiessner), author of 56 books, gives a biography of his life.
Born in Hammonton, NJ in 1942, John had attended St. Joseph School up to and including Grade 5. After his family moved from Hammonton to Levittown, Pa in 1954, John attended St. Mark School in Bristol, Pa. for Grade 6, St. Michael the Archangel School for Grades 7 and 8 and Immaculate Conception School, Levittown, Pa. for grade 9. Bishop Egan High School, Levittown Pa was John’s educational base for Grades 10 and 11, and later in 1960 he graduated from Edgewood Regional High, Tansboro, NJ. John then next attended Glassboro State College, where he was an announcer for the school’s baseball games and also read the news and sports over WGLS, GSC’s radio station.
John had been primarily an English teacher in the Hammonton Public School System for 34 years, specializing in the instruction of middle school language arts. Mr. Wiessner was quite active in the Hammonton Education Association, serving in the capacities of Vice-President, building representative and finally, teachers’ head negotiator for 7 years. During his lengthy teaching career, John had been nominated into “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” three times. He also was quite active giving professional workshops at schools around South Jersey on the subjects of creative writing and the use of movie videos to motivate students to organize their classroom theme compositions.
John Wiessner was very active in community service, being a past President of the Hammonton Lions Club, where he also functioned for many years as the club’s Tail-Twister, Vice-President and Liontamer. He had been named Hammonton Lion of the Year in 1979 and in 2009 received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive from Lions International.
John also was a successful businessman, starting with being a Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper delivery boy for two years in the late 1950s in Levittown, Pennsylvania. After his family moved back to New Jersey in 1959, John worked at his grandparents and his parents’ farm markets, Square Deal Farm (now Ron’s Gardens in Hammonton) and Pete’s Farm Market in Elm, respectively. He later managed his wife’s parents’ farm market, White Horse Farms (Elm) for three summers.
Also, in a business capacity, for 16 summers starting in 1967 John Wiessner had co-owned Dealers Choice Amusement Arcade on the Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk and also co-owned the New Horizon Tee-Shirt Store for eight summers (1973-’81) on the Rehoboth Beach, Delaware boardwalk. In addition, he was a co-owner of Wheel and Deal Amusement Arcade, Missouri Avenue and Boardwalk, Atlantic City. And then, for 18 summers beginning in 1986, John had been the Field Manager in charge of crew-leaders for Atlantic Blueberry Company (the world’s largest cultivated blueberry company), both the Weymouth and Mays Landing Divisions.
After retiring from teaching in 1999, writing under the pen name Jay Dubya (his initials), John Wiessner became an author of 56 books in the genre Action/Adventure Novels, Sci-Fi/Paranormal Story Collections, Adult Satire, Young Adult Fantasy Novels and Non-Fiction Books. His books exist in hardcover, in paperback and in popular Kindle and Nook e-book formats.
Books (For Adults) by Jay Dubya
Pieces of Eight
Pieces of Eight, Part II
Pieces of Eight, Part III
Pieces of Eight, Part IV
Nine New Novellas
Nine New Novellas, Part II
Nine New Novellas, Part III
Nine New Novellas, Part IV
Black Leather and Blue Denim, A ‘50s Novel
The Great Teen Fruit War, A 1960 Novel
Frat’ Brats, A ‘60s Novel
Ron Coyote, Man of La Mangia
The Wholly Book of Genesis
The Wholly Book of Exodus
The Wholly Book of Doo-Doo-Rot-on-Me
Mauled Maimed Mangled Mutilated Mythology
Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces
Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces, Part II
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part II
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part III
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part IV
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part V
RAM: Random Articles and Manuscripts
One Baker’s Dozen
Two Baker’s Dozen
UFO: Utterly Fantastic Occurrences
Shakespeare: Slammed, Smeared, Savaged and Slaughtered
Shakespeare: S, S, S, and S, Part II
Snake Eyes and Boxcars
Snake Eyes and Boxcars, Part II
Suite 16
O. Henry: Obscenely and Outrageously Obliterated
Twain: Tattered, Trounced, Tortured and Traumatized
Poe: Pelted, Pounded, Pummeled and Pulverized
London: Lashed, Lacerated, Lampooned and Lambasted
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,936 “Compelling and Enlightening” He Is Watching by Diane Kurtz Calabrese. Christians want to lead a righteous life, yet it can be a challenging desire to fulfill while existing in a society plagued by greed, jealousy, envy, and other sins. As a result, many believers want to know who… Continue reading →
2025-Release: Julian Peale Art-Crime Mystery, No. 4.
The death of Sam Mason, a young painter, shakes a small New England town. Police say suicide. But his sister can’t believe he would do such a thing. She enlists the help of Castelli and Associates, which specializes in art crime, and Julian Peale is on the case. With Sam gone, his paintings-seemingly lost, hidden, or even a mirage–now stir a race to find out what happened, if not to cash in on his legacy. Art dealers see Sam as a “late, great artist” in the making. They’re all after whatever of Sam’s mysterious works they can find. Delving into the artist’s past, Peale traces the threads of Sam’s life across middle America, from Pittsburgh and Savannah to St. Louis and Atlanta. As a struggling artist, it seems Sam had fallen into bad company, beginning with a shady art dealer and then a small-time duo of Albanian crooks. Sam had also been dabbling in the dark arts. Peale’s investigation takes him to art schools, urban scenes, the high-end art market, and a migrant community trying to do good-except for a few gone bad. The missing paintings remain a puzzle until the end, a time when bigger mysteries-and darker forces-unfold when least expected.
Thirteen Tantalizing Tales is author Jay Dubya’s twenty-third story collection.
5 Stars: Author Jay Dubya has a unique way of telling his short stories with psychological twists that make this collection a must have in your library of short stories. I am from the ‘Twilight Zone’ generation, so I love Jay’s short tales.
Let me share a quick thought from each story.
In the “Holiday Hooligans” Chief FBI Inspector Joe Giralo and his men are confronted with some really bizarre holiday masqueraders. What will their mystery unfold?
In “The Piano and The Organ” this story brings energy implanting to a whole new level; mystery of the haunted piano and phantom concert.
In “Contemporary Illuminati” an heir’s lost inheritance turns-out to be an amazing surprise.
In “Realty Reality” we see if the sins of the forefathers (or mothers) carry forward into the next generations.
In “Doing Bristol” we go on a journey back to the character’s hometown in Hammonton. In this story time and space are altered as memories flood to the surface.
In “A Photo’ Finish” here is a case that might be the trial of the century, or perhaps eternity.
In “Sleep Paralysis” we get a glimpse into the mind’s reaction to sleep paralysis. Worse than a nightmare, a daymare, or even Transcendentalism.
In “Rich Man, Poor Soul” the story presents an interesting concept; if you received a decree from heaven’s archangel allowing you to go all the way back to your childhood and start over, to correct the wrongs of your life, would you?
In “Lost Identity” the predicament is compelling. Was the memory loss due to a violent crime or something else?
In “Family Resentment” the tale reminds us that family ties don’t always bind.
In “Growing Young” we learn that nature’s secrets can be held among many; now even including you.
In “Corporal Teleportation” we learn about a personal time/space travel experience, now referred to as ‘Corporal Teleportation’ as opposed to ‘Time Travel’.
In “A Ride Through the Wharton Forest” the question comes to mind. What if Mr. Wharton’s scheme had become reality?
I would have to say that out of the thirteen stories, The Piano and The Organ story was my favorite. Let me share just a little.
…..“I must admonish myself for being a snobbish elitist and a hypocritical religious anarchist for the past forty years of my morally-prejudiced life. From relevant circumstances that would evolve upon Joanne returning from choir practice on the following Thursday night, my defective soul would miraculously undergo a marvelous transformation that could best be described as a cathartic, spiritual Renaissance. As a result of my interactions with the living room piano, I now passionately espouse the rigid mandates of St. Peter and his edict-oriented papal descendants. I eagerly attend Catholic Mass each and every Sunday and have absolutely astounded my wife by voluntarily joining the St. Joseph church choir as an inspired baritone. Without further digression, here is how my whole unbelievable ‘soul metamorphosis’ synthesized with my heart switching from sin to grace.
…..On Thursday night, April 23rd, I was waiting for Joanne to arrive home from her standard choral routine. My wife parked her Ford Fairlane inside the two-car garage, and soon I heard the right-side electronic door descend to the cement floor. After entering the house through the laundry room portal, Ginger appeared exceedingly exhausted, and my beloved spouse presented herself to me in a heightened, upset and agitated state of mind.
…..“What’s the matter? Did one of your choir members pass away?” I bonded with my spouse in a low, respectful, reverent tone of voice. “Clearly something bad has happened.”
…..“I have a very important matter to tell you about that I’ve been withholding for several months,” Joanne uttered, almost crying. “John, I’m actually scared to death.”
…..“Okay, I’m a good listener. Take ten deep breaths and then say what’s bothering you,” I wisely advised. “That’s what I always do when a hostile, antagonistic client screams and yells at me on the phone over a major stock market loss.”
…..Joanne heeded my recommendation and went on to inform me that the organ in the larger elevated den was the principle source of her becoming overly distraught. According to Ginger’s account, one Tuesday in March when I had been at Joe’s Maplewood for a weekly Rotary Club meeting, the organ commenced playing the radio ballad “Devil or Angel” without skipping a note.
I hope that I have intrigued you enough to pick up a copy of this book, so you can find out what is going on with this organ.
I love this author’s imagination. I encourage you to read this book and all his many genres.
“Jay Dubya is author John Wiessner’s pen name and also his initials (J.W.) John is a retired New Jersey public school English teacher and he had taught the subject for thirty-four years. John lives in southern New Jersey with wife Joanne and the couple has three grown sons. John is the creator of fifty-two books.”
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 192 Pages Publisher: Bookstand Publishing (November 26, 2019) Language: English Short Story Collection
About The Author: Jay Dubya is author’ John Wiessner’s pen name. John is a retired New Jersey public school English teacher, having diligently taught the subject for thirty-four years. John lives in Hammonton, New Jersey with wife Joanne and the couple has three grown sons.
Counting London: Lashed, Lacerated, Lampooned and Lambasted, along with its companion books Twain: Tattered, Trounced, Tortured and Traumatized, Poe: Pelted, Pounded, Pummeled and Pulverized and O. Henry: Obscenely and Outrageously Obliterated, John has written and published thirty-seven total books. Pieces of Eight, Pieces of Eight, Part II, Pieces of Eight, Part III and Pieces of Eight, Part IV all contain short stories and novellas that feature science fiction and paranormal plots and themes. Nine New Novellas, Nine New Novellas, Part II, Nine New Novellas, Part III, Nine New Novellas, Part IV, One Baker’s Dozen, Two Baker’s Dozen, Snake Eyes and Boxcars and Snake Eyes and Boxcars, Part II are short story collections all written in the spirit of the Pieces of Eight series.
Other Jay Dubya adult-oriented fiction are the works Black Leather and Blue Denim, A ’50s Novel, and its exciting sequel, The Great Teen Fruit War, A 1960′ Novel. Frat Brats, A ’60s Novel completes the action/adventure trilogy. Jay Dubya also has produced two irreverent Biblical satires, The Wholly Book of Genesis and The Wholly Book of Exodus. A third satire Ron Coyote, Man of La Mangia is a parody on Miguel Cervantes’ classic novel, Don Quixote published in 1605. Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, TSTC, Part II, TSTC, Part III and TSTC, Part IV are satirical works that each corrupt thirteen classic stories from American and British literature and from Greek mythology. Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces and FFFF & FF, Part II satirize and corrupt famous children’s literature stories. Mauled Maimed Mangled Mutilated Mythology is an adult-oriented satirical/parody work that pokes fun at twenty-one famous classical myths. Finally, Shakespeare: Slammed, Smeared, Savaged and Slaughtered and Shakespeare: S, S, S and S. Part II lampoon the famous works of the great playwright.
The author has also penned a young adult fantasy trilogy: Pot of Gold, Enchanta and Space Bugs, Earth Invasion. The Eighteen Story Gingerbread House is a collection of eighteen new children’s stories. And last but not least, two Jay Dubya non-fiction works are So Ya’ Wanna’ Be A Teacher and Random Articles and Manuscripts.
Jay Dubya’s books are available in hardcover and paperback formats at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and Booksamillion.com. Kindle versions are available at Amazon.com. Jay Dubya’s e-books are available at Amazon Kindle and at Barnes and Noble Nook.
Jay Dubya (John Wiessner), author of 56 books, gives a biography of his life.
Born in Hammonton, NJ in 1942, John had attended St. Joseph School up to and including Grade 5. After his family moved from Hammonton to Levittown, Pa in 1954, John attended St. Mark School in Bristol, Pa. for Grade 6, St. Michael the Archangel School for Grades 7 and 8 and Immaculate Conception School, Levittown, Pa. for grade 9. Bishop Egan High School, Levittown Pa was John’s educational base for Grades 10 and 11, and later in 1960 he graduated from Edgewood Regional High, Tansboro, NJ. John then next attended Glassboro State College, where he was an announcer for the school’s baseball games and also read the news and sports over WGLS, GSC’s radio station.
John had been primarily an English teacher in the Hammonton Public School System for 34 years, specializing in the instruction of middle school language arts. Mr. Wiessner was quite active in the Hammonton Education Association, serving in the capacities of Vice-President, building representative and finally, teachers’ head negotiator for 7 years. During his lengthy teaching career, John had been nominated into “Who’s Who Among American Teachers” three times. He also was quite active giving professional workshops at schools around South Jersey on the subjects of creative writing and the use of movie videos to motivate students to organize their classroom theme compositions.
John Wiessner was very active in community service, being a past President of the Hammonton Lions Club, where he also functioned for many years as the club’s Tail-Twister, Vice-President and Liontamer. He had been named Hammonton Lion of the Year in 1979 and in 2009 received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the highest honor a Lion can receive from Lions International.
John also was a successful businessman, starting with being a Philadelphia Bulletin newspaper delivery boy for two years in the late 1950s in Levittown, Pennsylvania. After his family moved back to New Jersey in 1959, John worked at his grandparents and his parents’ farm markets, Square Deal Farm (now Ron’s Gardens in Hammonton) and Pete’s Farm Market in Elm, respectively. He later managed his wife’s parents’ farm market, White Horse Farms (Elm) for three summers.
Also, in a business capacity, for 16 summers starting in 1967 John Wiessner had co-owned Dealers Choice Amusement Arcade on the Ocean City, Maryland boardwalk and also co-owned the New Horizon Tee-Shirt Store for eight summers (1973-’81) on the Rehoboth Beach, Delaware boardwalk. In addition, he was a co-owner of Wheel and Deal Amusement Arcade, Missouri Avenue and Boardwalk, Atlantic City. And then, for 18 summers beginning in 1986, John had been the Field Manager in charge of crew-leaders for Atlantic Blueberry Company (the world’s largest cultivated blueberry company), both the Weymouth and Mays Landing Divisions.
After retiring from teaching in 1999, writing under the pen name Jay Dubya (his initials), John Wiessner became an author of 56 books in the genre Action/Adventure Novels, Sci-Fi/Paranormal Story Collections, Adult Satire, Young Adult Fantasy Novels and Non-Fiction Books. His books exist in hardcover, in paperback and in popular Kindle and Nook e-book formats.
Books (For Adults) by Jay Dubya
Pieces of Eight
Pieces of Eight, Part II
Pieces of Eight, Part III
Pieces of Eight, Part IV
Nine New Novellas
Nine New Novellas, Part II
Nine New Novellas, Part III
Nine New Novellas, Part IV
Black Leather and Blue Denim, A ‘50s Novel
The Great Teen Fruit War, A 1960 Novel
Frat’ Brats, A ‘60s Novel
Ron Coyote, Man of La Mangia
The Wholly Book of Genesis
The Wholly Book of Exodus
The Wholly Book of Doo-Doo-Rot-on-Me
Mauled Maimed Mangled Mutilated Mythology
Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces
Fractured Frazzled Folk Fables and Fairy Farces, Part II
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part II
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part III
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part IV
Thirteen Sick Tasteless Classics, Part V
RAM: Random Articles and Manuscripts
One Baker’s Dozen
Two Baker’s Dozen
UFO: Utterly Fantastic Occurrences
Shakespeare: Slammed, Smeared, Savaged and Slaughtered
Shakespeare: S, S, S, and S, Part II
Snake Eyes and Boxcars
Snake Eyes and Boxcars, Part II
Suite 16
O. Henry: Obscenely and Outrageously Obliterated
Twain: Tattered, Trounced, Tortured and Traumatized
Poe: Pelted, Pounded, Pummeled and Pulverized
London: Lashed, Lacerated, Lampooned and Lambasted
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,570 ANYBODY HOME? by Linda Maria Frank The lock with the doorknob is sitting on my front porch. It’s been there for a very long time. In fact, it was there before the porch sagged at such an angle that the old wicker rocker was tossed into the… Continue reading →
The Making Of Jake McTavish: A Western Adventure by D. M. McGowan.
Synopsis: In the west of the 1890s, Jake’s wife is raped and murdered, an image from which he attempts to escape and hide. When two thieves try to take what little he has left, Jake realizes he must face the past and solve his wife’s murder to truly escape the images in his head. But to find the killer, he discovers even more surprises …
Jake McTavish left his home in central Canada when he was in his early teens. After working ships on the Great Lakes, fishing Lake Winnipeg, feeding cattle south of Fort Garry, and shooting wolves on the prairies, he starts his own cattle operation in the foothills of the western mountains. Then he meets his life-long partner, Anna.
Jake and Anna were married three years when it all came crashing down. He came home to find his beautiful wife raped and murdered.
In an attempt to escape the vision of his butchered wife and all that he lost, Jake runs deep into the mountains, where he spends three years trapping and panning gold. When two outlaws attempt to rob him and leave him for dead, Jake finally comes out of the stupor he has lived in and begins to fight back.
First, he deals with the two thugs. Next, he returns to his homestead to find his wife’s killer. Solving a murder after several years is no easy task, especially when it includes surprises he didn’t want to find..
5 Stars: 1800’s Western Pioneering Era Saga!
The Making of Jake McTavish by D. M. McGowan is an 1800’s western pioneering era saga that combines exceptional story telling with an historical tale told by Peace Country pioneer John Brown.
Well-developed characters and true to life settings with descriptive writing put the reader into the story. The main character Jake McTavish stands alone in his empty cabin with his thoughts that he voiced to his blue tick hound, “Maybe I’ll just have t’shoot somebody. That way the government will have t’ feed us ‘til they punch my ticket and bury me.”
Life had been especially hard since the murder of his wife. For the fourth year he must continue his Peace River trek in British Columbia (1898) to take the furs that he had collected by canoe down to Ft. St John. This is an important ritual as Jake trades bails of skins for cash to pay for supplies and to repair equipment heading into the new season. Times were hard enough without the ambush that knocked him out cold and took most of everything that he had in his camp.
Just 11 years ago “in the spring of 1887 Jake became a wealthy saddle tramp. He only had fourteen Canadian dollars, two U.S. dollars and eighty-six cents, but he was rich in other goods. He had four horses, a fine, double rigged saddle, a short barrelled Colt pistol, a Colt Navy .36 and a Winchester rifle. He also had a serviceable pack saddle, bed roll, enough food to last a month and the pack covered with two tarps.”
By 1889 Jake had spent two years with the Cambridge Cattle Company and had accumulated some money. With a deep yearning for something more and the passing of the Canadian Homestead Act, Jake chose three hundred and twenty isolated acres in the foothills north of the Rocky Mountains. In the fall of 1891 with 15 yearlings to sell he met Anna Porenski. When she married him, he no longer felt driven, because he had it all. Anna was raised on a farm, so ranch life came easy to her and she enjoyed gardening. The only thing missing are children for fate has refused to grant Jake and wife Anna a baby. To end such dreams Anna is murdered and the responding Mounted Policeman comes close to accusing Jake.”
Travel with Jake McTavish on a journey to find Anna’s killer or killers.
The Making of Jake McTavish by D. M. McGowan for the author’s incredible story telling of Jake McTavish. I invite you to also read: The Great Liquor War, Homesteader: Finding Sharon and Partners. D. M. McGowan tells us that Cattle Business is coming soon.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Lydia Efobi: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. One of the best western tales I’ve read in a while!! Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2022. The Making of Jake McTavish, by D. M. McGowan, is one 1800s canard set in the west. It encompasses unique storytelling with a chronological tale. This western tale features well-developed characters that are wholesome make-believe. The book is set in such a manner that it is easy for readers to actualize the atmosphere. Without giving too much away, the book follows a young man, Jake, up to his marriage till his wife’s rape case and murder. Jake’s response to the varied challenges makes up a very intriguing plot. There’s a solid diffusion of ecstasy in this book. At first, I was a bit skeptical about the setting, but alas, I enjoyed every bit of the book. The language was easy to connect with, and comprehension was flawless. I would recommend this book to historical mystery buffs. Ultimately, this is a 5-star novel and deserves the broadest possible readership.
