Ghost Dreams by Matthew Hughes Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A thief comes into contact with the spirit of a woman who lost her child when she was wrongfully thrust into an asylum for her inheritance in the 1940s, and together with his daughter they must contend with her vengeful spirit and the men who wronged her in life in order to uncover the truth behind her child’s fate in author Matthew Hughes’s “Ghost Dreams”.

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The Synopsis

Commercial burglar Stan Winkelman encounters the ghost of Jane Manchester, wrongly confined for life in a 1940s insane asylum by a powerful family. She wants to know what happened to Harmon, the baby boy that was stolen from her.

Aided by Jeannie, his ghost-obsessed autistic daughter, Stan and Jane begin a quest to find Harmon, or his descendants. But their search will run them afoul of Andrew Bigelow, reclusive heir to the fortune Jane was robbed of.

And Bigelow is in cahoots with a murderous crew who deal in guns and blood diamonds and will stop at nothing to keep their crimes hidden.

Stan uses his burglar skills to uncover the truth, but that will draw him and Jeannie into a deadly confrontation, with the vengeful spirit of Jane Manchester his only ally. 

The Review

This was a brilliant and powerful story. The blend of crime thriller, mystery, and horror that this story infuses into itself was captivating to read. The heavy atmosphere and compelling chemistry between the cast of characters made this feel like the perfect modern-day gothic ghost story, with a tone that felt like it could have easily fit into a more Victorian-era period if not for the modern-day Washington setting. 

The heart of this narrative had to be in the mystery components of the story and the character development, especially for the protagonist. The complexity of the protagonist’s background and journey, from a thief and morally questionable history to his somewhat heroic turn to find justice and answers for the spirit of this young woman and how they bond together in the face of this tragic backstory, made this a thrilling read. The shocking series of events that unearth the truth behind not only Jane’s history but the truth behind Bigelow’s life, in general, will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, chilling, and entertaining, author Matthew Hughes’s “Ghost Dreams” is a must-read crime thriller and horror mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative help elevate the character growth of the protagonist and the cast of characters greatly, and readers will be invested heavily as the story and mystery unravel over time. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Liverpool, his family moved to Canada when he was five years old. Married since late 1960s, he has three grown sons. He is currently relocated to Britain. He is a former director of the Federation of British Columbia Writers.

A university drop-out from a working poor background, he worked in a factory that made school desks, drove a grocery delivery truck, was night janitor in a GM dealership, and did a short stint as an orderly in a private mental hospital. As a teenager, he served a year as a volunteer with the Company of Young Canadians.

He has made his living as a writer all of his adult life, first as a journalist in newspapers, then as a staff speechwriter to the Canadian Ministers of Justice and Environment, and, since 1979, as a freelance corporate and political speechwriter in British Columbia.

His short fiction has appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’sAsimov’sThe Magazine of Fantasy & Science FictionPostscriptsInterzone, and a number of “Year’s Best” anthologies. Night Shade Books published his short story collection, The Gist Hunter and Other Stories, in 2005.

He has won the Arthur Ellis Award from the Crime Writers of Canada. His novels and stories regularly make the Locus Magazine annual recommended reading list. 

http://www.matthewhughes.org/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BNLXQNQ7/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F63894559-ghost-dreams%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3DUfAc7G1LF2%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

Witching Moon by K.E. Bonner Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman who has always sought something more in life saves a man from a shipwreck, and discovers a new path that leads away from her comfortable home and into the world of immortals in author K.E. Bonner’s “Witching Moon”.

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The Synopsis

Every once in an eon, when the Earth eclipses the moon on a winter solstice, an immortal is born under a witching moon. Anne has always had the strangest feelings—memories she couldn’t place; strangers she inexplicably yearned for. After she rescues the enigmatic Phillip from a shipwreck, her comfortable life on the island of Cusabo is shattered, and the mystery of her destiny starts to fall into place. Anne leaves behind the life she’s always known and sets out with Phillip on an arduous journey to Amaranth, where her ancient family awaits her. But the path is dark and daunting, and Anne’s powers have only just begun to manifest.