Review by JP Blickenstaff: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Story. Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2021. This is a good Western of 1890 Canada. That historical setting is almost worth the read. But the story keeps your turning the pages. It will not let you quit reading. The story follows a young man up to his marriage But his wife is murdered. The man’s reaction, running to escape the devastation, the mystery of the murder and solving the murder makes for a fascinating story. D. M. McGowan wrote a good book.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars, McGowan Scores Again. Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2016. Another good western by D. M. McGowan. The author combines a plot full of twists and turns with a well-described setting mainly in the foothills and mountains of Alberta and BC. There are accurate references to historical events that took place in the area. Interesting titbits are inserted about how a man could survive in the wilderness if resourceful. The characters are believable. I especially liked Jake’s rather cutting wit. Paula, with her independent spirit and determination, is refreshing compared to the paper-thin development of the female in traditional westerns. I’m looking forward to Mr. McGowan’s next book – Cattle Business.
Review by Amazon Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I loved, loved, loved this book. Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016. I loved, loved, loved this book. Ended up not getting much sleep that day because I couldn’t put it down and the ending was not at all what I expected to be the final result. This is a really great book. It is an easy read and a fascinating story. Very well done and definitely worth the money. Now just have to get the rest of his books.
Review by Dgardi: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Story telling! Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2016. Darn it all, I’m off my feed this morning. Had to finish the book far into the night. The Chapters were short and kept introducing interesting twists and turns. Great story-telling!
Product Details: Print Length: 242 Pages Publisher: Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Agency (December 19, 2015) Western Fiction (Crime Thriller) Western Fiction (Focus On Canada) Western Fiction (Historical) Western Fiction (Traditional) Western (Historical Fiction Thrillers) Western (Action and Adventure)
About The Author: Author Dave McGowan has been a cowboy, forest fire fighter, heavy equipment operator, farmhand, gardener, road musician and businessman. He now writes, and works as a commercial driver, in Northern British Columbia.
The forgoing is the bio from the back of my novels and one might conclude from this information that I was a poor employee … either lazy or didn’t know what I was doing … and was kicked off a lot of jobs. You would be partially correct, at least in surmising that I don’t know what I am doing. As for my being a poor employee, you would have to ask my bosses … although I think I’ve managed to trick the one I have now.
Of course, when I had my own business, my boss thought I was marvelous.
Truthfully, I’ve managed over the years to find employment regardless of my location or the problems that might exist with the economy. I enjoyed much of that experience at the time and am glad that I attained it.
I’ve also visited a good portion of North America and lived in several areas of Canada where I met some great people and enjoyed some wonderful country.
Speaking of great people, Karen and I are parents to four great people who have supplied eight grandchildren who show that improvements can be possible in each generation. One of those has added a great-grand daughter to the line.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,751 How The Story Ends by Tory Gates. Reading Ages: 16+ “We are vessels … and sometimes we have to empty them.” For years, Jhana has traveled the country in search of the stories of people from all walks of life had to tell. Now, after more than a… Continue reading →
Long Island Loves Its Animals by Diane Kurtz Calabrese.
Poetry For Inspiration.
Through the art of poetry read about educational as well as spiritual facts of Long Island’s favorite pets, wildlife, and other extinct and unusual animals that was once native to Long Island.
To compliment my first poetry book ‘God Loves Sea Animals too’––this children’s poetry book brings you on a journey of Long Island most precious and precarious animals in nature. If you are a nature lover––this the poetry book for you.
Step into the admiration of Long Island’s favorite pets––those that bring us the most comfort and joy in our homes and are a steadfast part of our family life.
Take a dive into the past to see what animals once existed here and why they are now extinct.
Take a look into our most unusual animals that roam the grounds of Long Island and discover animals that you probably never thought would be here.
This poetry book brings light, love, and appreciation to all animals of creation––to generate gratitude and respect for nature as well as to shed a sense of wonder on your next journey into the woods, beaches, ponds, and perhaps in your own backyard.
5 Stars: “Long Island Loves Its Animals” Brings A New Appreciation For Our Pets And The Wildlife Around Us Every Day!
I invite you to relax with “Long Island Loves Its Animals” by Diane Calabrese.
Each of the thirty chapters begins with a vivid snapshot of a favorite pet or wildlife animal that you will recognize. Diane’s poetic description of each animal draws you into the habits and purposes of each animal within our local environment and in our ecological system. Each chapter is educational, and Diane points out the benefits, as well as the spiritual applications associated with each animal.
Diane’s focus is on the animals around her Long Island home. You no doubt have one or more of these animals living in your home, yard or local park. This book will help you appreciate the world around you as you rest, work, and play.
Diane dedicates this book to her grandson John, as well as all the children of the world. I encourage adults to share this book with all the children in your lives. Reading books to children brings his or her imagination to life and creates a lasting bond between you.
In Diane’s very first book “Mind, Body, Spirit and Discovering The Purpose Of Life”, she reminds us “each of us has a purpose, as do all the animals”. If you enjoy animal books, be sure to check out her children’s book “God Loves Sea Animals Too”.
“Long Island Loves Its Animals” should be placed in all libraries, schools, civic centers and environments where children gather.
Diane Calabrese has four other books, “Mind, Body, Spirit and Discovering the Purpose of Life”, “Meditations for the Mind-Body-Spirit”, “God Loves Sea Animals too; Poetry for Inspiration”, and “He is Watching”. Recently these books have won awards from the International Impact Book Awards organization. She has been recently published in New York Weekly, USA News, and Digital Journal. She’s also been on numerous podcasts, radio and TV interviews.
Diane gained valuable expertise in the field of recreational therapy while working as a recreational therapist for thirty-plus years in hospitals, nonprofit agencies, public schools, and universities. In recent years, Diane worked in higher education for Florida International University and as a recreational therapist for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, from which she recently retired.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,092 Florida Author Vicki M. Taylor. Shadow Man: Short Story Compilation by Vicki M. Taylor. Unbroken: Fictional Chronicles of Warrior Resilience. This compelling compilation of fictional short stories explores the journey through trauma and resilience, spanning from childhood to the wisdom of the sixth decade. Each carefully crafted narrative… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,881 Recently I was privileged to do a Mystery Writers Workshop for a fifth-grade class on Long Island. The students read my three Annie Tillery Mysteries and wrote me letters I will always cherish. The students are lucky enough to have a teacher who has developed a Literature Circle in her… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,722 During a recent “virtual book tour” with several book bloggers, I was asked what three lessons I learned while writing the first two books of my Finding Billy Battles trilogy. It was a good question because it caused me to stop and think about the fiction-writing process in… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,592 The Library Of Time Series.Fantasy: Time Travel-Ages 15-18+ The Library Of Time by Nikki Broadwell. The Library Of Time Series Book 1: 2323 Holds Many Secrets…. Hidden behind the bookshelf in the library is a maze of stacks that change positions when the mood strikes them. Preserving the… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,261 Five For The Trail by Mark L. Redmond. Short-Story Collection. For nearly twenty years, Mark L. Redmond had been telling stories about the old West to young readers. Finally, he’s turning his attention to “big kids” Here’s a collection of some of his best stories, including three that… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,661 One of the surprising outcomes of being an author was my entrée into the world of Local Access TV. I produce and host a show called “The Writer’s Dream”. I interview authors. After nine years of this venture, I’ve discovered that the two questions that evoke some of… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,637 Precession of Earth’s Axis. This half-way shifting phenomenon is what is actually causing what activists describe as “Climate Change”. The essay “The Earth Itself Is Causing Climate Change” appears in two Jay Dubya (John Wiessner, J.W.) books: If anyone disagrees with this essay, please attack the MESSAGE, and… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,840 I have some valuable hints, the Do’s and Don’t’s on the road to that elusive best seller. If you are a new author or an aspiring author, you probably are beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed, especially if you’ve done some surfing on the Net. Since I started… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 4,206 Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:https://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/book-marketing-global-network/author-linda-maria-frank/
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,348 “CONTROL, Sizzles With Suspense & A Pinch Of Satire.” CONTROL by Sandra Sperling. Sonny’s husband dies shortly after inheriting his wealthy grandmother’s large farmhouse and entire estate, so she, in turn, gets it. The young widow now has the means to support herself while she launches her career… Continue reading →
4th Book In Kathleen Heady’s Series Featuring Nara Blake.
In this fourth book in Kathleen Heady’s series featuring Nara Blake, the story takes us to a small Spanish town in the Pyrenees, where Nara and her now-husband Alex Collier travel to retrieve several notebooks that belonged to a British artist who died there during the Spanish Civil War. Nara and Alex have plans to meet the parish priest, who has possession of the notebooks, in the church during siesta. When they arrive at the church, they find that he has been killed by a vicious blow to the head. They soon learn there is a history of crime in the town going back many decades. But as they are caught up in the criminal investigation, they also learn of the strong ties of family and friendship that exist, even extending to Nara’s own family.
5 Stars: Mysteries Brought To Light In Tardienta!
You will learn some Spanish Civil War History while enjoying ‘Sacrifice’ (book four) in Kathleen Heady’s series. Featuring woman sleuth Nara Blake, each book in the series stands alone, so I invite you to travel with Nara and her husband Alex to Tardienta (a municipality located in Huesca Province, Aragon, Spain) on behalf of the Tate Museum in London, where they both worked as art historians.
The mystery begins when the parish priest discovers notebooks written in English, containing sketches by Felicia Brown. Although a British artist, it is Felicia’s fight against fascism in the 1930s that makes her notebooks a rare find.
Nara and Alex’s visit to Tardienta takes an unexpected turn. It is here, I bring you into the story and the beginning of more than one mystery.
…“From the café, Alex and Nara watched the activity on the plaza. Several police vehicles were parked next to the church when a long black sedan entered the center of the village and parked just past the police cars. A smartly dressed driver emerged to open the back door for a clergyman dressed in a black cassock with red trim.
…“Someone from the diocese,” Alex commented. “I was wondering if the church would have to be re-consecrated since a murder was committed.”
…“They won’t let us look around now,” Nara answered, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand. She badly wanted to get into the church and maybe the rectory too. The notebooks were there somewhere.
Tardienta is rich with history; there have always been goods and human beings smuggled through the surrounding mountains. For Nara and Alex, the mysteries are numerous, the danger is real and suspicions abound. Turns out it takes more than a village to catch a criminal.
The suspense and drama will keep you turning the page. When you are done, you will be ready to try Maria Laura’s Orange Cake recipe. Can’t wait to bake this one.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 219 Pages Publisher: Sage Words Publishing (September 2, 2021) Jake George (Editor) Language: English Women Sleuths Mysteries (Thriller & Suspense) Mysteries (Contemporary)
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,450 Witches, Ghosts & Monsters Of The Keystone State. Pennsylvania Strange by William P. Robertson. Witches, Ghosts & Monsters of the Keystone State. Rectangular in shape, Pennsylvania is 180 miles wide and 310 miles long. It consists of 67 counties and has a land area of 46,000 square miles…. Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,967 Poetry For Inspiration. God Loves Sea Animals Too by Diane Kurtz Calabrese. Poetry For Inspiration. This book is a collection of inspirational poems about sea animals. It teaches children about the various kinds of sea animals in the oceans and their purpose, both physically and spiritually, to inspire… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,483 READY TO WRITE THAT BOOK? Take some tips that might get you started and help you along.https://lindamariafrank.com/so-you-want-to-write-a-story/ Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:https://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/book-marketing-global-network/author-linda-maria-frank/
Book: Those Alien Skies “Collection Of Galactic Encounters Of The Mysterious Kind”
5 Stars: “Collection Of Galactic Encounters Of The Mysterious Kind” by Australian Author Clayton Graham.
Coming October 2025: “Those Alien Skies” is a collection of three novellas which bring the reader beyond the “Milijun Trilogy”. The stories take place in different parts of our universe. Each novella starts with a glossary which defines the places and people. Here is a glimpse into “Those Alien Skies”.
Novella: “The Hunt for Elias Weber” starts on Mars and finishes on Earth. Elias Weber is bored and eager to get back to Earth. Returning to the mother planet was all he lived for now. Not that life on Mars was bad; it was good and offered more than his sojourn on the moon ever had during his time as Damien Dayananda’s second-in-command. It is a tale of sought-after-revenge, wistful desire for days long gone, and a reflection on how severe mind propaganda can influence a person’s thoughts and actions.
Novella: “Few and Far Between” takes place on Venture (AD 2291) and a strange alien artificial planet. Nothing can be taken for granted. Laura Sinclair is worried. The twins Len and Ben should have returned by now. After three years, on their new planetary home, Venture, the boys had grown into rambunctious teenagers whose self-confidence knew no bounds. But they always arrived home from their explorations on time, if only to sample her latest culinary creation. Except for today!
Novella: “Battle Lines”: This story takes place on the alien planet Glieze and illustrates the futility of war and the necessity of trust. It is a contest between World War and extinction or survival and faith in the future. Sometimes the way forward springs from the most unlikely source.
BMGN awards 5 Stars to “Those Alien Skies”. This book is a “collection of galactic encounters of the mysterious kind”. I encourage you to “Pre-Order” as soon as possible. Author Clayton Graham will give you a chance to nab it at a bargain introductory price. Let Author Clayton Graham take you to the stars!
BMGN Also Awarded 5 Stars To:
Read the “Milijun Trilogy” and discover the moment that changed everything. BMGN awarded 5 Stars to “Milijun” (book one) because it explores our deepest darkest fears. To this day, mankind has been fascinated with extraterrestrials. Dating back from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings, Hollywood movies, and continued space travel. Now a new moment has arrived!
“Amidst Alien Stars” (book two). BMGN awarded 5 Stars. This book will capture your imagination. Laura Sinclair and her son Jason desperately try to navigate the dangerous planet where aliens threaten not only their survival, but the whole human race.
“Alien Whispers” (book three). BMGN awarded 5 Stars. Engaging the Tellurian Empire is met with communication and conflict. The entire universe hangs precariously in the balance.
“Looking For Life” (stand-alone). BMGN awarded 5 Stars to this collection of science fiction short stories filled with paranormal.
“Saving Paludis” (stand-alone). BMGN awarded 5 Stars. This book is a reminder of human nature. This book is a stunning extraterrestrial mystery. A planet on the brink of annihilation. A battle for survival that will decide the fate of two worlds.
“Silently In The Night” (stand-alone). BMGN awarded 5 Stars to this collection of tantalizing tales.
In 2024 Clayton brought us “Aliens Arising” which goes back to the origins of Milijun.
We invite you to journey to the stars with all Clayton Graham’s hard science books.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Aliens Arising: Origins (Short Story) by Clayton Graham.
Related To: Milijun – A Gripping First Contact Series.
THE EVENT THAT STARTED IT ALL…
On the far side of the moon, a mining expedition uncovers something that should have stayed buried. What begins as a promising discovery soon unravels into a catastrophic chain of incidents that will forever alter humanity’s future.
Read the thrilling origin of the Milijun Trilogy and discover the moment that changed everything.
With mankind venturing into space, exploring the moon, and planning missions to other planets, an event like this could very well occur in the very near future.
The question is… Are we ready for First Contact?
Get your copy!
Books by Clayton Graham
Saving Paludis: A High-Stakes Space Opera of Alien Intrigue and Survival
Milijun: What Would Alien Interaction Really Be Like?
A tangled web of alien intrigue traps a mother and son in its deadly embrace …
When aliens capture Laura’s son, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back. After infiltrating a military research base, Laura discovers a terrifying secret: their plans to engineer humans for galactic exploration.
Laura battles to save Jason, several mothers-to-be, and herself from alien control. But she quickly realizes the aliens have their own mission for her. Soon she faces a choice, take a chance at an impossible escape or accept the aliens’ vision of a new humanity.
Milijun is the first installment of an action-packed sci-fi alien invasion story. If you like tales of first contact, secret military operations, and the people caught in the middle, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s fast-paced sci-fi thrill ride.
Buy Milijun to discover the future of evolution.
“Captured my interest from the very beginning, and never once let go.” Jenna – Indie Book Reviewers
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
5 Stars: Explores Our Deepest Darkest Fears!
Mankind has always had a fascination with extraterrestrials which dates from ice-age cave walls, ancient Egyptian carvings all the way to Milijun by Clayton Graham.
This well written novel explores our deepest darkest fears that as a planet we are not ready for an alien incursion, in fact we pretend our intellect can save us. However, in Australia 2179 AD main character Laura Sinclair is faced with the unimaginable when she and her son Jason witness aliens descending to earth.
It is earth’s exploration and mining on the lunar surface that begins the conflict that ultimately results in the alien incursion into the Australian outback. Laura and her son Jason are faced with alien-driven technology that severely tests a mother’s love and resolve to protect her offspring at whatever cost.
It is my intent to share a quote to show you the author’s writing style without spoiling the story.
… “It was almost 6:30 pm when Laura came across what would later be called the Rawlinna nest. The sun was dropping in the western sky as she staggered wearily to the top of a modest incline and surveyed the collection of old aluminum shacks spread out before her.
…She dropped to the ground, partly to avoid detection but also from sheer fatigue. Her face was covered with sweat and there were several dirt marks down both cheeks where she had attempted to clear bothersome flies from her face. Closing her eyes briefly, she sat in silence, not wanting to act in haste but acutely aware that time was crucial. Earlier, she had made a brief stop to drink water from the choppa’s emergency rations but now felt the need for more. She quenched her thirst then nibbled at a foul-tasting energy bar as she thought through her next move.”
I invite you to the Australia outback where things are not as you might imagine. Milijun is a striking name for this novel. I dare you to find its meaning. It is an Australian aboriginal word which also has a Serb-Croatian context.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Cheri Roan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Powerfully Exciting Sci-Fi Adventure!! Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2016. Verified Purchase. Dust settled and the moon bathed the scene in quietude as if wishing not to remember the violence and invasion that had so abruptly occurred and just as swiftly vanished.”
Aliens have invaded earth as Laura and her fourteen-year-old son, Jason are embarking on a relaxing camping trip. As lights flash in the distance only within seconds seem to be upon the mother and son. Demanding that Jason doesn’t share with anyone the pictures that he took of the invasion, as she just wishes to forget it ever happened. However, that all changes when the next day Jason goes to the camp tourist center and uses the workstations to get a better look at his photos, he is abducted by an alien who has taken control of a ranger’s body. Laura rescues her son only to find themselves on the run from the police, military, and aliens, not knowing whose body has been invaded and just who can they trust.
Alien invasion stories are nothing new, however, this one is unique by keeping the story fresh, fast-paced and exciting without the usual predictability of most sci-fi fantasies. The amazing plot has not only blown me away, but the characters are outstanding in depth and realism. I was captivated by Laura’s strength, as she had to dig deep within herself to find the courage and fortitude to not only save herself and Jason, but others who are depending on her too. Powerfully exciting sci-fi adventure that is sure to quicken the heart more than once. Excellent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Colourful Fantasy. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2021. Verified Purchase. I adore fantasy novels because they challenge the reader and this one in particular did it in an extraordinary way. The author, Clayton Graham, paints very well described scenes and fantastic characters that are worthy of holding attention through to the end. They are really great protagonists with unique personalities, each of them with their own quirks and memorable characteristics.
The story blew my mind as it is an interesting mix of science fiction, conflict, aliens and clandestine Earth forces filled with details. Anyway, the narrative is really easy to follow because the writer did a sublime work introducing the reader to the story by making them part of it.
I would recommend this piece of work to anyone who enjoys this kind of reading. It will fulfill any reader’s expectation in the same way it completed mine.
Review by JC in GA: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A great futuristic science fiction novel. Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2017. Verified Purchase. A great sci-fi read! It draws the reader in right away with the discovery of alien life hiding in a cave on the moon. There is a considerable amount of suspense and I instantly found myself rooting for Simon Cordell, hoping he would survive his ordeal. Does he? Read the book to find out.
The main draw for me, however, when we’re talking science fiction, is the world-building. I love this, especially in futuristic fiction. It was fascinating to read about Australia in the wake of what nearly turned out to be humanity’s final war. I was intensely curious to find out what life was like in Northern Australia, and wanted to know more of the history of how the country split into two parts. And the Milijun compound was so full of mysteries I just had to keep reading to find out what was going on.
Oh, and there are aliens. Did I mention that? So on top of everything else we add in the mystery of how they arrived on earth and what they want now that they are here. And does Milijun have something to do with all of it? Again, read the book to find out. It’s a fascinating story with lots of suspense and surprising twists and turns.