The Review

This was an incredible blend of YA Historical Fiction meets YA Sword & Sorcery Fantasy! The world-building the author goes through in this book is incredible, as the author delves both into the tail-end of the American Civil War in South Carolina and quickly delves deeper into this fantasy world of magic and power beyond imagination. The imagery and adventurous tone the author strikes keep readers on the edge of their seats as the story becomes more and more engrossing. 

The way the author was able to capture the era for which this narrative hails and balance it with fantastic character development was what really kept me invested in this story. The wonderment that protagonist Anne views this new world through after leaving behind the only place and life she’s ever known made this story so profound, and the coming-of-age tale of this young woman discovering her power was both inspiring and entertaining to read and see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Captivating, engaging, and harrowing, author K.E. Bonner’s “Witching Moon” is a must-read fantasy meets historical fiction YA novel. The magical nature of the narrative blends well with the protagonist and her historical era upbringing, and the twists and turns in the character’s arc will keep readers glued to their books as the story winds down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

K. E. Bonner, author of Witching Moon,was always the first kid to sit down during a spelling bee. It wasn’t until she was an adult that she was diagnosed with dyslexia, which explained why she always had to study three times harder than her peers. Being dyslexic taught her perseverance and kindness, her two favorite attributes. She lives in Georgia with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. When not writing, she loves to read, swim, explore new places, and meet fascinating people. If you have a dog, she would love to scratch behind its ears and tell it what a good pup it is.

Learn more about K.E. Bonner on her website or follow her on Instagram @kebonnerwrites. 

You can purchase a copy of Witching Moon on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add Witching Moon to your Goodreads reading list.

Blog Tour Calendar

December 19th @ The Muffin
Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of K.E. Bonner’s blog tour of Witching Moon. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book!
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com


December 20th @ Mindy McGinnis’s blog
Stop by Mindy’s blog to read “Release the Idea of Getting Rich or Published and Focus on Your Craft.” by K.E. Bonner
https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

December 20th @ Rockin’ Book Reviews

Join us as Lu Ann reviews Witching Moon.

http://www.rockinbookreviews.com

December 21st @ All the Ups and Downs

Join Heather as she spotlights Witching Moon. Enter to win a copy of the book!

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/


December 23rd @ Michelle Cornish’s blog
Visit Michelle’s blog to read her review of Witching Moon.
https://www.michellecornishauthor.com/blog

December 24th @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdra as she features a spotlight of Witching Moon.
https://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 27th @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews blog
Join Lisa for an interview with K.E. Bonner.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/


December 28th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Join us today for author Anthony Avina’s review of Witching Moon.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

December 30th @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog
Revisit author Anthony Avina’s blog to read “The Best Writing Advice I Received” by K.E. Bonner. 
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com


January 4th @ Bev Baird’s blog
Join us on Bev’s blog as she reviews Witching Moon.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com

January 5th @ The Knotty Needle
Stop by for Judy’s review of Witching Moon.
http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com

January 6th @ Bev Baird’s blog
Meet us back at Bev’s blog for “Ideas are Everywhere” a guest post by K.E. Bonner.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com


January 6th @ Look to the Western Sky
Join Margo as she reviews Witching Moon by K.E. Bonner.
https://margoldill.com/

January 7th @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog where she interviews author K.E. Bonner about her book Witching Moon.

https://chapterbreak.net/

January 9th @ Sue Edwards’s blog
Visit Sue’s blog to read “Magical Realism Surrounds Us” by K.E. Bonner.
https://suebe.wordpress.com/


January 10th @ Celtic Lady’s Reviews
Visit Kathleen’s blog and read her review of Witching Moon by K.E. Bonner.
https://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/