An unbidden journey to a new world. A mind-bending search for intergalactic empathy. Will mankind ever understand the true meaning of the alien interactions with Earth?
Following their terrifying capture from their home planet, Laura Sinclair and son, Jason, lead a group of desperate humans in a bid to forge their own future, and that of the entire human race.
Aboard an alien space station, orbiting a mysterious planet in a strange new galaxy, they find themselves as collaborators in a breathtaking scheme of cosmic survival—for aliens and humans alike. But who can they really trust as they struggle to understand the challenging and hostile environment that holds them in a grip of iron?
To succeed, they must solve the puzzle of extraterrestrial races in the throes of a perplexing and historic conflict. But will that be a bridge too far?
If you like Close Encounters, Contact, and Arrival, then you’ll love Amidst Alien Stars, the standalone second book in a spellbinding new alien interaction series from Clayton Graham.
“There is world building of such depth and lush detail that you could almost feel it.” Kay Mack TOP 1000 REVIEWER
“Not only is this an exciting, action-packed page turner – I love the intelligence reflected, the witty dialogue, and the genuine depth in the characters’ emotions.” Meenaz Lodhi
“Admirable world-building and the unsurpassable, indefatigable, drive of the human spirit to not just survive, but to thrive, power this engrossing sequel to the author’s debut science fiction novel, Milijun.” Mallory A Haws
5 Stars: It Will Capture Your Imagination!
Milijun Book Two: Amidst Alien Stars is finally here. Laura Sinclair and her son Jason desperately try to navigate the dangerous planet where aliens threaten not only their survival, but the whole human race.
Chapter one finds Laura “studying the growth tanks” where each child will grow to maturity with her son’s DNA. Now in her forties, she finds herself grandmother to many, part human and part alien.
Here is a conversation between Jason and Helena Belmonte in Chapter Eight: “Helena Belmonte suddenly appeared from behind a nearby tree.
…As always, she was dressed in her Eucla clothing: a white dress blouse and dark uniform trousers. Her blond hair flowed free, and her face carried a nervous smile. She carried her tunic under one arm. She doesn’t look like someone trained to kill with one well-placed blow, Jason thought. Still, appearances are deceptive. He briefly wondered how she could have been so stupid as to succumb to the moronic advances of Simon Cordell.
…She took a step towards him. “Can we talk?”
…Jason shrugged and sat down with his back to the wall. Helena came and sat beside him, a metre distant, her slim legs almost up to her chin.
… “I suppose you heard about Simon?” Helena said.
…Jason glanced at her. Her eyes were red from crying. The smile was gone, and her face was a picture of misery.
… “I heard. Did Susan Carmody send you?”
…With tears threatening, she shook her head. “She told me what she had done to Simon, but she did not ask me to speak to you.”
… “I don’t know whether Simon Cordell deserved what he got, and maybe only you can answer that, but I don’t agree with what Susan did.”
…Helena looked into the distance, a faint tremor on her lips. “We were stupid. I was lonely and frightened of this place. It’s not natural. None of it.” She managed a faint smile. “They tell me the aliens will fix his injuries in next to no time.”
… “I don’t think he will bother you again,” Jason said.
… “I can heel-kick as well as any officer here,” Helena declared. “I do have some strength. I think Susan meant well. She was trying to protect me.”
… “One of her girls.”
…Helena almost laughed, then her face grew serious. “I said Susan didn’t send me. She didn’t. It was me who wanted to see you.” She appeared nervous. “You know the aliens more than anybody here. Can I ask you some questions?”
…Jason could feel the tension in her voice, see it in her aura. He just nodded. On Earth, he had been the First Seen. Chosen by the aliens, or, rather, by the RNasia. His vacation with his mother had been savagely interrupted, and he had been forced into adulthood more rapidly than seemed good for his mental well-being. But now, what storms had raged through his mind had abated. Turmoil still existed, but it was a gentle, thought-provoking turmoil, one that led him to accept his role among the human captors. Schooldays were a mere candle in the roar of a nuclear sun, a distant memory buried in a distant world. He remained the First Seen, and perhaps would always be so.
…Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens.
…I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us?
…Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
…The possibility that the Gliezans would repeat the hybrid experiment on this orbiting station disturbed him. He wondered whether it was the obvious thing for them to do—produce more hybrids with their captives, and never return to Earth at all. That would devastate everybody and would rule out the need for interplanetary collaboration.
…The thought made him sick to his stomach. The Milijun enhancements and direct contact with the aliens had matured him well beyond his fifteen years, somehow increased the power of his mind, but there were times when teenage naivety broke through.
… “I wish I could answer your questions,” Jason responded eventually, “but I can’t. I can only repeat what we have been told. We are part of an alien plan for future cooperation between our two worlds, and that might have a great and wonderful outcome, or it might turn out to be a genetic and spiritual disaster. We are, if you like, an experiment that will enable both worlds to explore the cosmos as allies.”
I encourage you to read ‘Milijun’ (Book One) and follow it up with ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (Milijun Book Two). Author Clayton Graham will capture your imagination, take you on an adventure with characters that are both human and alien, with a story so philosophical that it almost defies fiction.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Stephanie: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. This book transports you to another world. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2020. Verified Purchase. Amidst Alien Stars thrusts readers into a foreign otherworldly setting where humans confront feelings of captivity by the Gliezan alien race while being housed on a space station orbiting an alien home planet known as Glieze. The story kickstarts readers into the confusions and tribulations of the humans being housed, allowing readers to slowly assess the backstory of situation that the humans currently find themselves in. Through a third person point of view, readers follow the story’s first protagonist, Laura Sinclair, and learn of the human’s perceived role in an alien-human hybridization program of which we find the humans to be extremely skeptical of to say the least. We discover that Sinclair’s son Jason, the story’s second protagonist, is what the alien race has termed as, “The First Seen,” and how this mother-son duo plays distinct and significant roles in mediating between the interaction and dissemination of knowledge amid the humans and aliens while the human space survivors complete their purported mission of collaboration in galactic exploration with the Gliezans, set for an unsuspected amount of time before they are returned to Earth. The mystery of truth and trust between the spiritually advanced alien races and human race poses a conundrum throughout, while readers gain a deeper sense of character development as the plot thickens and the pressure is placed on the development of the hybrid children to be both physically and spiritually compatible to prove the experimentation and the future of human survival a success.
The author, Clayton Graham, does a fine job in writing a compelling story with interchanging parts bathed in suspense and speculation with a New Age twist. Envisioning the different groups of characters – aliens, robots, and humans alike – was fascinating and I especially enjoyed the way that Graham portrayed the foreign entities as believable alien characters with a historical account of their own civilization. Although this is the second book in the Milijun series, I greatly appreciated Graham’s succinct preface and opening chapters which I felt was intelligently crafted to allow for the second book to hold strong as a standalone novel. The quality of writing in this book sparks enough intrigue and enjoyment to considering going backwards into the story and read the first book. I was impressed by the fact that while reading, my mind was begging for the storyline to be adapted into a motion picture. Graham’s descriptive writing in this outer-space Sci-Fi novel had me imagining how each scene, and the characters within, would look while interacting on the big screen. Thoroughly enjoyed, I highly recommend this novel especially if you are keen on being transported into another dimension.
Review by Ian J. Miller: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Reflective science fiction. Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020. Verified Purchase. This book is the second of a series, and there are several references to book 1 (which I have not read). I think it is sufficiently self-contained that it can be read as stand-alone, although the several references back to book one happenings that were not really relevant to the present issues were a little annoying. The background is that a number of Australians were abducted by an alien ship and sent to the planet Glieze, or more accurately, a space station above the planet that has a number of sections, each one devoted to one of the “nations” on the planet below. It turns out that the natural people of the planet cannot survive going “there and back” through space, but they had developed sentient robot-life forms to do that. What the humans were abducted for was to make hybrids; half-human half-Gliezan, to do that space travel. It was not clear to me why the Gliezans cared, as robots would be just as good as hybrids. However, the Gliezans were also scrapping between each other, and there was a fear the hybrids might be soldiers. The hybrids grew to the equivalent of 18-year-olds in tanks in a matter of weeks. Another oddity of these hybrids is they have a genetic human mother and father, so what was the alien part? That is not explained.
The level of science is fairly low, although the aliens are claimed to be able to access additional dimensions and some of what they do complies well with that. Well done there. The descriptions of the space station, the aliens and the planet are good. The humans gradually discover that the aliens have this conflict, at least between two lots of them, and the way the aliens try to hide this is well depicted. Gradually the aliens are drawn into the conflict, and they try to draw the humans in also. The characters are quite well-drawn. The action is well-described, but the action is also somewhat mild, and it is also a little repetitive in nature, i.e., the same sort of thing tends to repeat, and resolution tends to be “off-stage”. The aliens tend to be enigmatic, especially the Gerb who have a very truncated way of expressing themselves. Overall, a very imaginative story, if with a somewhat slow-moving reflective plot and with well-drawn characters in nature and emotion. My grading is somewhere between four and five stars, but I am starting the new year feeling generous.
Review by Retha: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great! Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020. Verified Purchase. The plot in the story along with the characters and their adventures were all so captivating! Most of the time I was kept on the edge of my couch, turning page after page; it kept me intrigued the whole time.
I actually came into the Milijun series starting with this book as well, so it goes to show that the novel is written in a way that both new readers and those coming back to the story can enjoy it. It has enough of an explanation to elaborate on the how’s and why’s of the story so far, but not too much to bore current fans of the series. Graham’s writing style does suit the sci-fi theme really well, rich in detail, making it easy for the reader to envision the characters, depicting their personalities oh so attractively. The depth in their thought processes and feelings is described amazingly, appropriate to each hurtle in the story line.
The plot entail’s themes of alien abduction; trust issues between humans and their abductors, and dealing with consequences of decisions made. The layering of the story is complex and so in this way, it would be ideal to read the first novel before this book, of course, as you would with a series. There’s tales of individual and group adventures, each tying in with one another as you would expect it to.
The book has enough momentum that builds to climax with the right pace and all of the wow moments at the perfect times. It starts off with a great introduction and the thought processes of the protagonists, allowing for ascension into more complex scenarios. It also has just the right amount of action and thrill to keep it suspenseful consistently and appropriately.
This book is perfect for those who like to take their time and enjoy what they are reading; taking in every single detail. The duration of the book is a decent amount too – not too long, not too short.
Overall, I can say that this is a really well written sci-fi novel that anyone could enjoy – a world that you can dive into straight away and be engrossed from start to finish. Clayton Graham really knows how to keep you wanting more!
Product Details: Paperback: 402 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (April 15, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
The battle for the minds and hearts of humans is on…
A hundred years after her abduction to the alien planet Glieze, Laura Sinclair returns to Earth on a mission to find out what happened to her long-lost husband. But she finds the planet in turmoil under the oppressive regime of the authoritarian Tellurians. Humans are confined to the surface of their world and all extraterrestrial activity is forbidden.
Laura is a member of an ancient organization, now led by her son, Jason, which pioneered alien collaboration. From their secretive Martian base, they must find a way to free mankind from brutal tyranny. But one dangerous man stands in their way, a man who’ll stop at nothing to achieve his domination of Earth.
Weapons of Mass Destruction have been forbidden on the planet for a century, but something strange is happening on the moon—and alien insurgents stand ready to take advantage of the chaos. The future of humankind hangs in the balance. With her alien allies and members of Earth’s Underground, Laura must find a way to defeat both the renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the Tellurian Empire.
The stage is set for an electrifying showdown that will decide the future of the Earth and that of the entire universe.
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion is the standalone third book in the Milijun series. Join the battle to save Earth from a fate that is crushing the planet’s will to survive.
Praise for the Series:
“If you love the genre, read this gem.” Julius Zon – Self Publishing Review
“This is a must-read for science fiction fans who appreciate a hard scientific foundation, in the tradition of Asimov, Niven, or Heinlein.” Patrick Dent
“Be prepared to leave the world as you know it behind and enter another where an alien could become your best friend or your worst enemy.” Artisan Book Reviews
“A superbly exciting sequel in the throes of deep space, which encompasses the best qualities of both space opera personal dramas and the hard science fiction of alien wars and political battles.” K C Finn Readers’ Favorite
“It was clever from start to finish, and no detail was left overlooked. A thoroughly impressive contribution to the genre, and a mind-bending experience for those already eager for the future.” Veritas Vincit
5 Stars: Engaging The Tellurian Empire!
Those of us who turned the last page of ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) have waited patiently to get our hands on the next deep space installment in the ‘Milijun’ series. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ is worth the wait. This captivating hard science fiction series continues to draw readers in with more suspense, as the battle for the fate of Earth and the entire universe hangs in the balance.
It is AD 2288. Laura Sinclair (mother of the First Seen) journeys to Earth from a secretive base on Mars hoping to find out what happened to husband Dek a century ago. She also needs to collect her thoughts, ground herself, and regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. Her son, Jason, has warned her that the home planet was in dire straits: that it was in retrogression. What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction?
Upon arriving, Laura is drawn into conflict. With the help of alien allies and the local Underground, she must find a way to defeat both renegade aliens and the overwhelming might of the tyrannical Tellurian Empire.
Let me bring you into the story at Chapter 18 where Laura Sinclair is a part of a dedicated military team going to Earth’s moon to investigate the activities of the Tellurian Empire. Their mission is to negate any risk that the Tellurians pose to ACE (the Alien Collaboration Enterprise):
“She entertained no lofty ideals about the mission. It would be hazardous. Great stealth and cunning would be required. She had firsthand experience of how ruthless the Tellurian military could be. And that is why she had insisted on Nur (an advanced robotic alien) being with them…
…There were two contemporary editions of the Rbuzen sailships on board, sleek and shiny, their energy convertors now hidden within their glittering skins—maybe a design lesson learnt over the past century from study of the Rkem interplanetary craft. In all likelihood they would be sharing hangar space with a horde of dormant RNasia, which would be ready to play their part when the ship arrived at their destination.”
You will not want to miss the results of their mission.
If you love hard science authors like Alastair Reynolds, Sir Arthur Charles Clarke, and Frank Herbert, you will not want to miss Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion by Clayton Graham. Each book in this exceptional science fiction stands alone. I have enjoyed reading this series from the very beginning of ‘Milijun’.
‘Milijun’ (book one) explores our collective, deepest darkest fears. ‘Amidst Alien Stars’ (book two) will capture your imagination with its deep space intergalactic conflict. ‘Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion’ (book three) takes you further into the battle that threatens human existence as we know it. The characters are both human and alien, with a story so metaphysical, it almost defies fiction. I can’t wait to see what Author Clayton Graham comes up with next.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Reviews by Scarlett Jensen: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. The Grasp of Power in Intergalactic Cooperation. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. There is an abduction to Glieze; the return of the hybrids from the joint Terran-Gliezan base on Mars that returned to Earth, West Australia 2288. A lot happened since the abduction of Laura— During that time, hardly aged at all. Trepidation coursing through her veins, Laura reflected upon the nagib that were described as greys by the people of the past. They were the highly intelligent cybernetic partners, the Rkem. Of all the aliens she had encountered, they were the most mysterious of all.
Laura had finished being played by both humans and aliens alike. She had finished with travelling through interstellar space and time. Laura returned to Earth to regain her normal emotional state after the intergalactic Gliezan interlude. This despite her son Jason’s warning that the home planet was in dire straits and in retrogression.
What did that mean anyway? On the way to oblivion? Marked for human extinction? She wanted to see, wanted to tread familiar territory—she wanted to visit the home where she and her husband, Dek, had raised Jason. Or at least what was left of it—what parody now stood in its stead over one hundred years later. Recollections of her pre-abduction days came flooding back, that is her life prior to all that devastation; family adventures and crumbling of marital love under the pressures of daily existence and the fight for survival in a world that still showed the scars of war.
Jason now commanded the joint Martian base. The Martian settlement had been championed and founded by Nomi, Major General Sebastian Ord’s mole at the outback research station called Milijun. Maybe they had got their hands on a copy of Nomi’s Milijun files and caught a glimpse of a future that scared them to death. They had, Laura reasoned, possibly seen that power could very well be snatched from their grasp.
Colonel Norma Millison at the time had been young, eager, and headstrong—and escaped from the research base, Milijun with all its secrets on file, including the alien ones! Intergalactic Cooperation had used Milijun’s powerful technology to spirit them. Nomi claimed knowledge of aliens and had the proof on file. But the spectrum technology was just as bad. The wars ran from 2218 to 2220. Short and sweet, as wars go. Everything was jammed. But where had she gone to? If not on Earth, at least close by on Mars, the aliens were with them, not just their abductors, the Rbuzen, but also their ancient enemy on Glieze, the Gerb.
Alien collaboration enterprise, ACE for short, was essentially involved in a communication technology war. Forward or backward. Inward or outward. Or maybe it was just an excuse for a power grab. Everything fell apart. Countless people perished. Millions.
The Tellurians puzzled Laura. She could understand them being against space exploration, in particular allegedly proven alien communication, but she couldn’t understand why they had chosen to strangle everything else that got in their way. She knew about the Tellurians and their technical expertise. Was working for the Tellurians meant to keep Earth beautiful—and to keep it safe from threats of an unnatural and devious nature? But absolute power corrupts and becomes addictive. This world was strangling itself, seemingly ruled by a fanatical technocracy, alien alliances.
Excerpt:“Earth’s star touched the horizon, sacrificing its perfect circularity to turn the distant sky to a blaze of orange and red. of human beings caught up in the result of predecessors’ wars and the soul-destroying repercussions.”
The whole spectrum. Research stemming from efforts centuries ago. No communications. Satellites and aircraft fell out of the “Insects and animals were hard hit. Got to their heads, you see, as well as us. No pollination. Not much reproduction.”
Thought-provoking. One realizes there are places so distant that could even be in other dimensions.
Review by Albert: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Science fiction in its purest form! Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2023. Verified Purchase. A good science fiction story in general terms, with a fairly well-developed story and plot and that, after all, I liked it and I had a good time reading it. I also have to say that as a general rule I tend to like this type of fiction centered in space and with characters of this type. In this sense, the story focuses on Laura Sinclair, the main protagonist, who must carry out a terribly dangerous mission in search of revenge but, at the same time, to save the fate of humanity. But all this, as we can well imagine, must be dealt by fighting against all kinds of aliens, robots and ultra-advanced technology that will do everything possible to ruin her existence and will take you through the development of an implausible story, with lots of action and tension until the end and with twists that perhaps you were not expecting.
A read that, in general, regardless of whether or not you have read the rest of the books in the saga, you can equally enjoy as a totally independent read.
Review by Evelyn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Well written book. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2023. Verified Purchase. I found this book while I was looking for something on Amazon and I liked what I saw. The title caught my eye, and after reading the description I thought it might be a repetitive intergalactic science-fiction. I was totally wrong; it was much more than a simple adventure story. It’s a very exciting read, with non-trivial characters, an interesting development leading to an interesting planet, amazing settings and several twists.
Well worth the price to the point where I immediately bought the previous books in the series after finishing this one. I know I didn’t respect the stipulated order but anyway I enjoyed them all.
I recommend this excellent story cleverly written, with a great number of details.
…Readers’ Favorite Finalist 2021 …Literary Titan Book Award 2021 …Author Shout Top Pick 2021
Strap in, turn down the lights, and enter worlds that will stretch your imagination to the full…
From a stranded alien comedian to the darkest depths of the human psyche; from a mind-blowing galactic adventure to clandestine extraterrestrial behaviour on Earth. They’re all here in this spell-binding collection of short stories to keep you guessing at every turn.
With tales of alien invasion, deep space mystery, time travel, and dystopian future Earths, this is a collection which takes inspiration from the much respected ‘old masters’ of Science Fiction. Here be new realms to explore—can you cross the void and challenge your dreams?
Explore Looking for Life and escape to strange and wonderful new worlds. From the author of Milijun, Amidst Alien Stars, Saving Paludis, and Silently in the Night.
‘Clayton Graham’s book will have you excited, scared, sad, agitated, happy, and feel all sorts of things as you move from one story to the next.’ Aaron
‘I can recommend this book if you’re in for some Sci-fi that you can’t put down and want to start reading again!’ Dan
‘Graham knows how to keep his readers entertained and thrilled. Fantastic collection.’ Alex P
5 Stars: Science Fiction With The Paranormal
I have been privileged to have read Science Fiction Author Clayton Graham’s books, and have come to appreciate his skilled storytelling, and out of this world imagination. Graham has a unique way of interlacing Science Fiction with the Paranormal. “Looking for Life” is on par with what I have come to expect from Clayton Graham’s books. I think you will really enjoy this enthralling story collection.
Let me give you an excerpt/synopsis of each short story and let you decide.
WAITING FOR WATER: Farming is now futuristic. The government can send in a seeding drone to help with rainfall metrics. I quote from a government letter: “Failure to trigger the seeding, or failure of triggered seeding to produce rain, will unfortunately result in cancellation of your management permit and you will be required to leave your holding forthwith, as it will be deemed unsustainable.” How will this work out for Karl and Maria Kerr?
LOOKING FOR LIFE: “Now Charlie,” Alexander said, “you may wonder why you have been awoken at this particular point in time. I don’t know when it is—it could be a hundred or a thousand years from when I made this recording. Little matter. Your on-board Looking for Life computer is keeping Earth time.” Fantom decided to answer. “It’s plus 150 years.” Predictably, the image before him never flinched. “The fact is, your ship has detected life on a nearby planet. And you are now zeroing in on that life. Everything has been automated.” Alexander leaned further into the screen. “But once you hit that planet, Charlie, you are in charge. You go out there and explore, and capture something living for us.”
THE COMEDIAN: The story of a stranded alien who seeks the sound of applause, by any means. Will he survive in a strange new world?
THE SCORCHED GARDEN: Jay and Debb Svenson were the new pioneers. They were stretching the limits of man’s expertise to the farthest reaches of the solar system. Living a dream that few others shared. Will their groundbreaking new home survive, or will their new lives fall victim to Earth’s interplanetary wars?
MOTHER: A family of roo-dependant beings discover a terrible secret, after an alien artifact arrives by the river. Will they unearth their real purpose in life?
DESPERATE TIMES: Phil convinced himself he was in complete command even though this was the first manned time travel mission; the first with a human payload. Technically nothing could go wrong. Historically, socially, physically, there was lots of scope for error. But he could always return of his own free will, which was really good to know.
DAVE AND GOLIATH: Ulcon’s two moons were up, casting ghostly light over the expanse of the chilled plain. There was no sign of Goliath. Stars were out in their thousands. Was one of them the cargo ship? Dave sincerely hopes so.
THE SPECIAL FRIEND: Floppy’s burrow was on the moon. It was quite a long burrow with a large cave at the end. The cave was lit from above by strips of lights that ran its entire length. The walls were smooth, not cave-like at all. Most surprising of all, there were three other Floppy Rabbits operating strange machines.
EXCERPT FROM ‘AMIDST ALIEN STARS’: Helena said, “I know we have provided the hybrids for the aliens. I know they are supposed to be an improvement on both our races. I even think I understand how they will use them to explore the galaxy without fear of physical or mental degradation.” She turned her face towards Jason, and he saw such a loss of future hope, such despair, that he felt his own strength and beliefs beginning to crumble under an assault of uncertainty. “But I don’t know how the women fit in, even how you and your mother fit in. Have they finished with us? Are we eventually to be discarded once the hybrids are free of the tanks? Will we meet them, see our own offspring? And what happens then?” She put her head in her hands. “Will they want more hybrids from us? Will we ever see Earth again?”
THE DECADY ALIEN: Jan smiled and gestured him inside. “A brief briefing, I think.” Once inside, she closed the door, and they sat opposite each other across a low table. The cubicle, like all the station’s single quarters, was small: no more than three metres by four. The bunk currently lay snugly against the ceiling but could be lowered to just above the table when needed. A cream self-cleaning carpet ran from wall to wall, and several miniature oil paintings hung slothfully from an aluminum picture rail, as if unsure that the artificial gravity was sufficient to keep them in position. The bathroom was communal and situated further down the corridor, the quarters only being intended for temporary visits. One small window gave Jan a view to the stars and the endless, black sky. Karl managed a smile. “How’s my favorite veterinary for extraterrestrials?”
THE VISITOR: John Allan McClean sat snoring in his favorite chair. The glow from a single- bar electric heater warmed his feet. A retired miner from Broken Hill, Mac, as he used to be known, now lived a life of solitude. His old weatherboard was, for all intents and purposes, a hermitage; a bastion against the onslaughts of frenetic humankind and their infernal technologies.
TRIAL BY CONFESSION: Their voices soared into his confused mind like scouting vultures, eventually to settle amidst his memories, squawking and stabbing sharp beaks into his defenseless subconscious. He had to remember. He had to. It was now or never. His head swam with a message, something from the past, something from a crowded room. The subconscious mind is my data-bank for everything. It stores my beliefs, my memories, my skills. Everything that I have ever seen, done, or thought is held there. All I have to do is remember.
THE WHISPER OF WAVES: Tomas was working as a scientist and a researcher for the government. Or had been until the world grew cold. He was tall and angular, his once-short blond hair growing longer, it seemed, by the minute; his face covered by an itchy growth that drove him crazy. The cave was his home. There was no other. The generator provided power, and when it died, he would die with it. In addition to his bed, there was a table, a single chair, a refrigerator and freezer, a small oven and microwave, a chemical toilet that was past its use-by date, and very little else. On a small stand, in one corner of the cave, an audio and video intercom link to the surface stood neglected, as defunct as a hailstone in a heatwave.
OTHERS OF OUR KIND: For seventeen ship-days, the sphere led them a dance through the chosen star’s system until it eventually reached its destination. They arrived in orbit around an inner planet that lay bathed in mellow sunshine. The sphere hovered nearby and seemed to be saying: The next move is up to you. Below them, the new world apparently waited with open arms for the newcomer’s attention. Somewhere down there, Sean thought, there are intelligent aliens. The thought induced strange feelings: excitement, fear of the unknown, even hope—all mishmashed together in a cocktail of conflicting emotions.
WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION: They had found her and put her in a residential group home, and there she had remained until she was seventeen. She hadn’t minded it, mostly because it was there that she developed what she called her powers. For the most part, the other kids gave her a wide berth, especially when she started telling them about their inner secrets. It had been fun for a while, until she had gotten bored. And it was then that the Department picked her up.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER: Duane came to a green door. A black circle with a short, vertical line running up from the top was painted on the upper panel. It looked like an inverted helium balloon, the tether climbing up into the sky. He looked at the lock. This door was hand operated, unlike the one leading to the galley. Should I open it, or leave things as they are? The sounds inside seemed to answer, but they were dull and distant and meaningless, and perhaps not to be believed. He hesitated, finger poised over the door button, weighing whether to open the door. He was on his way back to Earth, safe and ready to join his family. On the other side of the door was an unknown quantity: something that could prove to be his Achilles’ heel, something untenable.
THE WEAK SHALL INHERIT: Standing, Chanuk moved over to the rail and looked at the water below. The reflections of the moons danced on the ever-changing surface of the ocean, and flickering patterns of untold fantasies gently invaded the metallic drabness of the floating city. His heart soared at the beauty of it all. The Corlens were a proud people, and Chanuk, in his own way, was very proud of them. Looking out over the glistening sea, he made out a dark shape on the horizon. That would be Tarn, their next stop on the harvesting journey. Tarn was an island that the Corlens had devoted to fruit growing, and was the last but one call on this trip. Far below deck, in the bowels of the floating city, the holds were already full of grains, frozen vegetables, dried fruit, sugar, spices, and other delicacies—all that they required for food during the coming year. As far back as history was written, the Corlens had never eaten creature flesh, though lore had it that they had once done so in the primordial ages before the floods.
I Encourage You To Read “Looking for Life”: I have read, and given 5 Stars, to Graham’s books “Milijun”, “Amidst Alien Stars”, “Saving Paludis” and “Silently in the Night”. Graham grew up on the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK and settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Benjamin W.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Immersive Sci-Fi Shorts. Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2020. Verified Purchase. Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories. I am a fan of both short stories and science fiction, and Clayton Graham’s book, Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories certainly hits the spot.
The writing style employed by Graham is unique and powerful. His wording is beautiful and well-crafted, making the act of slipping into the worlds that he creates an easy task. The characters, situations, and places are all created with care and depth. I loved the style of this author.
Another aspect of Looking for Life that I liked very much was the fact that each of the stories is completely new feeling. I often find that stories included in short story compilations are too similar. As a result, the stories tend to bleed into one another.
That was not the case with Graham’s book. Each story is unique and takes on a life of its own. The author builds and develops each story quickly and efficiently, and each feels as if it has been in development for quite a while.
Another thing that I enjoyed while reading this collection of short stories was the mix of styles that the author uses to tell the stories. While each of the stories has its own style, Graham uses many literary devices within each story as well. To top it off, he does it quite convincingly.
The storytelling through dialogue, scene descriptions, thought processes, and perceptions of the characters throughout the stories is intertwined to keep things moving at a good pace. One of my personal favorites from this collection is The Scorched Garden, but Trial by Confession is a close second.
I would recommend this title to anyone looking for an immersive read in the science fiction genre that won’t take too long to complete. I would also happily give Looking for Life: A Collection of Science Fiction Short Stories five stars out of five.
Review by Nela: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It will leave you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2020. Verified Purchase.
I enjoy many literature genres and I usually read science fiction novels, but this is the first science fiction book I read with short stories. I could not be happier about my decision! Not only because the length of the tales allows you to enjoy different world buildings and imaginary scenarios, but also for the amazing writing style of author Clayton Graham.
Every story in “Looking for Life” is skillfully constructed and masterfully written. From my point of view, in Science Fiction, it is really important to describe in detail the characters and objects, the landscapes and the scenes, so readers can really get into that imaginary world. And that is completely accomplished in this book. Whether it is about aliens, future science, space and time travels, paranormal facts, or dystopian futures; this author will really make you live that reality as you were there and leave you on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page.
Review by Liz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A compilation of Science Fiction stories. Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020. Verified Purchase. Over the years the Science Fiction genre has become one of my favorite genres. “Looking for life” is a collection of short science fiction stories, written by Clayton Graham.
Throughout the book, Clayton presents us 17 incredible stories, which, in my opinion, one is better than another. The stories are varied and very interesting, and they all have something in common: new realms to explore.
Let me tell you that I really enjoyed this book. The author knew how to compile fabulous stories in one single book. He has also managed to capture the essence of science fiction.
The characters are vivid and well described. The descriptions of the scenes, I must admit, are great. Clayton is undoubtedly very creative. I also really liked the cover; it certainly shows what the book is going to be about.
I recommend this compilation of stories to fans of the science fiction genre. I hope you like it as much as I did.
Product Details: Paperback: 273 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (July 27, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction Short Stories (Anthologies).
A battle for survival that will decide the fate of two worlds.
From multi-award-winning sci-fi author Clayton Graham, author of the Milijun Series and Looking for Life, Saving Paludis is a thrilling sci-fi adventure packed with futuristic technology, high-octane paranormal action, and alien political intrigue that fans of Arthur C. Clarke will enjoy.
2020 Top Shelf Awards Winner 2018 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Finalist Book Excellence Awards – Finalist 2023 N.N. Light’s Book Heaven Award
★★★★★ “In this story, the humans are the hostile invaders. A twist that definitely keeps you hooked.”
★★★★★ “This is what you look for when searching for the perfect science fiction. It simply has it all… tension, aliens, colonization, and classic science fiction elements that wrap neatly together to create a cohesive book.”
★★★★★ “If you like good sci-fi, good writing, and a plot that screams adventure, you’ll like Saving Paludis.”
★★★★★ “So well written that all scenes fall into place without as much as a delay in the flow of the book. I couldn’t put it down.”
In the distant future, humanity has mastered traversing the cosmos and colonizing distant planets. One such world is mineral-rich Paludis, known as Musk by its native inhabitants.
When scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with mother Earth, peace swiftly turns into deadly conflict. Caught in the crossfire, local police agent Stefan Lattanzis is drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, escalating conflict, and cosmic peril.
As the situation intensifies, he joins forces with a determined botanist and a mysterious seer. Together, they must rely on trust and teamwork to confront the threats facing their world.
The oppressed Muskans seize the opportunity for change, while a rogue human faction attempts to exploit the newfound technology for its own mysterious ends. In this shifting landscape, who can truly be trusted?
With Earth’s power looming and Paludis unraveling, Stefan must gamble everything to save his home—even if it means facing an unstoppable force.
Travel to the edge of the universe on an unforgettable journey.
Enter deep space, use the Einstein-Rosen bridges, and touch down on Paludis.
Join Stefan and his friends to help save their world.
Get your copy of Saving Paludis today!
Books by Clayton Graham
Saving Paludis: A High-Stakes Space Opera of Alien Intrigue and Survival
First Contact Series:
Milijun
Amidst Alien Stars: Milijun Book 2
Alien Whispers: Conflict and Communion
Science Fiction Short Story Collections:
Looking for Life
Silently in the Night
Finalist in the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Book Awards.
An alien revolution centuries in the making will change humanity’s destiny forever …
Police agent Stefan Lattanzis never expected his planet to become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter. But when scientists from Paludis share a technological breakthrough with Earth authorities, peace escalates to the brink of war in a hurry. It doesn’t help that the local aliens have a dangerous and mystifying agenda of their own. Meanwhile, a desperate human cult has its own plans to exploit the powerful new technology…
To keep his home world alive, Stefan must team with two strangers, a botanist, and a mysterious seer. As embattled factions vie for control of the universe, the trio must trust in each other to keep the new technology from ripping time and space apart.
Saving Paludis is an electrifying sci-fi thrill-ride. If you like futuristic technology, alien political intrigue, and high-octane, paranormal action, then you’ll love Clayton Graham’s interstellar adventure!
From the Author: Latest novel Saving Paludis is light years away from debut novel ‘Milijun’, but it occupies the same fascinating space between Science Fiction and the paranormal. The planet Paludis sits in the Pisces constellation, on the frontier of human exploration. It is a verdant planet, a beautiful planet. It has also been scarred by wars of colonization.
Human invaders control the planet and have done so for hundreds of years. Paludis is the planet’s Earth name; the indigenous population call their home Musk.
The Muskans are now restricted to a remote peninsula in the north-east of the main continent. Humans have taught the aliens their language and some of their ways, but the Muskans prefer the traditions of their ancestors. Or do they?
So, what can go wrong? Well, quite a lot actually.
Saving Paludis is not just an interstellar war novel. It reflects human nature in all its extremes: hate, jealousy, control, love, and sacrifice. And what about the aliens – do they share these traits? In some ways yes, in others no. They are, after all, alien. But retribution is high on their agenda; an overwhelming desire to regain their planet. Quite how they attempt to do that must remain a secret!
I invite you to enter deep space, use the Einstein-Rosen bridges, and touch down on Paludis. Join Stefan and his friends to help save their world. You’ll love it!
5 Stars: A Reminder Of Human Nature!
If you think the book cover is intriguing, wait until you begin reading Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham. The author has shared two very interesting maps at the beginning of the book to help readers get a sense of this fertile planet called “Musk” by its inhabitants, and “Paludis” by Earth. Paludis is in the Pisces Constellation which is 143 light years from Earth.
The story begins in AD 3898 and we find that Earth invaders have taught the colonized population of Paludis their language and some of their customs. After Paludis scientists share a powerful new technology with Earth, it doesn’t take long for mysterious factions to exploit the technology and the planet moves to the brink of war. The race is on to save Paludis.
With believable characters, and storytelling that brings your imagination to the edge of space and time, Saving Paludis tells of strange cultures and traditions, alien politics, and cult-like paranormal phenomena. You cannot help but keep turning the pages of this fast-paced interstellar adventure. From a woman’s point of view, here is a glimpse into the story.
… “Rain was falling in a steady drizzle as Selma turned into the road that led to her domicile. It was not yet fully dark and the final vestiges of sunlight creeping through a solitary hole in the clouds had turned the aluminium domes of the dwellings to a blood red. The roadway, smooth and black and shiny, snaked like a ribbon through the glistening streetscape and dark, low clouds threatened to crush the buildings beneath their ponderous weight.
…Strangely, she’d encountered few individuals as she walked through the streets and, like on the drive south, very little traffic. It was as if a giant hand had been placed over the mouth of Kentucky, stifling its usual raucous behaviour. Selma assumed most people were indoors and she wondered if a storm was approaching.
…She stopped outside her home, unable to resist a glance back to that part of the road where she had been abducted by Serpentine. Serpentine! Where was he now? She palmed the switch, pressed the code buttons in the right sequence and her door slid open. Entering, Selma turned on the light and the door closed behind her. The rain suddenly increased in ferocity, and she heard it rattling on the dome of the house.”
I invite you to read Saving Paludis as it is a reminder of human nature, whether here on Earth, or on the planets that we might colonize in the future, or even invade while aliens struggle to save their own world.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Jen C.-VINE VOICE: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging thrill ride of a plot. Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2019. Verified Purchase.
After reading Saving Paludis by Clayton Graham, it is easy to see why this novel was a finalist for the Readers’ Favorite 2018 International Books Awards. This fast-paced science fiction novel is packed full of intrigued and adventure. Even though it is a lengthy novel, it didn’t feel like it. I kept turning the pages quickly wanting to find out what happens next. The basis of the novel is set 2000 years in the future and deals with a planet (Paludis) that Earth has colonized. What was once peaceful is now being threatened to be an all out war between Earth and Paludis. The main character, Stefan, has to team up with others to stop this intergalactic war from happening. In addition to an engaging thrill ride of a plot, the writer has also included fantastic well-developed characters and great dialogue. This is a novel any fan of science fiction will enjoy from beginning to end.
Review byM. Anderson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Intriguing Tale of a Far-Flung Future. Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018. Verified Purchase. “Saving Palidis” will appeal to science fiction fans who are more interested in story than explaining the science behind it. In this far future, humans use ‘bridges’ to cross space and colonize new worlds with a vengeance, wreaking havoc on the native populations. Paludis is one such world. Its lizard-like inhabitants have been decimated, the survivors confined to a small isolated portion of the planet. These seemingly primitive spiritual people live in harmony with nature. However, unbeknownst to the humans occupying Paludis for the last 300 years, in exploring the underground caverns of the area to which they’ve been confined, the natives have happened upon a crystal-driven technology that bends time and space, which they use to launch unexplained destruction on Earth. Earth assumes the humans on Paludis are the cause and war ensues.
I found the opening chapters a bit confusing, but the concepts were intriguing enough to keep me reading and I’m glad I did it. The book is well-written with interesting and believable characters. Some of them are well-worth despising, others admirable. Humanity on a whole is painted darkly, with aliens who are far more human than most of the humans. A recommended read.
Review by Bruce: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. A complex tale that suggests human nature will never change. Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2018. Verified Purchase. The most important component of any book is a story that you want to finish. Saving Paludis starts out by describing a planet where technically superior humans have been the aggressor, subjugating the natives in order to plunder the mineral wealth of the planet. It introduces a series of characters that appear somewhat separate, but their situations describe the state of play across Paludis.
From there we see how the humans (on Earth and on Paludis) spiral into a competition to see who can display the worst examples of the greed and stupidity that humans have repeatedly shown in the past, and, apparently will show in the future. It is this greed and stupidity is the weakness that can be manipulated by others for their own advantage.
There are a lot of characters to follow, and it takes some concentration to keep up with them all, but they all come together as the story comes to its conclusion.
It’s a story that will keep you reading to find out what will happen, and who will come out of it alive.
Review by Jimmy Ray: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Sci-fi battle for survival. Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018. Verified Purchase. Saving Paludis is s sci-fi thriller about the planet of Paludis which is a colony created by Earth. The native species to Paludis have been relocated to a small area of the planet. In this reverse alien invasion, Earth is trying to take over and force control to the new command on the planet. The battle begins and the natives will fight back. This is a fast-paced suspense filled story. As the battle escalates, you will keep reading to see what happens and who the ultimate successors will be. The characters are developed and the story line keeps you on edge wondering what will happen. If you like sci-fi supernatural adventures, you will enjoy this one. I found this story to be a refreshing new take on a space invasion. Check this one out people, it is a good time for sure.
Review by JoJo Maxson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. I loved the multi-tiered events that unfolded. Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2018. Verified Purchase. Saving Paludis begins the futuristic tale of a planet we have taken over and began to strip of its inhabitants and natural resources. As one coveted mineral is becoming limited, officials decide to harvest a kelp that induces a natural sleep. Clayton Graham skillfully designs a web of events that lead to a central plot. People and aliens are disappearing. Equipment is being misplaced. And a police agent, botanist, and an alien seer team together to unfold the mysteries, hopefully before a war breaks out.
I found Clayton Graham a master of details and mystique. He keeps this science-fiction going at a fast pace while building up the intensity. Saving Paludis has everything a Sci/Fi reader is looking for and will not disappoint those who are just looking for an adventure.
A collection of tantalizing tales with more twists than Hampton Maze…
A plethora of enthralling plots that will suit fans of all ages and tastes, with stories varying from domestic not-quite-bliss, to an alternate Watership Down, a psychological thriller, a ghost story and a bit of ‘sci-fi not-so-funny after all’ to suit your every mood.