January 10th @ World of My Imagination
Stop by Nicole’s blog where K.E. Bonner is a guest for “Three Things on a Saturday Night.”
https://worldofmyimagination.com


January 12th @ Life According to Jamie
Join us as Jamie reviews Witching Moon
http://www.lifeaccordingtojamie.com


January 14th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda as she interviews author K.E. Bonner.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

January 15th @ Fiona Ingram’s author blog 

Stop by Fiona’s blog to see her spotlight feature of Witching Moon

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

January 16th @ the Freeing the Butterfly blog
Visit Freeing the Butterfly to read “Life is Short, Do What You Love” by K.E. Bonner.
https://www.freeingthebutterfly.com/blog

January 18th @ Jill Sheets’s blog 

Stop by Jill’s blog to read her interview with K.E. Bonner. 

https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/

The Crow Who Tampered with Time by Lloyd Ratzlaff Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Lloyd Ratzlaff shares profound and moving thoughts on life through powerful essays in his book “The Crow Who Tampered with Time”.

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The Synopsis

Lloyd Ratzlaff brings the prairie landscape to life through a capacious imagination charged with wonder and the gentle irony of an awareness tempered by time and love. A remarkable new talent in the burgeoning field of literary non-fiction, Ratzlaff connects with the challenges posed by scepticism and belief, countering both the cynicism and doctrinairism of contemporary life with a renewed praise of the profound depths of the spirit and the natural world.

The Review

This was a profound and thought-provoking read. The author did an incredible job of capturing some pretty strong themes, from faith and nature as more general themes to more intricate themes like the nature of reality itself and the need to focus on the here and now rather than the future constantly. The thoughtful atmosphere the author crafted balanced the personal nature of the author’s writing style.

The heart of this narrative was in the author’s personal and heartfelt delivery of each essay. The connection the author shares to his homeland of Saskatchewan in Canada and how the land doesn’t connect to bodies of water made for powerful imagery and a great way to input imagery into the author’s writing style. The wonderment and spiritual nature o the author’s experiences and views will resonate greatly with many readers.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, captivating, and engaging, author Lloyd Ratzlaff’s “The Crow Who Tampered with Time” is a memorable collection of essays that readers will want to identify with. The emotional weight of this author’s experiences and the personal nature of each essay will allow readers to connect to the author’s messages and themes in a great way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Lloyd Ratzlaff is the author of a triptych of personal literary essays, the editor of an anthology of seniors’ writings published by READ Saskatoon, and a monthly columnist for Prairie Messenger Catholic Journal. He has served on the boards of several writing organizations and has taught writing classes for the University of Saskatchewan Certificate of Art & Design (USCAD) and the Western Development Museum. Both his creative non-fiction and professional pieces have been widely published throughout Canada and the United States. Ratzlaff lives in Saskatoon.

Dealer’s Child (A Jade & Sage Thriller Series) by Joanna Vander Vlugt Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman’s search for answers regarding her father’s death paints a target on her back as she seeks to uncover generations of drug dealers and ruthless criminals seeking vengeance in author Joanna Vander Vlugt’s “Dealers Child”, the latest book in the Jade & Sage Thriller Series. 

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The Synopsis

“First I will destroy you, then I will hurt the ones you love, then you’ll beg me for mercy.”

Jade Thyme delves into her mother’s free-spirited past to prove her father was murdered and hadn’t died from a cocaine overdose.

Legislative Clerk Adam Younghusband drops on Jade’s desk damning evidence regarding the island’s once feared drug dealer Oscar Cooper. Jade and Sage are targets as they uncover generations of dealers, while hiding from an arsonist determined to destroy them. From her mother’s ghost appearing on the picnic table, to a possessed typewriter tapping a warning,1968 clashes with the present as Jade uncovers a deadly secret while staying one step ahead of a murderer hellbent on revenge.