You can also sympathize with a doomed husband and connect with an altruistic robot. Explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.
From the light-hearted to the darkest depths of the human psyche. They’re all there in this smorgasbord of sixteen short stories to keep you guessing at every turn. From the author of Looking for Life, Milijun, Amidst Alien Stars and Saving Paludis.
“This anthology of clever, twist-in-the-tale short stories by Clayton Graham, is worthy of the genre master Arthur C. Clarke’s Tales of the Unexpected.” Rosemary K.
“I was really very impressed with this collection which left me feeling such a variety of emotions after each one. I am looking forward to reading more of Clayton Grahams work.” Maui Reader
“This collection reminds me of the stories collected in the old Twilight Zone Magazine that my mom used to subscribe to. Each tale is unique. You’ll find a bit of mystery, thriller, paranormal and sci-fi. Grab this book while you can and delve into the world that is Clayton Graham.” Helen V.
5 Stars: Thrilling!
For those of us who enjoyed The Twilight Zone, ‘Silently in the Night’ by Clayton Graham is just as thrilling. This book is a collection of tales where ordinary men and women are confronted with the unexpected.
I love each story and will return to read them again. One story titled Watering Down, sticks out in my mind. It centers on the calicivirus, which can cause upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Probably because I am a cat lover, or because I have memories of the Dustin Hoffman 1995 film titled Outbreak, Watering Down made such an interesting and unexpected tale.
I suspect, everyone who reads Silently in the Night will come away with one or more favorites. If you enjoy science fiction and mysteries that make your heart stands still when aliens, artificial intelligence, death, the unexplained or unexpected interact with your reality; Silently in the Night should be top of your reading list.
I am fortunate to have read Author Clayton Graham’s science fiction debut novel titled Milijun. When aliens kidnap Laura’s child, it’s going to take a lot more than a mother’s love to get him back.
I am looking forward to his upcoming release of Saving Paludis where “Nobody thought Paludis would become a battlefield, nor Earth for that matter, but in the darkest of times a glimmer of light can shine, resolute spirits can triumph over brutality and the strangest of strangers can become friends.”
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Sandy V: 5.0 out of 5 stars Common response… What the??? Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2018. Verified Purchase. This collection of 16 unique short stories was a treasure to read. The author was able to capture various moments in time and transform them into fun-size bites of entertainment.
Each story left me dumbfounded and in a state of shock. The first story, Silently in the Night, was a complete mystery. The unexpected twist at the end set the tone for the entire book. The final story, Trapped, told of an explorer trapped on an alien planet. The story ended with a type of closure that encompassed the entire book. All the stories sandwiched in between ranged from inevitability to satire to revenge.
After this taste of Clayton Graham’s writing talent, I will be adding a few of his titles to my “to be read” list. Thanks for sharing your book with me!!
Review by Helen V.: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great Intro to Clayton Graham. Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2018. Verified Purchase. Great collection of short stories that will quickly get you hooked on Clayton Graham. I follow him on Facebook and receive his newsletter, the latter of which usually includes a short story, too. This collection reminds me of the stories collected in the old Twilight Zone Magazine that my mom used to subscribe to. Each tale is unique. You’ll find a bit of mystery, thriller, paranormal and sci-fi. Grab this book while you can and delve into the world that is Clayton Graham.
Review by Luv2read: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Enjoyable. Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2019. Verified Purchase. A compilation of short stories, which I enjoyed. From mystery to Sci Fri, there’s something for everyone. A great little book to read on coffee and lunch breaks. Enjoyable.
Product Details: Paperback: 174 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (March 14, 2020) Language: English Science Fiction (Alien Invasion, First Contact) Science Fiction (Action and Adventure) Science Fiction (Fantasy) Science Fiction (Military) Science Fiction (Space Operas)
About The Author: As a youngster growing up in the cobbled streets of Stockport, UK, Clayton Graham read a lot of science fiction. He loved the ‘old-school’ masters such as HG Wells, Jules Verne, Isaac Asimov and John Wyndham. As he left those formative years behind, he penned short stories when he could find a rare quiet moment amidst life’s usual distractions.
He settled in Victoria, Australia, in 1982. A retired aerospace engineer who worked in structural design and research, Clayton has always had an interest in science fiction and where it places humankind within a universe we are only just starting to understand.
Clayton loves animals, including well behaved pets, and all the natural world, and is a member of Australian Geographic.
Combining future science with the paranormal is his passion. Milijun, his first novel, was published in 2016. Second novel, Saving Paludis, was published in 2018. They are light years from each other, but share the future adventures of mankind in an expansive universe as a common theme.
The sequel to Milijun, entitled Amidst Alien Stars was released on December 1 2019.
In between novels Clayton has published Silently in the Night and Looking for Life, two collections of short stories where, among many other adventures, you can sympathize with a doomed husband, connect with an altruistic robot, explore an isolated Scottish isle and touch down on a far-flung asteroid.
An Eye For An Eye: The Vase Of Many Colors by Steve Shear.
The Vase of Many Colors Books I, II, and III explore the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions in a way that taps into the emotions of ordinary readers looking for serious and important content while at the same time wanting a truly exciting story. To achieve this, it utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing The First Coming, a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy.
The first part, An Eye for an Eye, (Book I) portrays Ira’s parents and their love affair made in heaven… if only they were left alone to relish it. It also portrays their family, religious Jews on Ira’s maternal side and devout atheists on his paternal side. That in and by itself makes for serious conflicts, but that’s the least of it. When Rebecca, Ira’s mother, becomes pregnant out of wedlock carrying Ira in her belly, all hell breaks loose. She is disowned by her father and despised by her mother-in-law. What happens to them reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, well at least Juliet. The second part, Black Hearts & Hungry Bears, (Book II) revolves around Ira’s wife, Natalie who was born into a truly dysfunctional, poor Catholic family and abandoned at the age of ten. She was left at a Catholic boarding school, raped at the age of fifteen by monk teaching there, and then accused of causing his demise. Much later she met and fell in love with Ira at an art studio in Florence, Italy. She could not have imagined what was to follow. The third part, The First Coming, (Book III) describes Ira’s remarkable journey including his own book, The First Coming, and the trouble it caused him and Natalie. He was shot, kidnapped by Iranian extremists’ intent on beheading him; he was left to die in the Indian jungle where he confronted a giant white tiger and other creatures during his fits of delusion. In the meantime, Natalie was poisoned by the same extremists and remained in a coma.
All of this between the front cover that displays the very vase of many colors and the back cover that quotes several 5 Star reviews.
5 Stars: Underlying Conflicts Are As Old As Humanity!
Author Steve Shear skillfully brings the reader into ‘‘The Vase of Many Colors’: An Eye for an Eye Book One’ with a strong ‘Prologue’ set on July 4, 1973 in New York City. A stranger passes the newsstand to catch a quick glimpse if the headline “Jerusalem Rabbi is found dead in in his hotel room”.
The author sets up each chapter with the main character’s name, date and location.
I quickly identified with his main character Rebecca. With a strong Jewish name, a father whose family dominance is driven by his Jewish Orthodoxy who rules with a harsh hand driving his daughter to question her faith and go in search of her own truth, even if this means hiding a copy of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and listening to Elvis Presley on her radio.
Leonard an Episcopalian by birth, (his parents both professors at Amherst, Massachusetts) struggles with his own Identity and restrictions formed by his beliefs system from infancy, now clash with college culture and his own atheist leanings.
Hlomo Schoenfeld is studying to become a Rabbi and is stunned when his arranged wife to be, Rebecca, shunned his proposal in late spring of 1956 in Jerusalem.
Morris Goldshein is uncle to Rebecca and makes annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem from St. Louis. Although he is not her favorite uncle, she is his favorite niece. He is impressed with Rebecca’s spirit of independence. Morris along with Rebecca’s Aunt Esther, will champion her throughout her life.
The stage is set, Leonard leaves Amherst for Washington University in St. Louis in the early fall of 1956 and Rebecca leaves Jerusalem in the winter of 1956 for St. Louis to live with Uncle Morris and Aunt Esther in America.
The family Rabbi instills and enforces doctrine, morality and commandments, it is the fear and guilt that either glues or unglued Rebecca. The results of extreme control (physically, mentally and spiritually proves devastating.
I quote from Rebecca’s Aunt Esther (in St Louis) (Chapter 21): “Metaphorically speaking, I felt as if I were caught between the jaws of an emotional vise given the situation· now facing me, the situation of my own making, the situation in which Rebecca blamed herself for the death of her parents and siblings. On the one hand, I thanked God every day for having my niece’s love and friendship, not to mention the love and friendship of Leonard and Ira, Ira most of all. On the other hand, I uprooted Rebecca. I introduced her to Leonard. I championed the environment that promoted their relationship. I was the one who set into motion a runaway locomotive that I should have known would derail and crash into a chasm of unrelenting guilt. But never in my wildest nightmares did I contemplate the breadth of that chasm or its impenetrable depth.”
The characters are vivid and the story well written. The underlying conflicts are as old as humanity, as young people try to come to terms with their family structure, religious or non-religious indoctrination, resulting in the physical, emotional and spiritual pain of seen or perceived hypocrisy and the death trap of fear, guilt and yes, revenge (‘Eye for An Eye’) that extends to generation and must be revisited.
Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’ zero in on the ills of religious orthodoxy and extreme ideology. Author Steve Shear’s approach to the same age-old questions, brings the imagery and personal relationships, and consequences that affects his characters right onto the page for his readers to arise at their own conclusions.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Book One in the ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Series Paperback: 301 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 27, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Literary)
Black Hearts & Hungry Bears: The Vase of Many Colors by Steve Shear.
The Vase of Many Colors Books I, II, and III explore the orthodoxic ills in Western Religions in a way that taps into the emotions of ordinary readers looking for serious and important content while at the same time wanting a truly exciting story. To achieve this, it utilizes three distinct parts in which first-person accounts describe the journey of Ira Neebest from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing The First Coming, a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy.
The first part, An Eye for an Eye, (Book I) portrays Ira’s parents and their love affair made in heaven… if only they were left alone to relish it. It also portrays their family, religious Jews on Ira’s maternal side and devout atheists on his paternal side. That in and by itself makes for serious conflicts, but that’s the least of it. When Rebecca, Ira’s mother, becomes pregnant out of wedlock carrying Ira in her belly, all hell breaks loose. She is disowned by her father and despised by her mother-in-law. What happens to them reminds me of Romeo and Juliet, well at least Juliet. The second part, Black Hearts & Hungry Bears, (Book II) revolves around Ira’s wife, Natalie who was born into a truly dysfunctional, poor Catholic family and abandoned at the age of ten. She was left at a Catholic boarding school, raped at the age of fifteen by monk teaching there, and then accused of causing his demise. Much later she met and fell in love with Ira at an art studio in Florence, Italy. She could not have imagined what was to follow. The third part, The First Coming, (Book III) describes Ira’s remarkable journey including his own book, The First Coming, and the trouble it caused him and Natalie. He was shot, kidnapped by Iranian extremists’ intent on beheading him; he was left to die in the Indian jungle where he confronted a giant white tiger and other creatures during his fits of delusion. In the meantime, Natalie was poisoned by the same extremists and remained in a coma.
All of this between the front cover that displays the very vase of many colors and the back cover that quotes several 5 Star reviews.
5 Stars: Raw, Challenging, And It Will Test Your Intelligence!
For those of us who read Author Steve Shear’s ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: An Eye for an Eye, we have waited patiently for book two, ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Book Two Black Hearts & Hungry Bears. I encourage you to read book one, but you can jump in at any time. In book one, the family Rabbi instills and enforces doctrine, morality and commandments, it is the fear and guilt that either glues or unglued Rebecca. The results of extreme control (physically, mentally and spiritually proves devastating).
Steve Shear’s main character Ira Neebest tells his family’s story in uncompromising honesty. This is a story that centers around Ira’s parents, grandparents, and his mother Rebecca’s aunt and uncle. You will also meet Ira’s wife Natalie, her friend Sam, and her grandfather Harry. The meat of the story centers around Ira, Natalie, and friend Soma. The story you are about to read is raw, challenging, and it will test your intelligence, and may provoke religious conflict in your predetermined mindset.
As with book one, the author sets up each chapter with the main character’s name. Chapter one opens when Natalie finds herself in a semi-conscious state. Snippets of time race through her mind like a movie on fast forward.
Chapter Two finds Sam watching the New York Knicks play the Boston Celtics when the game was interrupted by a News Flash. Ira Neebest had been kidnapped under the watchful eyes of the FBI.
Meet Catherine who wanted to be a famous lady boxer, because she wanted to be with boys playing baseball, soccer, and hockey. That was long before she realized how corrupt and violent boys…men could be.
I invite you to read this first-person account, detailing Ira Neebest life, from birth until he returns from the jungles of India after being kidnapped by ISIS and the Iranian Ayatollah for writing a Nobel Prize winning novel about the evils of religious orthodoxy (Ira Neebest and The First Coming).
It is Natalie’s restless comatose state that engages the reader in revisiting the most hellish events in her life, like her great venture into the legal system from the wrong side of the bench. I quote Natalie:
“I’ve never been in a courtroom,” I remember telling Sam once again as we entered the courthouse along with half the town of Montpelier. Some of the residents were patting me on the back, wishing me luck; others whispered words of hate. I started to sit in the peanut gallery when Totentanz came out of nowhere. Then the judge, Dante, God damn it! He yelled at me. “In front, little lady, where you belong,” he hollered. “Counselor, please look after the defendant. She may not be with us very long.”
I invite you to read ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: Black Hearts & Hungry Bears (Book Two) and ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: An Eye for an Eye (Book One) as we patiently wait for ‘The Vase of Many Colors’: Ira Neebest and The First Coming (Book Three).
I personally enjoy Author Steve Shear’s writing style and storytelling, as he takes his readers into the life of Ira Neebest. All his characters are vivid, relatable and remember-able.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Book Two in the ‘The Vase of Many Colors’ Series Paperback: 265 Pages Publisher: Independently Published (January 27, 2022) Language: English Fiction (Literary)
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,798 “Surreal Journey Into A Possible And Not Too Distant Future” Silver Lady: Travels Along The River Road by Susan Sage. Available for pre-order from Black Rose Writing and Amazon. Release date will be on December 17th. It is best classified as Literary Fiction/Women’s Fiction/Magical Realism. Book Description: “Sage… Continue reading →
Let me tell you, it was really exciting to see The Madonna Ghost translated into Spanish. The idea of making my first Annie Tillery Mystery available to a large and important block of readers made me very proud.
As a member of an authors’ group, Long Island Children’s Writers, and Illustrators, and as a former teacher, I have the opportunity to present and market my books at fairs run by local Long Island schools, where there is a significant Hispanic population.
Our schools offer ESL classes (English as a Second Language) for newly arrived students from other countries. I immediately saw the possibility of offering both paperback, eBook, and audiobook in both, English and Spanish, as a tool to be used in the ESL program.
Besides the marketing opportunities afforded by this translation, it was very satisfying to see Annie Tillery speaking Spanish.
The steps included finding a company or entity to translate your manuscript into another language, an editor to double check the work, a company (could be same as translator) who can produce the audio book files (they are called the producer), and finally a platform to market the finished product.
You don’t have to speak Spanish to offer your book in that language!
Article Submitted by Linda Maria Frank on 04/27/2024.
Family and Friends: Tales for Children by Janice Spina.
Chapter Book With Six Stories For Children Ages 5-8 Or Younger.
This is a children’s book with six stories for ages 5-8. Each story is a stand-alone story. Children will read about two little sisters, two young boys, a boy and a toad, rabbits, a bluebird, and a mouse and a piece of cheese.
They are feel-good stories that children will want to read again and again. One story will make children laugh out loud while others will teach them important life lessons about kindness to others, friends and family matter, believe in yourself, and you can do anything if you just try.
Editorial Reviews: Family and friends is a chapter book with six stories written in rhyme with life lessons for children ages 5-8 or younger. These stories will delight and engage children with the rhythmic verses and colorful illustrations. Children will learn important life lessons and the value of family and friends and want to read these stories again and again.
From The Author: This book is dedicated to two little girls I met while dining at a local restaurant. They captured my heart when I spoke with them. When I saw one crying I offered them a book mark. It stopped the tears as they listened to me tell them that I would write a story just for them if they like to read. They answered, ‘Yes.’ The first story is for them.
All the other stories are for children everywhere who have ever had trouble with bullies, needed a friend, wanted to be accepted, and those who wanted to succeed but were afraid to do so.
From The Back Cover: This is a children’s book with six stories for ages 5-8. Each story is a stand-alone story. Children will read about two little sisters, two young boys, a boy and a toad, rabbits, a bluebird, and a mouse and a piece of cheese.
They are feel-good stories that children will want to read again and again. One story will make children laugh out loud while others will teach them important life lessons about kindness to others, friends and family matter, believe in yourself, and you can do anything if you just try.
5 Stars For ‘FAMILY AND FRIENDS: Tales For Children’ by Janice Spina.
Award Winning Author Janice Spina shares the importance of family and friends for children of all ages. What impressed me was her dedication to the two little girls that she met, who love to read, so she promised to write them a new book about friends. She dedicates all her ‘Jembooks’ to children who love to read and the parents/grandparents who take the time to enjoy books with the children in their lives.
Beautiful Book Cover Design and one illustration at the beginning of each Chapter by John Spina (Illustrator). I encourage you to purchase this book and all the ‘Jembooks’ for your children, grandchildren, classrooms, libraries and all the places where children and parents gather.
I quote a snippet about each chapter:
AMELIA AND CASSANDRA: SISTERS AND FRIENDS: This story was dedicated to two little girls I met while dining at a local restaurant. They were so adorable when I interacted with them. I promised to write a story just for them to share since they told me they love to read. I hope they enjoy this story.
MATEO AND EIDEN: This story was written for all young boys who have ever been bullied. A true friend is someone who stands by you in good times and in bad. Stay strong and don’t let others put you down.
A BOY AND A TOAD: This was written for all young boys who love toads. Being kind to animals is what we all must do. Also, friends can be whatever you choose whether an animal or a human.
RABBITS IN THE WOODS: Family must always stick together in good times and in bad. Watch over your family and keep them safe.
THE SAD BLUEBIRD: This story was written for anyone who sees someone in need. It’s important to always be kind even to those who are not kind in return. They may become kinder in the end.
THE MOUSE AND THE TASTY BUT SMELLY CHEESE: This was written for anyone who has tried to succeed and failed. We must always pick ourselves up again and keep trying as this little mouse did even if the cheese is smelly. I hope readers had a good laugh over this as you read the cadence with tasty but smelly cheese. I did as I wrote it!
Janice Spina is a retired administrative secretary from a public school system in Massachusetts. This is the 48th book Janice has published. She also has two mystery series of six books each, one for boys and the other for girls, even though both are enjoyed by either sex, and three books in a YA fantasy series. She has published 22 other books for young children. She also writes under J.E. Spina and has published nine novels and a short story collection for 18+.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Jjspina: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fun new book for children! Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2025.Family and friends is a chapter book with six stories written in rhyme with life lessons for children ages 5-8 or younger. These stories will delight and engage children with the rhythmic verses and colorful illustrations. Children will learn important life lessons and the value of family and friends and want to read these stories again and again.
Product Details: Paperback: 72 Pages Publisher: Janice Spina (March 4, 2025) John Spina (Illustrator) Language: English Reading Age: 5-8 Years
The Monster Bones of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank and JoAnn Vergona Krapp.
Book 3: The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island.
Three children whose curious minds find them on a family vacation smack in the middle of an adventure that seems to be just waiting for them. Unknown to our intrepid vacationers, a long-ago group of brave and curious eighth graders on their remote destination island of St. Frederick formed a group of amateur detectives known as the Buccaneers.
Together these clever kids discover some of the ancient mysteries of the island when they use their new-found friends at the local newspaper and the Native American community.
They solve the mystery set on a St. Frederick beach that puzzled the islanders and the scientists who came to observe it.
The Crawford family vacations have always been exciting, surprising and often mysterious, but when they go to St. Frederick Island, they venture into the unknown territory of an ancient mystery. Meeting the original Buccaneers of the island, they venture into the gripping mystery of those mysterious bones.
5 Stars For “The Monster Bones On St. Fredricks Island”. Each summer adventure brings with it memories that will last a lifetime. Douglas and Janet Crawford along with Douglas’ best friend Wesley have an uncanny knack for sniffing out trouble, or adventure. In the past three years they uncovered a buried pirate treasure at a lighthouse, a stolen medal from World War Two, and a lost child frightened by bullies. Sadly, they won’t be returning to Fire Island this summer. There is a promise of new adventures as the Crawford family arrives in Bar Harbour, Maine. Bar Harbor is a summer delight, surrounded by water and serves as a gateway to the mountains and Acadia National Park. Posters and signs are everywhere on the streets in this small, picturesque village, inviting visitors to experience art, concerts, bus and boat tours, hiking trails, lobster pounds, whale-watching, and, of course, shopping. Here they discover a destination, St. Frederick Island that offers caves and other mysteries to tantalize the amateur detectives.
Once on the island, the Crawfords visit the local island newspaper, The Foghorn, to find out more about it. There they meet Lily, the granddaughter of one of the Buccaneers, a group of kids who formed a club to solve island mysteries. Janet, Wesley and Douglas can really relate to this group.
Let’s step back in history where Lily, Frank, Amelia, Leon and Ryan, known only by their code names back then, uncovered some dastardly deeds done by those who did not respect the Native American traditions of the island. Going even further back in time, a huge skeleton was found on the St. Besilius Convent beach. A Native American tribe lived here for centuries. The island has caves with ancient picture drawings. There are lots of superstitions about the bones, like maybe “The Monster” being some kind of dinosaur-like creature.
What adventure will these three young sleuths uncover on St. Frederick Island this summer? You must follow “The Buccaneers Of St. Frederick Island” series to join them on their summer’s adventures. Linda’s story telling is on par with, perhaps better than the “Nancy Drew” series of the past. Author Linda Maria Frank (past educator) shares her love of ancient mysteries and places with a nautical and pirate history with children around the world. She shares her research into the geology of caves, Native American lore, pirate history and of course, the mysterious creatures of the past.
With a little time travel, Linda Frank and new co-author, JoAnn Krapp, weave a magical series where three generations of detectives, young and old, keep this generation’s youth on the edge of their seats. I invite you to purchase “The Monster Bones On St. Frederick’s Island” (Book Three), “Sibby’s Secret” (Book Two) and “The Buccaneers Of St. Frederick Island” (Book One). Linda also has her “Annie Tillery Mysteries”. In this latest of the Buccaneers series, Linda has co-authored with JoAnn Vergona Krapp and illustrator, Marianne Savage to produce this fun, page-turning adventure.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Reading Age 7-12 Print Length: 103 Pages Publisher: Annie Tillery Mysteries Publication Date: August 8, 2025 Marianne Savage (Illustrator) Language: English Children’s Time Travel Books Children’s Mystery & Detective Adventure Children’s Mystery, Detective, & Spy Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Adventure Juvenile Literature
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island, Sibby’s Secret by Linda Maria Frank.
Book 2: The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island.
The Buccaneers of Saint Frederick Island are back. If you loved the first Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island, “Sibby’s Secret” will capture you too.
Join the fun, danger and escapades of Lily, Frank, Leon, Ryan, and Amelia.
The Buccaneers rival any private investigator of the time. When Sibby Fintail, fisherman and bay constable, goes missing, Lily, code name, Sprocket and Frank, code name Wing Nut, come to the rescue. They follow his trail to one of the island’s caves where he had been harvesting crystals for his artwork. They find an unconscious, badly beaten Sibby.
Who did this and why?
Becca Dawes. Sprocket’s mother discovers that unknown persons are seeking to take the caves away from the native tribe that has owned them forever. What is it about the caves?
When strangers come to Frederick Island, and kidnap Becca, the Buccaneers go into high gear to solve these attacks.
The Buccaneers will draw you into their world of clever sleuthing and unlocking the secrets in the clues they find. It’s adventure, fun and great crime science.
You will be laughing at some of the Buccaneers’ antics and gasping at what those brave eighth-graders face to solve the mystery. The story is rich with colorful and engaging characters as well as the flavor of 1947.
REVIEW for SIBBY’S SECRET: Adventure abounds in the new book of the Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island series. “Sibby’s Secret” finds the Buccaneers engaged with an unknown enemy who seems intent on getting control of the fabulous caves that belong to the Native American North Breeze tribe that has inhabited the island for many centuries.
The Buccaneers are a group of eighth graders who are students at the island’s only school, St. Besillius. Their self-appointed mission is to protect St. Frederick Island from any force that threatens their island home. St. Frederick Island is remote with old forests and the cave system that holds many mysteries. The residents are the North Breeze tribe, the fisher folks, and farmers, the Beachies who live off the land but don’t own it, and the St. Besillius community.
The Buccaneers have code names. Lily is Sprocket, Frank is Wing Nut, Amelia is Ratchet, Leon is Snap Shackle and Ryan is Bletch. You’ll have to read the book to discover the secret of these code names.
In Sibby’s Secret, friend of the Buccaneers, Sibby Fintail becomes bay constable, enabling him to patrol the waters around the island. He is also harvesting crystals from the caves to create artwork which he will sell to raise money for the student scholarship fund at St. Besillius.
He is attacked and his crystals stollen. But why?
Lily’s mother, Becca Dawes, owns and runs the island’s newspaper, The Foghorn. She is threatened and kidnapped. The Buccaneers receive a threatening letter. What is this all about?
As the Buccaneers go deeper into this mystery, the danger increases. As always, the solutions they uncover will surprise and intrigue you.
Sibby’s Secret reintroduces you to your favorite characters from the first book. It engages you in the adventures, dangers, and fun these young detectives spiral into. Enjoy the island’s beauty and hang on for a strange surprise at the end. No peeking!
Review by K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite: 5-Stars. Reviewed on 05/18/2024. The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island: Sibby’s Secret is penned by author Linda Maria Frank in the historical, adventure, and action genres for young independent readers. The plot sees Lily, Frank, Leon, Ryan, and Amelia embroiled in a thrilling adventure as they investigate the disappearance of Sibby Fintail, a fisherman and bay constable. Following clues to a cave where Sibby harvested crystals, they find Sibby badly beaten, prompting questions about the perpetrators’ motives. As they delve deeper, they uncover a plot to seize control of the caves from the native tribe and face danger when strangers kidnap Becca Dawes, Sprocket’s mother. Through clever sleuthing and daring acts, the Buccaneers unravel the mystery, showcasing their wit and bravery in solving the case.
Author Linda Maria Frank crafts an exhilarating story that whisks young readers away into a world of adventure and mystery. The captivating narrative has a superb sense of pacing to balance big action moments with interesting, suspense-filled discovery sections, and it was filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations to keep young minds engaged. The dynamic characters of Lily, Frank, and their friends brought the story to life, each contributing their unique skills and personalities to the investigation. I was delighted by the dialogue, which felt suitably classic for this kind of historical adventure, yet was highly accessible for young modern readers. Frank’s attention to detail and vivid descriptions transported me to the vibrant setting of St. Frederick Island in 1947, immersing me in the atmosphere of the period with a balanced amount of context and detail. As I followed the Buccaneers’ escapades, I found myself laughing at their antics and cheering for their triumphs, making for an entertaining and engaging read. Overall, Sibby’s Secret is a delightful blend of adventure, suspense, and camaraderie that kept me hooked until the very end, and I would not hesitate to recommend it for the young and the young at heart alike.
Product Details: Reading Age 7-12 Print Length: 137 Pages Publisher: Annie Tillery Mysteries; 1st edition (February 15, 2024) Marianne Savage (Illustrator) Language: English Children’s Time Travel Books Children’s Mystery & Detective Adventure Children’s Mystery, Detective, & Spy Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Adventure Juvenile Literature
The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank.
What can possibly happen when a crime happens under the very noses of a group of very savvy eighth graders at St. BeSillius’ Catholic School on St. Frederick’s Island? When the money they raised to buy toys for children in homeless shelters in near-by NYC is stolen, the Buccaneers, as they call themselves are outraged. Despite warnings from Father Felix and Sr. Jo, Sprocket, the leader of the Buccaneers, and her determined buddies set out to follow the clues, run down the thief, and get those toys for the homeless kids.
When their clubhouse is burned down, and a threatening letter is sent to the local newspaper, The Foghorn, owned and operated by Sprocket’s mother, the Buccaneers are even more determined to unravel the plot against them. A mysterious island once owned by the pirate, Jon Buccleigh and a labyrinthine cave serve as the setting for this skullduggery. A Native American healer, her community, and a group of the beach people conspire with the Buccaneers to get that money back.
You will be laughing at some of the Buccaneers’ antics and gasping at what those brave eight-graders face to solve the mystery. The story is rich with colorful and engaging characters as well as the flavor of post-war America in 1947. An altogether fun and satisfying read.
5 Stars:Adventure Sure To Capture A Young Reader’s Imagination.
Author Linda Maria Frank begins this book with her historical notes about where the story originated from. This is very educational for young readers as it addresses her earliest memories in Middle Village, Queens, New York at the end of WWll.
The story begins at St. BeSillius’s (catholic school), where mystery Author Linda Maria Frank sets the stage for more than one intriguing mystery (wrapped into one), that in my opinion, out preforms the Nancy Drew mysteries that I read as a young reader.
Within the walls of a small clubhouse (shack) a small band of school friends broke through the strict, stifling, constrictions of the classroom regiment, set in stone, by Sister JoAnn and Mother Superior. This tiny band of self-proclaimed private investigators, set out to find out, who stole the money they had spent an entire year earning, for a class trip to distribute toys to day care centers in the parish. The money disappeared from the Vestry (small room behind the alter); the very day Father Felix was supposed to open a bank account for the school project.
This small band of PIs came with an official title “Buccaneers (meaning pirates) of St. Besillius”. They wrote up and voted on a charter (agreement) for their group, which included:
Each member is sworn to secrecy, under pain of… what? Oh, I don’t know.
All clues are to be shared by everyone.
All communications would be done using our code names. Mine is Sprocket.
Our meeting place would be the old fishing shack on the beach.
The hunt for the mystery thief begins, which only leads to more mystery, danger, intrigue and an ominous warning letter. Each club member had responsibilities related to their investigation. Club name Ratchet (real name Amelia) with her camera (Brownie) was the official photographer. Let me bring you into the story at Chapter Fifteen: Meanwhile, At the Ferry Dock.
…Ratchet would much rather be called by her real name, Amelia. Especially since one of her heroines was Amelia Erhardt, the aviatrix who made news-worthy flights around the world. She disappeared somewhere in the Pacific, never to be found. Ratchet just couldn’t resist the mystery of it all.
…However, she would be true to her oath as a Buccaneer and fulfill her mission. She struggled with how to accomplish this. Most days she went to the ferry dock dressed in her reporter’s costume consisting of a many- pocketed jacket, borrowed men’s trousers, a cap with a green visor, and several cameras strung around her neck, most of which did not work.
…But her trusty Brownie never failed her. Notepad in hand she snapped photos of the ferry passengers going to and from Main. She was too shy, at this point, to go up to them and get that “scoop”.
…Today was different. She didn’t want to stand out like a sore thumb. Surveillance required melting into the scenery. The outfit for this assignment had her pigtails tucked into a red bandana, her thick lensed glasses hidden behind her dad’s aviator shades, and a dark blue jumpsuit, two sizes too big, borrowed from her brother who worked at Fred’s only gas station. She was channeling Rosie the Riveter. Rosie, as you may have heard, was another heroine in American history. She and her millions of sisters made the planes, tanks and ships that won the recent World War. Since the war effort for Rosie was over for now, Amelia still stuck out like a sore thumb.
…“Hey, Sis. Halloween’s over,” called out one of the day trippers.
…Embarrassed, she hid the bandana and pulled out her braids. She kept the glasses, and the coveralls were a must, since taking them off meant she would be walking around in her undies.
…It was getting pretty boring. What was she thinking? This is a lame idea, but duty called, and she settled herself more comfortably. The scents of tar, salt water, and creosoted wood planking joined the piney aroma of the hemlocks to provide a perfume Amelia came to call home.
…Amelia looked up just in time. Janet trotted down the path to the ferry dock. She could have missed her because she had a jacket with a hood. But Janet always wore beaded moccasins and her pigtails had feathers instead of bows. One braid escaped the hood sealing her identity for Amelia.
…Amelia, now in Ratchet mode, started snapping again.
…Janet turned her way and Ratchet’s heart almost stopped. Ratchet knew how important it was to identify Janet as Janet in her series of photos. Taking a breath and holding it, she snapped away.
…When Ratchet returned to check out the folks getting off the ferry, the strangers she had seen on other days came down the gangplank. Snap! Snap! Snap! They surrounded Janet, one grabbing her arm, the other talking to her, right in her face, grim and threatening. Janet pulled her arm away and snapped back at the stranger who had confronted her.
…The other man jammed something in her pocket. “Just do it,” he growled. This was an easy lip read for Ratchet, a skill necessary for a well-trained snoop, er, journalist. Janet turned and ran back up the path. The men got back on the boat.
…What did the stranger put in Amelia’s (Ratchet) pocket?
I encourage you to purchase “The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island” by Linda Maria Frank and share it with all the children in your life. This book would make a great summer reading project for kids. This story will spark their imagination and inspire he/she to create their own clubhouse of friends and become private investigators
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by Angela Reich: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Mystery, Adventure and Fun! Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2021. Lily Dawes, a.k.a. Sprocket, leads the Private Eye group called the Buccaneers of St. BeSillius on a perilous hunt for a cache of money stolen from their school in this rollicking tale of adventure, danger, and mystery.
It seems that Lily, in forming this group along with her classmates, had all agreed to a charter and special code names. Some of the points of the charter are, in brief, “Each member is sworn to secrecy… All communications will be done using our code names…Our meeting place would be the old fishing shack on the beach…” The group operates as a team and is ferocious in its commitment to solve crimes, right wrongs, and protect the innocent from harm.
Writer Linda Maria Frank has done it again, as she has in the Annie Tillary Mysteries with this new mystery story meant for middle school readers, replete with an isolated island accessible only by ferry, dangerous caves, stories of pirates of the past, and mystifying strangers who come and go.
The characters include a mixture of WWII veterans, a Native American Healer, Lily’s mother who writes and publishes the island’s newspaper, the faculty of St. BeSillius Catholic School and Lily’s comrades-in-arms. Into this mix, Frank manages to drop hints and clues, carefully planted along the way as the mystery of the missing money grows much more serious and threatening than a simple robbery. The complexity of the tale is carefully woven, and as the tension mounts and the crime is solved, each detail is carefully revealed to the satisfaction of the characters and the readers alike.
Frank both entertains and educates, stimulating the young reader’s curiosity, encouraging deductive reasoning skills, as well as dropping information about science, American History, and Native American Culture. All this is accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Marianne Savage.
Frank’s dry sense of humor and conversational tone is the icing on the cake for any reader who dares to go along with the Buccaneers for this enjoyable adventure!
Review by Frances O’Sullivan: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Engaging and enjoyable read. Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2021. The Buccaneers of St. Frederick Island by Linda Maria Frank is possibly best described as an American Secret Seven. Set in the late 1940s, it follows a group of young teenagers who enjoy solving mysteries and are relentless in their pursuit of the truth. It has everything you’d expect – code names, clever ways of conveying information and some pretty cool hiding places (there’s even a cave!).
There’s a lively cast of child characters, as well as supporting adults. Some of the adults are understanding of the children’s need to keep secrets and see a case through, whilst others try to stop them. I particularly liked Sibby, who lives in a shack near the Buccaneers’ original club house and looks out for them.
This is an engaging and enjoyable read. I would recommend it to children who enjoy solving mysteries and reading adventure books such as those by Enid Blyton and Arthur Ransome. For me, it’s a five-star read!
Review by Laura Furuta: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wonderful story. Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2021. I loved reading the book BUCCANEERS OF St. FREDERICK ISLAND by LINDA MARIA FRANK. It is a story that both young and old will enjoy reading. It is a book that includes mysteries, secrets. Intrigue, and a little danger. I enjoyed reading about the characters and the part that each one played. Will they retrieve their missing money? Read this book to find out. This is a wonderful book about friendships and loyalty. The author does a wonderful job of making the story and the characters come alive. The story kept my attention from the first chapter to the final page. The mystery will pull you in and you will get lost in the storyline. Don’t miss out on a book that is intriguing, exciting, entertaining, and mysterious, I highly recommend it.
Product Details: Reading Age 7-12 Paperback: 186 Pages Publisher: Annie Tillery Mysteries (November 20, 2020) Marianne Savage (Illustrator) Language: English Children’s Time Travel Books Children’s Mystery & Detective Adventure Children’s Mystery, Detective, & Spy Mysteries (Tween, Teens, and YA) Mysteries (Detective) Adventure Juvenile Literature
Message From Linda Maria Frank: Hello, fellow mystery lovers. As a teacher of forensic science for almost 20 years, I decided to create mysteries around the science I found most interesting. I also wanted to create a smart, edgy, young female detective to solve my cases. The result was Annie Tillery. I like to call my books “Nancy Drew meets CSI”. My books capture, not only my love of mystery and science, but those things I found most exciting in life; sailing, falling in love, and my fascination with New York City.
Currently, I am living
on Long Island and working hard to promote my books.
The third Annie
Tillery mystery, Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys, revolves around another topic I
find fascinating, and that is archaeology. It takes place in Turkey. This story
is packed with heart stopping page turning drama.
The latest book, The
Mystery of the Lost Avenger, investigates a cold case involving Annie’s great
grandmother who was a test pilot for Grumman Aviation during WWII. Go back in
time to solve an unexplained plane crash involving sabotage and great grandma,
Charlotte Wheeler and her fighter pilot fiancé.
Stay tuned for more thrilling and dangerous adventures for Annie and that oh-so-sexy Ty.
AN EXPLANATION OF THE AWARDS
The Author Show Awards1, 2.4.and 7) – are writing contests. The winning entries appear in an anthology, “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading”.
The Top Female Writers Award (6) is based on an entry the author chooses to submit of their writing.
The other awards are for individual books I submitted to various contests.
The first award I received was “Rising Star” for “The Madonna Ghost”, awarded by iUniverse, the original publisher.
2013 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2014 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2015 Wishing Shelf Awards Red Ribbon Winner, “Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys”
2016 The Authors Show 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2017 Finalist, Book Excellence Awards, “Secrets in the Fairy Chimneys”
2018 The Authors Show Top Female Author
2018 The Authors Show, 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading
2019 First Place, Royal Dragonfly Book Award, “Making a Mystery with Annie Tillery”
2019 Independent Press Award, Distinguished Favorite, “Making a Mystery with Annie Tillery”
201 Big Book Award, Distinguished Favorite, “The Mystery of the Lost Avenger”.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 609 2025 Release! The Forgotten by Ron A. Sewell. Aged Records Reveal The Failings Of The Past! Over 2,000 people go missing in the UK every day. Most are located within twenty-four hours, but for some, no trace of their whereabouts is ever known. A retired police officer opens… Continue reading →
In 1935 west Texas, two teenagers — Duane McCathern and Tony Picano — decide to go search for a lost treasure of Confederate gold based on an old tale told by a retired Texas Ranger, involving Indians and a mysterious spirit. As their hunt starts, another boy, a long-time rival, finds them in a cave and they must reluctantly include him in their hunt, it doesn’t take them long before they realize they need more help so their new partner brings in someone, an A. B. Conway, that he says has the expertise and the skills they need to get the gold they believe is hidden in that cave. The only problem is that A. B. Conway is Abbie. Tony is at once smitten and Duane is clearly annoyed.
Once they get the hunt underway, Abbie proves her skill at fabricating machinery is beyond their expectations. And that is a good thing as the hunt suddenly takes an unexpected turn as all of them begin to have out of body experiences and they run into other supernatural problems. As they get closer to the gold, the problems mount and Duane and Tony start showing signs of stress. Then things really start getting strange as all four start having visions of the past. A spirit from the past begins influencing their actions, leading Duane in one direction and Tony in another. As both the distant and the recent past begin to reveal themselves, all of them must make decisions that will have long lasting results. Abbie has to choose between Duane and Tony, and Duane must choose between Tony and Abbie. Who, if any, will make it out of the cave and who will make a deal with the Devil?
5 Stars: Raised in Vermont I have always been fascinated with covered bridges, railroad bridges and river bridges. The title ‘The Troll Bridge’ by Larry Auerbach caught my attention right away. The prologue hooked me and it was very hard to put this book down for any reason.
Larry Auerbach is a master story teller and if you ever loved exploration as a kid and dreamed of finding something of value while exploring the farm yards, local woods, railroad tracks, old buildings, river banks etc. around your town, this book will draw you into this teen adventure that involves a hidden cave in West Texas.
Well-developed characters like Duane McCathern, Tony Picano find they need some help when the old town’s folklore about a hidden cave may have more merit than just to spook kids. Here is a quote from the book to pique your interest.
… “We’re here, we’re a team, and we’re all going to watch each other’s back. We all share the risk, we all share the rewards—equally,” Duane told him. He put out his hand to Ron, who took it and held it in affirm grip. Tony put his hand over theirs, and all three of them put their other hand on the pile of hands. It was done. Tomorrow they would go to school, and come Friday, the adventure would begin for real. Fame and fortune awaited them in that hole. It was a sure thing; they were all certain. What could possibly go wrong?”