The Review

I absolutely loved this read. The author did an incredible job of finding the right balance between a crime thriller and a hint of paranormal influence and delved into the occult. The world-building of this dynamic sister duo and the investigations into their past were terrific to see come to life on the page, while the suspenseful atmosphere the author created kept readers invested in this mystery that felt like the perfect blend of real-world crime issues such as drug use and violence with more supernatural elements.

The heart of this narrative was the character development and the small yet meaningful detail the author put into the imagery of this book’s writing style. The raw and powerful themes of this narrative touch upon real-world issues that ace so many, from the violence and desperation that comes from the drug trade and addiction to the deep-seated bond the sisters share as they delve both into the modern-day mystery of their father’s death and the mystery surrounding their late mother in the past and her relationship with a gangster, made this story shine brightly. The intricate details of the imagery really made the story pop into the reader’s mind, as if watching a film come to life.

The Verdict

Harrowing, emotional, and thrilling, author Joanna Vander Vlugt’s “Dealer’s Child” is a must-read novel and a great addition to the Jade & Sage Thriller Series! The twists and turns in the narrative and the depth of the character’s journey as they evolve and grow will have readers engaged with this story immensely. The imagery and atmosphere brought the best elements of both the crime thriller and occult horror genres and found a happy medium that kept the story alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Joanna Vander Vlugt is an indie author and illustrator. She hosts a podcast called JCVArtStudio from the Dressing Room which provides authors and artists an opportunity to tell their story–a dress rehearsal before taking their book launch or art show on the road.

Her legal thriller Dealer’s Child is a 2021 Canadian Book Club Awards finalist and The Unravelling, the first novel in her paranormal thriller series, was a 2019 Canadian Book Club Awards finalist. Her previous publications include her short essay No Beatles Reunion for the Dropped Threads 3 anthology, Beyond the Small Circle; Egyptian Queen for the Dead in the Water mystery anthology and The Parrot and Wild Mushroom Stuffing for the Blood on the Holly mystery anthology.

Joanna’s art can be viewed on Instagram @jcvartstudio

https://www.jcvartstudio.net/

https://www.tiktok.com/@joannavandervlugt_author

https://www.instagram.com/joannavandervlugt_author_art/

Interview with Author Paul Justison 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I had always wanted to write, but so many things got in the way – family, kids, work, career. I did try though, but never found a project that excited me that gave me an incentive to keep going. After I retired, two of my kids asked me to put together a timeline of my youth. They just meant dates for – starting different schools, dropping out, moving to Haight-Ashbury, meeting their mother, etc. But it finally hit me – the project I could sink my teeth in was right in front of me. The sixties were a crucible for me. They were also one of the most intense periods in American History. Lenin said, “There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks when decades happen.” Well, in the 60s we had lots of weeks where decades happened. So, between my own crucible and the events happening all around me back then I had plenty or material to draw on for the book.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

After I had the idea of a book about the 60s, I looked at many of the books already out there about the sixties, and I thought two elements were missing. Most of the books were by or about famous people from those days, they didn’t give a picture of what it was like for 95% of the people, the non-celebrities. Last and most important, the sixties were a time of incredible energy and movement. And I didn’t read a single book that had pace, that conveyed the velocity of the times. So, I was inspired to make my contribution to sixties literature by creating a work with pace and where the characters were not celebrities, but regular denizens of the times.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book? 

The message of the book is simple – Here is a vivid portrait of the sixties and the counterculture.

4) What drew you into this particular genre? 

Coming-of-age was a natural fit for a story that drew heavily on my experience as a youth.

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership? 

I’ll have to defer on that question for a few months until my experience gives me an answer.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

The best answer I can give is a quote by James Baldwin: “Talent is insignificant. I know a lot of talented ruins. Beyond talent lie all the usual words: discipline, love, luck, but, most of all, endurance.” I would just stress endurance. I started my novel in 2013 and it’s coming out late in 2022.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon? 

I’m continuing to write, and I have a project that motivates me. It’s a novel about a family dealing with the dementia of a loved one. It’s personal.