…Eleven fast paced chapters will take you on an adventure of paranormal (supernatural) intrigue written for Tweens, Teens and Young Adults along with you if you are young at heart, spirit and mind.
I invite you cross over ‘The Troll Bridge’, feels the spray from the raging water below, walk the river banks if you dare as “Trolls” are known to live under bridges where people and things go missing. Join these teens as they use every creative bone in their bodies and life skills to explore a hidden cave in the hopes, they will all make it out alive with treasure worth dying for.
‘The Troll Bridge’ by Larry Auerbach is an adventure worth taking. Other books by Larry Auerbach include Common Threads, The Spirit Of Redd Mountain, A Matter Of Justice, and A Matter Of Honor.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 432 Pages Publisher: Book Vine Press (December 1, 2018) Language: English Paranormal (Supernatural) Teens, YA and Adults
About Larry Auerbach: Larry Auerbach is a practicing psychotherapist of twenty-five years, in Pt. St. Lucie, Fla, where he lives with his wife of 32 years.
He earned his Master’s in Social Work form Barry University in Miami Shores, FL in 1991 and has maintained a busy practice since.
He has traveled out west for numerous pack trips and re-enactment rides and his interests include chess, horseback riding and the American West.
He is a member of the Western Writers of America and this is his fifth novel.
He is a collector of frontier memorabilia, and maintains an extensive library of the people, places and events of that period.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 3,361 Linda Maria Frank: Inspired by Nancy Drew, Author Creates Her Own Modern-Day Sleuth. By Linda Leuzzi Posted on March 28, 2024. Fire Island News Link:https://www.fireislandnews.com/arts-culture/book-reviews/linda-maria-frank-inspired-by-nancy-drew-author-creates-her-own-modern-day-sleuth/ Author Linda Frank With Her Annie Tillery Series and Fans. Author Linda Maria Frank wasn’t in Sayville’s Tiny Raccoon Books five minutes when… Continue reading →
Interesting Fact/Fiction Historical Story With A Time Travel Twist That Will Amaze You.
Dragut’s Divergence by Geoff Nelder.
Admiral Dragut was a barbaric demon to the Christians in the 1500s but a hero to the Ottomans. A real larger-than-life pirate but what if on the verge of the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 Dragut was caught in a violent storm and washed up on a beach in present-day Malta?
We Award 5-Stars And Give Our Endorsement To ‘Dragut’s Divergence’ (Dragut’s Diversion & The Visit) by Geoff Nelder.
Headline: Interesting Fact/Fiction Historical Story With A Time Travel Twist That Will Amaze You.
Author Geoff Nelder brings his readers two short stories that are meant to educate and entertain. The book cover is an actual photo taken by the author on Valletta in Malta. The author’s writing style, characters and passion for this time in history brings these two stories to life in a vivid way with a time travel twist that will amaze you.
In the first short story, ‘Dragut’s Diversion’ Author Geoff Nelder takes fact and fiction to tell us who Admiral Rais Dragut (real buccaneer pirate) is. He educates us on Dragut’s abhorrent act in 1551, when he abducted the entire population of Gozo and sold them into the Libya and Constantinople slave markets. He integrates the thoughts of Dragut, dialog from his secondary characters with an immigrant’s point of view to bring us into the reality of illegal immigration. Then he throws in a ‘What If’? It is the twists that create this Historical Fantasy. A must read for historical buffs and those who dare to see the other side.
Quote From ‘DRAGUT’S DIVERSION’: “It is not a mistake, Admiral. Somehow the storm you encountered threw you forward in time by four-hundred and fifty-nine years. Correct place, but wrong time. You missed your Great Siege of Malta.”
The second short story ‘Visit’ is a mini sequel to the historical fantasy novel Xaghra’s Revenge, which was revamped and released as Vengeance Island. Both relate to Malta. It is set in France and the island of Gozo. This tale is based on the true mass abduction of the people of Gozo by the Ottoman corsair, Rais Dragut.
Quote From VISIT: “You know of the Siege of Malta in 1565. If the Ottomans had won, it might have led to a different Europe, indeed the world. The Christians won that battle, but it was tried again recently. A time-traveling rerun of history in an event known to some as Vengeance Island. If the Christians had lost again, it wouldn’t have led to a Muslim power but ours. We could have saved this planet from its current and future troubles. Not to be. Let humans resolve themselves.”
Author Geoff Nelder weaves this time traveling tale with brilliant imagery that brings the reader into the historical event known to some as ‘Vengeance Island’. This story evokes emotion and causes us to rethink history and prompts us to ask the right questions.
In closing, The author lives in rural England within easy cycle ride of the Welsh mountains. I encourage you to read ‘DRAGUT’S DIVERSION & THE VISIT’ along with his many books which include: ‘Escaping Reality’ (humorous thriller), ‘Exit’, Pursued by a Bee (award-winning science fiction), ‘Hot Air’ (thriller that received an award from an Arts Academy in the Netherlands), ‘ARIA’ (science fiction trilogy) and Xaghra’s Revenge, which was revamped and released as Vengeance Island (historical fantasy set in the Maltese islands).
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Amazon Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Nelder Never Disappoints! Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2024. Verified Purchase. I’ve read all of Mr. Nelder’s books and thoroughly enjoyed them, particularly ‘Xaghira’s Revenge’. These additional tales are cream to this superb read.
About The Author: Geoff Nelder is a freelance writer living in Chester, UK.
A former high school teacher of geography and information technology, he has had non-fiction books published on microclimates in the UK along with several articles in academic journals such as Weather, Geographical Magazine and the Times Educational Supplement. Geoff is a part-time journalist contributing humorous travel accounts to Cycling World.
He has had short stories published and won a commendation for a story in the Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Competition. He won first prize in the Cafe Doom short story competition in 2005. Besides his 2005 released humour novel, Escaping Reality, published by Brambling Books, he won an award for mystery thriller, Hot Air, to be published by a Dutch Arts Academy in 2009, and a Science Fiction block buster, Left Luggage is in the hands of an agent. Double Dragon Publishing published Geoff’s Exit, Pursued by a Bee science fiction in 2008.
Geoff is an editor for Adventure Books of Seattle, co-editor of Escape Velocity – a print and ezine magazine of science fact and fiction. He has been a freelance editor of novels and short stories for several years. Geoff is the 2009 sort-fiction judge for the Whittaker Prize.
Additional Books:
Best of British Science Fiction 2020 Jul 27, 2021 by Donna Scott, M. R. Carey, Lavie Tidhar, Anne Charnock, Liz Williams, Ian Watson, RB Kelley, Eric Brown, Ida Keogh, Neil Williamson
M is for Monster Oct 27, 2010 by Ian Woodhead, Serenity Banks, David Youngquist, Simon Unsworth, Geoff Nelder, Kate Jonez, Zach Black, John Prescott, Ash Krafton, Adrian Chamberlin
CROOKED TALES: Deception & Revenge in 14 Short Stories Sep 1, 2016 by Mark Fine, Pamela Crane, Traci Sanders, Elizabeth Horton-Newton, Joseph Mark Brewer, Keith Dixon, Eric J. Gates, Geoff Nelder, Anita Kovacevic, Michelle Medhat
Once Upon A Scream Feb 7, 2022 by Dorothy Davies, Dan Allen, Rie Sheridan Rose, Brooke MacKenzie, Stuart Holland, David Turnbull, Gina Easton, Liam Spinage, Jason R Frei, Geoff Nelder
SFerics 2017 Oct 22, 2017 by Rosie Oliver, Roz Clarke
The Horror Zine Magazine Summer 2017 May 2, 2017 by Jeani Rector, Vitaly S. Alexius, Peter Ferguson Swarr, Liz McAdams, Ariana Carlson, katie Marie, David Subacchi, Teresa Frazee, Edmund Stone, James Ward Kirk
The Horror Magazine Spring 2020 Feb 4, 2020 by Jeani Rector, Jeffrey Genung, Kristen Houghton, Harrison Kim, Richard Dawkinson, Juan Perez, Stephanie Smith, Lori Lopez, Kim Vincent, Sana Amber
The Horror Zine Magazine Spring 2016 Nov 14, 2015 by Charles E.J. Moulton, John T. Biggs, Timothy Wilkie, Geoff Nelder, John C. Adams, Sebastian Crow, Kristen Houghton, Frank Schury, Larry Hinkle, Jeani Rector
Personal Bests Journal Issue 1 Aug 6, 2020 by David Gardiner Editor
Twisted Tails IX: Wunderkind Jan 27, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Twisted Tails VIII: Para-abnormal Jan 20, 2016 by J. Richard Jacobs
Shrieks and Shivers from the Horror Zine Jan 6, 2015 by William F. Nolan, Ray Garton, Elizabeth Massie, Lisa Morton, Joe McKInney, Tim Waggoner, Martin Rose, Jeani Rector, Bentley Little
100 Stories for Queensland May 3, 2011 by Jodi Cleghorn, Kate Eltham
Monk Punk Apr 19, 2011 by A.J. French, D. Harlan Wilson, Dean M. Drinkel, Geoff Nelder, Adrian Chamberlin, John R. Fultz, William Meikle, R. B. Payne, Sean T. M. Stiennon, Zach Black
Nikki Garcia, a private investigator, escapes to Spain with Eduardo, her fiancé, after a death threat on her last assignment. She puts the past behind her and turns the trip to Barcelona into her destination wedding.
A week later, Nikki and the love of her life find themselves caught up in a terrorist attack at one of the city’s major tourist attractions. As events unravel, Nikki discovers she is being stalked. Worse yet, she may have been the target of the deadly bombing.
The newlyweds must navigate behind Spain’s legal and law enforcement systems to uncover the sinister person threatening Nikki.
Weaving their way through Barcelona to get facts, Nikki and Eduardo further endanger their lives upon discovering a series of suspects, from flamenco dancers to foreign nationals. Will they be able to locate the would-be assassin and outsmart him before it’s too late?
If you love women sleuths and the mystery and suspense novels of John Grisham, Kristi Belcamino, and Isabella Maldonado, you will also love Silver Falchion Award-Winning Author Kathryn Lane’s Nikki Garcia Mystery Series.
The novel is deftly plotted and masterfully written. — Christian Sia, Readers’ Favorite
Review by Michelle Jacobs, US Review: What begins as a romantic getaway to Barcelona for Nikki Garcia and her fiancé soon turns into a fight for her life with her enemies closing in fast to settle past scores. Nikki is no stranger to threats on her life and to using her wits to confront danger, so she is well-matched against the terrorists in this high-octane thriller. With international sites and multicultural flair, readers will be transported into a world of beauty and intrigue. From Morocco to the intimate corners of Barcelona, the suspense builds as Nikki closes in on villains and assassins devoted to their sinister mission. Deftly plotted with close calls, near escapes, and murderous plans, this ride never lets up from beginning to satisfying end.
Revenge in Barcelona by Kathryn Lane is a spellbinding novel that will entice fans of thrillers and sleuth stories. Kathryn Lane begins the story in the midst of action, with the protagonist arriving at her destination. It is not long before disaster strikes, and Nikki begins to sense that her life is in danger. The premise is strong, and it becomes even stronger because of the background of the protagonist — a former international fraud auditor. It is hard to determine who is after her, knowing that her work often places her in the position to make many enemies. Revenge in Barcelona is quickly paced, and the plot points are very strong. I enjoyed the fact that the key characters easily find themselves in dangerous situations. There is a lot of suspense as Nikki works hard to find out who is targeting her and why. The novel is deftly plotted and masterfully written. Readers Favorite
I highly recommend Revenge in Barcelona. A thrilling story with a well-researched plot – it’s easily 5 Big Stars. Reader Views
From The Back Cover: Back Cover: Praise for Revenge in Barcelona Revenge in Barcelona by Kathryn Lane is a spellbinding novel that will entice fans of thrillers and sleuth stories. Protagonist Nikki Garcia, a private investigator, is running for her life after a death threat while on assignment in Mexico. When she arrives in Barcelona with her fiancé, Eduardo Duarte, she is confident danger has been left behind.
Soon, Nikki begins to sense that her life is in danger from a new angle. The premise is strong and becomes even stronger because of the protagonist’s background–a former international fraud auditor. It is hard to determine who is after her, knowing that her work often places her in the position to make many enemies. Revenge in Barcelona is quickly paced, and the plot points are very strong. Suspense mounts as Nikki works hard to find out who is targeting her and why.
The novel is deftly plotted and masterfully written. Reviewed By Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
What Amazon readers are saying about the Nikki Garcia Mysteries: “What a story! Best book I have read in a very long time.” “Mystery, love, healing – all taking place in a foreign location.” “From beginning to end keeps you on the edge-of-your-seat.” “Loved the intricately woven plot and layers of subplots.” “I read this book twice. The first time I couldn’t put it down. The second time I was transformed to the sights of a real place and its history.” “This is a page-turning thriller with twist after heart-wrenching twist.” “We are entertained while we visit new and exotic places.” ”The page-turning suspense of the Nikki Garcia novels is sure to capture you!”
5 Stars:Exciting Mystery Crime Thriller!
I am positive that Author Kathryn Lane’s career as an International Finance Executive and her extensive knowledge with Latin American culture, brought Nikki Garcia (main character) to life in this exciting mystery crime thriller.
Kathryn educates her readers in the regular and famous places in Barcelona, Arabic words and phrases, Romani words, and Spanish/Catalan words and phrases. Her extensive list of characters (in the beginning of the novel) will help you relate early as the story unfolds.
Once you begin, you will not put this well written, fast paced mystery down. Chapter one begins at the airport baggage claim in Barcelona Spain. From the start, Nikki Garcia draws you into her situation and her romantic relationship with her fiancé, Eduardo Duarte, who is a Colombian citizen and medical doctor.
Let me bring you into Nikki’s secret investigation in Chapter 30. Nikki is at the Barcelona Majestic Hotel.
… “Attired in a housekeeper’s uniform and long black wig, Nikki looked in the mirror to make certain she had not left telltale streaks in the makeup that darkened her face and arms. Slipping on a set of glasses with heavy dark frames and lightly shaded lenses Floyd had provided as part of her disguise, she found they sat heavy on the bridge of her nose. Yet they further transformed her appearance, so she kept them on. Her last step included tucking the special mobile phone Floyd had provided into her apron pocket.
…Eduardo, in his maintenance coverall, had been watching Nikki. He called Floyd. “We’re ready.”
… “All clear.” Nikki could just make out Floyd’s voice over the phone. “I’ll meet you at the service elevator.”
… “Roger, roger,” Eduardo responded.
… “Roger?” Nikki repeated, chuckling as they walked toward the service elevator in the hallway where the emergency stairwell was also located.
… “Where did you learn that?”
… “Floyd. He said pilots and short-wave radio operators use it.”
… “Your accent makes it sound sexy,” Nikki said.
…They stepped out of the elevator into the plain service hallway, Nikki pushing the housekeeping cart. Floyd opened the door to the richly carpeted hall that guests used and checked for people. When he saw no one, he motioned them through. He would serve as lookout in the hallway near the door to the emergency stairs.
…Nikki used the passkey to open the door. With trepidation, she stepped into a dim foyer and pulled the cart in behind her. Without turning a light on, she continued into a living room. She stopped cold when she heard shrieking.
…An angry cat?”
…It is at this point that I will let you discover for yourself, what is making that awful sound and how much danger they might be in?
Author Kathryn Lane has also written ‘Waking Up in Medellin’ (Book One In The Nikki Garcia Thriller Series), ‘Coyote Zone’ (Book Two In The Nikki Garcia Thriller Series), ‘Revenge In Barcelona’ (Book Three In The Nikki Garcia Thriller Series) and a short story collection titled ‘Backyard Volcano: And Other Mysteries Of The Heart’.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
About The Author: Kathryn Lane, award-winning author of the Nikki Garcia Mystery Series, sets her novels and short stories in foreign countries and exotic places.
Kathryn credits her imagination to growing up in Mexico, a country which was rich in storytelling and steeped in cultural traditions. Her creativity was first expressed by painting in oils and when reality of earning a living set in, she studied accounting and finance, and joined a multinational corporation where she attained her dream job of traveling abroad.
After two decades in the corporate world and having visited over 90 countries, Kathryn left to fulfill a second dream – writing mystery and suspense novels.
Fans of strong female protagonists and suspenseful stories are likely to enjoy Kathryn’s work. The Nikki Garcia thrillers include:
Waking Up in Medellin – named Best Fiction Book of the Year 2017 by Killer Nashville. Also available in Spanish edition “Despertando en Medellin”. Recently announced as a finalist in the Latino Books into Movies Latino Themed TV Series 2021. Also available in Audio.
Danger in the Coyote Zone – first place winner in the Action/Adventure category in Latino Books into Movies 2018. It was also a finalist in the Thriller category at Killer Nashville 2018.
Revenge in Barcelona – Silver Winner, Mystery/Thriller, Reader Views, 2019-2020. Finalist in the 2020 Eric Hoffer Book Awards. Finalist in the Next Generation Book Awards for 2020. Also, recently announced as a finalist in the Latino Books into Movies Latino Themed TV Series 2021.
Missing in Miami – Winner, 2022 International Latino Book Awards, Best eBook Fiction.
Stolen Diary – is Kathryn’s the latest release. A stand-alone novel, explores the challenges a gifted child, who is also on the autism spectrum, must face growing up with a disengaged mother who cannot relate to her, and a doting grandfather who encourages her genius.
Kathryn’s short story collection, Backyard Volcano and Other Mysteries of the Heart, was named Best Short Story Collection 2018 by Killer Nashville.
Kathryn and her husband, Bob Hurt, split their time between Texas and the mountains of northern New Mexico.
AWARDS: Kathryn Lane Is The Award-Winning Author Of The Nikki Garcia Mystery Series:
Waking Up In Medellín-First Release March 2016;Second Edition February 2020.
Silver Falchion for Best Fiction Book of the Year 2017 by Killer Nashville International Writers’ Conference.
Silver Falchion for Best Fiction Adult Suspense 2017 by Killer Nashville.
Finalist Mystery Category for the 2017 RONE Award by InD’tale Magazine.
Silver Medal 2017 Fiction Thriller, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards.
Danger In The Coyote Zone-First Release October 2017; Second Edition May 2020.
First Place Award in Action/Adventure Category of 2018 Latino Books into Movies.
Finalist in the Thriller category 2018 by Killer Nashville.
Finalist 2018 Thriller Category Book Excellence Awards.
Revenge In Barcelona-Released December 2019. Winner 2020 Latino Books Into Movies, Latino Themed TV Series.
Children’s 1800s US Historical Fiction. Intended For Middle Grade+ Readers!
5-Stars: Siblings Forced To Keep A Secret And Band Together To Save Their Ranch!
The Box M Gang by Mark Redmond.
Children’s 1800s US Historical Fiction.
The year is 1875. The Arizona Territory is a wild, sparsely settled place. The Martin family’s Box M Ranch is ten miles from their nearest neighbor and twenty miles from Tucson. Ma has been gone for two years, and Pa hasn’t been the same since she passed. Something inside him broke when he lost her. Fifteen-year-old Ruth, fourteen-year-old Thad, twelve-year-old Sarah, ten-year-old Bart, and eight-year-old Billy have been doing most of the work to keep the Box M running. Consequently, when Pa passes away, the Martin siblings face little change in their daily routine as far as their chores go.
They do, however, face an ominous threat. Ruth, Thad, and Sarah know they can continue to run the Box M without Pa. They also know if folks discover Pa has passed away, the local lawman will load the Martin siblings into a buckboard and haul them off to the orphanage near Tucson. Ruth is confident she, Thad, and Sarah can protect their secret from the occasional travelers who visit the Box M, but she’s concerned about Bart and Billy. They need to practice their conversations with each other to prepare for talking with strangers. They need to pray for God’s help as they tackle a nearly impossible task. They need to work together. They need to become the Box M Gang.
During the next few months, visitors to the Box M include the sheriff, a bounty hunter, cattle rustlers, and a family with five small children. Some of the visitors stay long enough to rest and water their livestock. Some spend the night and move on the next day. Others overstay their welcome. All of them pose a threat to the Martins.
Can they keep their secret and remain on the Box M? Saddle up, and let’s find out!
5-Stars: Siblings Forced To Keep A Secret And Band Together To Save Their Ranch!
Fifteen-year-old Ruth Martin is the oldest of the five Martin children. Her bravery, love for her siblings, her faith, and her leadership take “The Box M Gang” on a path to secure their future together and save their ranch. It can’t be easy for 5 kids to keep the biggest secret of their lives, and yet their very survival will rely on their promise to each other.
As an adult and grandparent, I bonded with these kids on the first page. I held my breath as I imagined the wild, sparsely settled Arizona Territory in 1875. The Martin family’s ranch is ten miles from their nearest neighbor and twenty miles from Tucson. The dangers to the children and their ranch animals are compounded by thieves, cattle rustlers, squatters, outlaws, the local sheriff and a possible murderer in the area.
Let me bring you into their story here. This is the morning after the kids have made their secret pact. I quote:
…The next morning, as usual, we left the house just after sunrise, ready to begin our daily chores. I saddled our bay mare so I could ride out to check on our livestock. I led the mare from the stable and paused to look around me. Sarah was scrubbing our clothes in a wooden tub. Bart was milking the cow. Billy was gathering eggs in the chicken pen. Thad was replacing a broken post in the corral fence. Everything looked the way it should on the Box M Ranch.
…I smiled as I mounted the horse and started her toward the pasture. The sun was shining; the morning air was cool and fresh. The day would be beautiful. I had just started to hum an old hymn when I spotted the buzzards.
…Now, I know that buzzards have a purpose, just like most of God’s creatures. Ma had told me one time that if buzzards didn’t clean up dead animals, the whole world would stink. I believed her, but I still felt a little sick whenever I saw those nasty birds circling over something dead or dying.
…These buzzards were already flying low, and they were dropping rapidly. When I realized they had to be flying over our pasture, I nudged the mare to a gallop. As I approached the pasture, I slowed her to a walk, rode to the gate, and reached down to let myself in.
I invite you to join Ruth as she makes a startling discovery.
No one brings fictional western drama to life for young readers like Mark L. Redmond. You can rest assured when your middle grade reader has Mr. Redmond’s book in his or her hands: their imaginations will soar, their spirits will be lifted, and their lives will be better for the lessons woven into action-adventure drama with captivating characters their own age. Don’t forget to also pick up The Box M Gang and the Army (Book Two) In the Box M Gang Series. In addition, The Adventures of Arty Anderson, a 6-book series, is also available in print and kindle for your middle grade readers.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Review by G: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Fantastic read! Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022. Verified Purchase. In The Box M Gang, newly orphaned Ruth Martin and her brother Thad, along with their younger siblings, tackle the challenges of running their ranch themselves rather than hazarding their future to the local orphanage. They must work together, be brave, and keep their secret quiet! Author Mark Redmond delights his audience once again with his knowledge of the old west, strong characters (both male and female!), charming storytelling, and clever dialog. His writing will enchant young readers and also entertain any older readers invited along on this adventure. All five stars are shining over this great read.
Reviews by Kathryn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wholesome and entertaining for any age. Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022. Just seeing Mark L. Redmond’s name lets me know I’m in for some refreshing good reading and another book I can gift or recommend. “The Box M Gang” didn’t let me down. As usual, it’s a great family read-together, youngsters read-alone, and no upper-age limit on enjoying. Written in the manner so many of us grew up with, the story has adventure and a moral without sounding teachy or preachy. Appreciate Redmond’s not lowering his standards as so many writers have done, thinking it necessary to reach today’s youth. We who write have the responsibility to keep those standards high.
Review by MomTimes4: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another fun book from Mark Redmond. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022. I really enjoy getting Mark Redmond’s books for our kids….they are clean and well-written, without annoying proofing mistakes. I can trust them to my kids without previewing them and know there will be nothing objectionable in them. But we have also enjoyed reading his books WITH our kids over the years. They are even great for grandparents to read with their grands. His Arty Anderson was a favorite series for my dad and the grandkids to enjoy and discuss together.
In this new Box M Gang book, we are introduced to an entirely new cast of characters, some loveable, some that I’m still not sure about, and a few that absolutely made my blood pressure rise in frustration.
Redmond has the knack of character development! The story resolved well, but leaves you ready and waiting for the next in the series. We’ll be waiting for it…. 🙂
Review by Tholritz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. You won’t be disappointed. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022. After reading & loving the Arty Anderson series and the Nate Landry series, we weren’t sure what this new series would be like, but we were sure we’d love it too. We were right! I read the first book in The Box M Gang series to my 10-year-old son and he would beg me to keep reading each night. We both enjoyed the humor and suspense. As a mom, I loved the family/ godly values presented and the way the siblings work together as a team. The chapter sizes were the perfect length for reading before bed and kept us excited for the next night we could read again. We can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. In the meantime, we are starting the Arty Anderson series again. ? I highly recommend everything Mark Redmond writes. We’ve never been disappointed.
Review by Phil Truman. 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Growing Up Fast on the Arizona Frontier. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. Mark Redmond’s initial setup of his new western series about 5 orphaned siblings in the Arizona frontier, is a compelling read for teens. Packed with drama and captivating characters, the story weaves through the trials of fifteen-year-old Ruth and her brother Thad as they struggle to keep their young family together after their father’s death. On their small ranch, they bravely battle through threats from rustlers, squatters, outlaws, and the local sheriff. It is a gripping read striped with faith-based undertones. I highly recommend this opening novel in what promises to be a strength-of-character series. Phil Truman, author of Dire Wolf of the Quapaw and other Western novels.
Review by Amy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect book for readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022. In a world full of books for kids that are shallow, full of terrible grammar, and iffy on subject matter this book is a welcome breath of fresh air. The author tells a captivating story while exemplifying great writing, good morals, and fantastic values. If your kid is going to read a good book this is worth their time. I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed it too as a quick read. You won’t regret spending time reading this book or any of the others by this author.
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Not an author but an artist. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. As per the title, I consider Mark Redmond an artist. He vividly paints you a picture of the old west. Mark’s words jump from the page, making you feel you are not only a reader but are part of the story as it unfolds. I have read his other books and already knew this one was a must read. Isn’t it just so great when you find one of those books that completely drags you in, makes you fall in love with the characters, and demands that you sit on the edge of your seat.
Review by Mac Rollins: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Terrific Western Story for Young Readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2022. Author Mark L. Redmond has done it again. The Box M Gang is back with another Western Adventure. It is great to see a book, that any parent, would feel good about giving to their child. Full of action to draw you into the story with likable, believable main characters. No, you won’t find zombies or aliens. There’s nothing that will embarrass you or your young reader. The Box M Gang is a great way to hook a child on clean, adventure books with a sprinkling of Old West History & Lore.
In 1876, five siblings on an Arizona Territory ranch have to hide the fact they’re orphans. If the authorities discover their secret, the Martin children will be removed from the Box M and placed in an orphanage in Tucson. The secret is safe with fifteen-year-old Ruth, fourteen-year-old Thad, and twelve-year-old Sarah; but can ten-year-old Bart and eight-year-old Billy keep it? To make matters worse, the Martins have made a commitment that they won’t lie to Sheriff Packard or any other people who visit the ranch and wonder where the adult Martins are. These five siblings are about to have their faith and their courage tested as they’ve never been tested before!
Review by G: Fantastic read! Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022. Verified Purchase. In The Box M Gang, newly orphaned Ruth Martin and her brother Thad, along with their younger siblings, tackle the challenges of running their ranch themselves rather than hazarding their future to the local orphanage. They must work together, be brave, and keep their secret quiet! Author Mark Redmond delights his audience once again with his knowledge of the old west, strong characters (both male and female!), charming storytelling, and clever dialog. His writing will enchant young readers and also entertain any older readers invited along on this adventure. All five stars are shining over this great read.
Review by Geibe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Excellent book! Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024. I teach 3rd grade at a small, Christian school. I read this book aloud with my students, and every one of them LOVED it! From the opening sentence that hooked us in to the problems and solutions that were revealed throughout, it is a WONDERFUL book! I have students who are now interested in a new genre- western books! Thank you, Mark, for sharing your gift with us!
Review by Kathryn: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wholesome and entertaining for any age. Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022.Just seeing Mark L. Redmond’s name lets me know I’m in for some refreshing good reading and another book I can gift or recommend. “The Box M Gang” didn’t let me down. As usual, it’s a great family read-together, youngsters read-alone, and no upper-age limit on enjoying. Written in the manner so many of us grew up with, the story has adventure and a moral without sounding teachy or preachy. Appreciate Redmond’s not lowering his standards as so many writers have done, thinking it necessary to reach today’s youth. We who write have the responsibility to keep those standards high.
Review by MomTimes4: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Another fun book from Mark Redmond. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022. I really enjoy getting Mark Redmond’s books for our kids…. they are clean and well-written, without annoying proofing mistakes. I can trust them to my kids without previewing them and know there will be nothing objectionable in them. But we have also enjoyed reading his books WITH our kids over the years. They are even great for grandparents to read with their grands. His Arty Anderson was a favorite series for my dad and the grandkids to enjoy and discuss together. In this new Box M Gang book, we are introduced to an entirely new cast of characters, some loveable, some that I’m still not sure about, and a few that absolutely made my blood pressure rise in frustration. :)Redmond has the knack of character development! The story resolved well but leaves you ready and waiting for the next in the series. We’ll be waiting for it…. 🙂
Review by Tholritz: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. You won’t be disappointed. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022.After reading & loving the Arty Anderson series and the Nate Landry series, we weren’t sure what this new series would be like, but we were sure we’d love it too. We were right! I read the first book in The Box M Gang series to my 10-year-old son, and he would beg me to keep reading each night. We both enjoyed the humor and suspense. As a mom, I loved the family/ godly values presented and the way the siblings work together as a team. The chapter sizes were the perfect length for reading before bed and kept us excited for the next night we could read again. We can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out. In the meantime, we are starting the Arty Anderson series again. ? I highly recommend everything Mark Redmond writes. We’ve never been disappointed.
Review by Phil Truman: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Growing Up Fast on the Arizona Frontier. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. Mark Redmond’s initial setup of his new western series about 5 orphaned siblings in the Arizona frontier, is a compelling read for teens. Packed with drama and captivating characters, the story weaves through the trials of fifteen-year-old Ruth and her brother Thad as they struggle to keep their young family together after their father’s death. On their small ranch, they bravely battle through threats from rustlers, squatters, outlaws, and the local sheriff. It is a gripping read striped with faith-based undertones. I highly recommend this opening novel in what promises to be a strength-of-character series. Phil Truman, author of Dire Wolf of the Quapaw and other Western novels.
Review by Amy: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Perfect book for readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2022. In a world full of books for kids that are shallow, full of terrible grammar, and iffy on subject matter this book is a welcome breath of fresh air. The author tells a captivating story while exemplifying great writing, good morals, and fantastic values. If your kid is going to read a good book this is worth their time. I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed it too as a quick read. You won’t regret spending time reading this book or any of the others by this author.
Review by Mac Rollins: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Terrific Western Story for Young Readers! Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2022. Author Mark L. Redmond has done it again. The Box M Gang is back with another Western Adventure. It is great to see a book that any parent, would feel good about giving to their child. Full of action to draw you into the story with likable, believable main characters. No, you won’t find zombies or aliens. There’s nothing that will embarrass you or your young reader. The Box M Gang is a great way to hook a child on clean, adventure books with a sprinkling of Old West History & Lore.
Review by Mike Wson: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Awesome book. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022. This author is a very good writer. The Box M Gang is a very good book! When I heard that a new series was coming out, I was very excited! I started reading from this author in his book Arty Goes West and very soon we had the whole Arty series and also his Nate Landry books and his book 5 For the Trail too. I am really looking forward to not only reading his future books but also rereading the books I already have. GET THE BOOK! YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED ??
Review by Earlita Hampton: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Great story line. Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2022. I am so glad to be able to tell you how awesome this book is. I sat down and read this in one sitting and loved the storyline. I can’t wait to get a copy for my daughter to read. If you have had a chance to read any other books by Mark Redmond, this book follows right in line with those great writings. You will not be disappointed!!!
Review by MARI: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. It captivates you immediately. Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022. I read this book in 1 day. It was so captivating. The story line has some unexpected twists & turns that kept me from putting the book down. It doesn’t disappoint. It leaves you salivating for more. I’m looking so forward to next on-line in this series! Love that it is for any group!
Review by Kindle Customer: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Redmond does it again. Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022. Mark Redmond once again hits the mark with his second book in the series. You are pulled into the story with the characters you have already fell in love with eagerly turning the page as the story progresses. Highly recommend.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,745 I belong to an online Historical Novels discussion group. It is a lively assemblage with lots of discussions ranging from how one researches historical novels to selecting book titles. Most recently someone started a discussion about being politically correct in historical novels. The result has been a long… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,195 Author Larry Witham!(Editor, Journalist & Artist) The Art Crime Series:Former navy intel sleuth Julian Peale turns art-crime investigator.He left the battlefield for the artworld and found a different kind of war. The Haunted Artist by Larry Witham. 2025-Release: Julian Peale Art-Crime Mystery, No. 4. The death of Sam… Continue reading →
After losing her long-term partner, through poetry and essay, author Mary Deal shares the turmoil and oftentimes bewildering depths of her grief.
This memoir exposes the spectrum of emotions with which those suffering loss will become familiar or already experience. The author holds back nothing of her odyssey of despair. Her experiences and much she has learned to help herself provide other survivors a chance to see that they are not alone. Though everyone’s grief is different, all grief is surprisingly similar in its basis. Hope is found in familiarity with another’s grief and no one should endure the bereavement process alone.
Following the author’s progression through relentless sorrow, and finally redemption, lets others know there is validation for their emotional suffering. An easing of the pain occurs as the memory of loss takes its place among all other memories of the life shared with departed loved ones. This memoir offers helpful advice for survivors who endure their grief, until the puzzle of life meshes back together again in a new pattern.
5 Stars: Mary Deal’s Strength And Love Is A Gift To Us All!
Mary Deal’s book ‘Grief Is Love’ is a testament to enduring love. Mary shares her grief process while honoring the memory of her partner, Ronald Jerome Holte.
I am moved by Mary’s self-reflection and brutal honesty. Poignant short poems, are placed throughout the book, speaking in the language of heart and soul. I am convinced that poetry is the language spoken when normal conversation is not adequate, due to emotional trauma.
‘Grief Is Love’ is a gift to those going through the grieving process, and a special gift to those of us who need to prepare for the loss of someone we love. This is a book that needs to be in everyone’s hands, because loss is inevitable. Reading about Mary’s experiences, regrets, and even mistakes, will help others make plans, and find solace through the process. I admire Mary’s strength and her kind words for those giving their support to her, in a variety of ways.
Mary clearly states in her introduction: “Some of the writings included here are sad and heart-wrenching while others may simply be emotionally raw. I am baring my heart. If I can’t do that, then what is there with which you who suffer and seek support might find rapport and validation for your own grief and nearly unnatural experiences? As I am learning, grief is not something anyone should have to do alone. The creation of this book comes from a place of pain. Most books I’ve read dealing with grief and bereavement are written, perhaps a year or more after the author has developed a better grip on their own anguish. Yet, the writing seemed sterile and formal, at least to me. I write this book from inside my pain, while it is ongoing and, at times, maddening.”
It will take courage to read this book and use it as blueprint for your own grieving process. It will take even more courage to give it to someone who is experiencing some form of grief. Giving this book away is an act of compassion. This book should be placed in hospitals, nursing homes, hospice and funeral locales. Mary is donating some of this book’s profits to the ‘American Cancer Society-Renal Research’.
Mary’s final thought: “For those who wish to learn more about the ability to sit quietly and sort out their thoughts, please read my bestselling, award-winning book titled Hypno-Scripts: Life-Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Mediation.”
Mary is an artist, photographer, and former editor of a print magazine and newspaper columnist. She is an Amazon best-selling and award-winning author of five suspense/thriller novels: “The Ka,” a paranormal suspense taking place among the tombs in Egypt; her 3-book Sara Mason thriller series contains “River Bones,” “The Howling Cliffs,” and “Dead to Life” which start in her childhood hometown area but reaches Vietnam and Hawaii. Another thriller, “Down to the Needle,” is set on the west coast. “Legacy of the Tropics,” is an adventure/suspense spanning from the Caribbean to the Hawaiian Islands. “Off Center in the Attic” is a collection of over-the-top short stories and flash fiction pieces, and “Sea Cliff – A Love Story,” contemporary romance set in San Francisco. Her nonfiction books are, “Write It Right – Tips for Authors,” a complete guide for writers, and “Hypno-Scripts – Life-Changing Techniques Using Self-Hypnosis and Meditation.” “Grief Is Love –A Memoir of Surviving Bereavement” recounts the author’s own grief, written to offer help to others experiencing similar heartache from the loss of a loved one.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 2,373 The Adventures of Cocoa and Cream-Remarkable Twin Ponies by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne. Meet Cocoa and Cream, the amazing twin ponies with wild, untamed manes! They are anything but ordinary. Cocoa and Cream have a big dream: to teach little kids how to ride and help them discover their incredible… Continue reading →
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 1,345 My Bully, My Aunt, & Her Final Gift By Harold Phifer. Sometimes The Death Of A Loved One Can Fix Your Pain! Fiction (Dystopian) “It’s Far From Being Grim With Laughter Til The End” In “My Bully, My Aunt, and Her Final Gift”, Harold Phifer revisits the complicated… Continue reading →
5-Stars: Pulse Racing Paranormal Medical Thriller, That Brings Haunting To A Whole New Level.
Death’s Pale Flag by Gary Simonds.
A highly-successful brain surgeon begins to encounter ghosts.
Brain surgeon and unlikely war hero, Ryan Brenan, has it all. A booming practice, a beautiful home in an idyllic setting, and a happy loving family. Then, the apparitions begin. Subtle at first, but soon there’s no doubt about it, he’s seeing ghosts, spirits, the undead. Of course, he could just be going nuts, cracking under the pressure of his constant exposure to death, mayhem, and tragedy. But, he believes he has proof that the ghosts are very real, and that they are specifically haunting him.
5-Stars: Pulse Racing Paranormal Medical Thriller, That Brings Haunting To A Whole New Level.
Author and neurosurgeon Gary Simonds, masterfully draws his readers into both the professional and chaotic neurosurgery universe. I was struck with the sheer humanity and even venerability of the neuro surgical team. We tend to put our medical professionals on hero pedestals. This intensifies the already perfectionistic, workaholic, overcommitted struggle for achievement, among these medical personalities in danger of succumbing to human fallacy.
Pregnant with their third, Environmental Lawyer Kelly Brenan and her husband Ryan Brenan (Neurosurgeon) leaves the bustle of DC. They settled their growing family into a rambling old farmhouse with lots of land and new opportunities within the community of New Bethany, Pennsylvania.
You now have a front row seat in the neurosurgery ward, and in the lives of the neurosurgery team, at the Carriere Clinic. The intense, life and death drama, that unfolds professionally and personally will keep you turning the pages. Follow Ryan’s personal journey, as paranormal entities start to reveal themselves to him, causing him to fight for his sanity, and his family. Witness the keystrokes and images as Ryan is forced into a macabre treasure hunt. Ryan believes he has proof; the dark lady, and the other ghosts are real. Does he find enough evidence to convince his wife Kelly and other important people around him?
Let me bring you into the story here: “It was as if the undead were determined to become regular fixtures in his life. Perhaps it was New Bethany, though, and not him. Perhaps the place was overrepresented in the metaphysical world. Or could it have something to do with the jeep? He seemed to experience so many of his “interfaces” when in the jeep. It had been his father’s. When his father died, his mother put it in storage until he could drive. He loved the beat-up old thing, but could it be some sort of spook receiver? Who knew? The only thing of which Ryan was certain was that he needed a break, a reprieve, an armistice with the world of the dead. His wits were fraying; his pistons, overheating. So, he clung to the promise of an upcoming escape—only a couple of weeks away—a neurosurgical meeting in Miami. Seven glorious days away from the apparently very haunted Susquehanna Valley. Surely the spirit world couldn’t flourish in the bright sun and salty air of South Beach. It wouldn’t be long and he would be in another world altogether— one bursting with life and youth and play. And as icing on the cake, he’d be accompanied by Kelly.”
Will this retreat bring Ryan the mental rest and family time that he yearns for?
I highly recommend Death’s Pale Flag by Gary Simonds. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I was surprised by the ending. The story will challenge some of your preconceived ideas while entertaining you with humor, family drama, and the thrill of paranormal activity.
Editorial Review and Endorsement by Book Marketing Global Network.
Product Details: Paperback: 399 Pages Publisher: BQB Publishing (May 2, 2023) Language: English Medical Thriller Supernatural Thriller Ghost Fiction Thriller Paranormal Thriller Family Drama
READERS/FOLLOWERS: 4,211 One of the first questions anyone asks me about the book is why I chose the title, The Madonna Ghost. Some readers think that it is a reference to the singer, Madonna. It is not. The original meaning of the word, Madonna, is an Italian formal form of… Continue reading →