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About the Author

Paul Justison dropped out of high school in 1966 and fled to Haight-Ashbury, spending most of the next two years there and in Marin County engaging in all the pleasures and follies that magical time had to offer. After the sixties ended, he went to college, started a career, and raised a family. He has been published in The Rumpus, The Gambler Mag, Flash Fiction Magazine, and Fiction on the Web. Lost and Found in the 60s is his first novel.

https://www.pauljustison.com/

Interview with Author George Veck

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing? 

I was born in Hastings but grew up in North West Wales, mainly living rurally. I started writing when I got the urge out of nowhere to learn how to write screenplays, slowly after getting tired of struggling to get any of these made or funded – other than those that could be done on a micro budget – I decided to give it a go converting some of them into novels. One of which became my first novel One Visit‘.  

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

A lot of my own experiences of living in poverty, seeing people routinely being let down by the system, and different mental health issues I’ve both suffered and seen others suffer with. 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That if you see signs of abusive parenting, even if said parents appear like respectable people through glib charm then do everything possible to help those children before their well-being becomes permanently affected. Also hopefully they’ll take away and have sympathy for the riveting affect and trauma of having your house taken over by drug dealers.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I love the raw nature of kitchen sink drama and have always found books/films that portray poverty in a relatable way fascinating. Having a way of highlighting often misunderstood stigmas around mental health and addiction while being able to hopefully contribute in some way also drew me to this genre. 

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5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Both Instagram and Facebook are decent. Facebook’s litany of different book sharing groups are invaluable, especially when you have a free promotion on. Reddit is especially good as well when a free promotion is on your book. 

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Don’t get beaten down by your first draft and its imperfections. That was the hardest thing for me to get over before going through the process enough to be able to power through the first draft while aiming for momentum more than perfection.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I am nearly through the first draft of my second novel Spurious Scrapper, a revenge drama also set in rural north west Wales. Once that is finished, I aim to write a novel comprised of a few short stories loosely intertwined and set in North Wales, all centring around the inequality of modern-day Tory induced poverty.  

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About the Author

I grew up in rural North West Wales, where hardships and a lack of opportunities spurred my passion for tackling tough subjects, such as poverty, addiction and mental health. Currently studying a masters degree in screenwriting at the University of South Wales, I’ve written and directed three short films. One Visit was the first feature-length screenplay I ever wrote, and through the exposure of this novel, I hope to garner interest and funding to turn it into a film one day. For news regarding my future novels and films, follow @vecks_gems_productions on Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/vecks_gems_productions

Interview with Author Justine Johnston Hemmestad 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’m a mother of seven kids, five of them grown, and a grandmother of two beautiful boys. But years before all of that, when I was 19 and newly married, the car I was driving was hit by a city bus. I sustained a severe brain injury and nearly died; my prognosis was not good. However, being a mother a few years after, as well as writing, helped me to slowly recover. Almost 15 years after my brain injury I started college again and now I have a Master’s Degree in English Literature (I felt that if I wanted to hone my writing skills I needed to read and learn from the masters of the craft). 25 years after my car accident my first book was published, and now 32 years after my car accident my third book has just been published. So writing has essentially been my rehab.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I was just learning that I have Scottish ancestry, and I also love Shakespeare and read that he had based the three witches in Macbeth on the Three Fates of ancient Greek lore. I thought that was so interesting and I asked, “What if…” which I wanted to explore. I felt there would be so many questions that would drive my story and there were. I’ve also always loved fantasy, so I knew those things would be the components for my story, but when I commissioned my oldest son Bradley Hemmestad to create a book cover for me was when I became really inspired – his art helped shape my story completely.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That we learn from past, present, and future – I would love readers to see things in a way they hadn’t thought of before, through the lens of fascination.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The realm of possibility drew me to fantasy. I love history and the lessons that fill history, then embellishing that history within fantasy so I can stretch boundaries.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I think I would be too scared to sit down with any of the main characters in my book; I think they would find it hard to contain their innate power. I imagine Clotho as so otherworldly that she likely wouldn’t communicate on human terms and would probably lose patience, I also think that Apollo would be terrifying because there’s no earthly limit to his power the judgements he makes, and I think Macbeth would be frightening because he was driven by the fortitude of his ancestors and the passion in his beliefs. They would all be larger than life. I really included any questions I want to ask them in my book itself – like what are ancient Greek gods doing in medieval Scotland?

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

https://aelpress.com/index.php/2022/08/31/macbeths-spinners-cover-reveal/ and https://www.amazon.com/Macbeths-Spinners-Justine-Johnston-Hemmestad-ebook/dp/B0BGQXWJ7P/ref=sr_1_5?crid=234DTASM14KLR&keywords=Antimony+and+Elder+Lace+Press&qid=1664473594&sprefix=antimony+and+elder+lace+press%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-5  and https://www.facebook.com/JustineJohnstonHemmestadauthor in addition to the wonderful interviews I’ve been so lucky to give.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Ask many, many questions of the characters in your story. They’ll reveal the direction they want to take. Listen to your dreams, like Toni Morrison did to write her masterpiece, Beloved. Don’t try to force your characters into a direction they don’t want to take or you’ll lose the sense of effortlessness that makes a story easy to get lost in.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

The future holds A LOT of writing. I’m trying to get the word out about my digital novel Macbeth’s Spinners, and I’m also working on another novel about the disappearance of Roanoke in early American history (I’m planning to infuse that story with fantasy as well). 

Thank you for this interview, Anthony!

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About the Author

Justine Johnston Hemmestad is an editor, the author of three novels, and is included in several anthologies, including Chicken Soup for the Soul: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injuries (after having been in a car accident that left her severely brain injured at 19). She is a graduate of The University of Iowa and has also graduated from the English Literature Master’s Degree program with distinction at Northern Arizona University. Her personal webpage is at https://know-your-craft.webnode.page/ , her amazon author’s page is at https://www.amazon.com/Justine-Johnston-Hemmestad/e/B01DHSLN0M?ref_=pe_1724030_132998060 and she’s on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JustineJohnstonHemmestadauthor 

My publisher and I are donating part of the profits to Laughing at My Nightmare charity https://www.laughingatmynightmare.com/         

Little Miss Fortune by Sans Emmert Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange or a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

The line between reality and fiction blurs for a writer as the dark inspiration for a new screenplay brings old enemies and danger to his doorstep, and triggers darkness within himself at the same time, in author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune”.

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The Synopsis

“Echoes of the JonBenét murder mystery permeate this exceptionally well executed, sinfully clever, and deeply absorbing psychological drama.” —Author David Aretha

‘Presumed Innocent’ meets ‘Sea of Love’ in this JonBenét Murder Whydunit

To escape the dark family secret that wrecked his childhood, aspiring screenwriter Damon loses himself in a movie world, becoming one with each character in his imagined plots. But that strength pales against the obsessive love he finds in his beautiful, can-do-no-wrong, Savannah spouse and their new son.

Haunting visions of her prior fling with an older married millionaire—who’d stolen her teenage virginity and corrupted her with dreams of the champagne life—kindle a brilliant revenge screenplay that could make Damon a millionaire.

But does the rich goliath still lurk? Damon’s paranoia redlines when the same dark secret suddenly seems to strike at his son. The eye-for-an-eye plot turns more sinister—and more real—as Damon rewrites the script to hurt his nemesis where it hurts most by stalking his pageant princess daughter. Will looking into her innocent eyes snap Damon from his deathly delusion?

“Dark and filled with a gritty tension that will leave readers feeling raw, Sans Emmert’s Little Miss Fortune is a twisted tale of love, deception, and the blurring of lines between reality and make-believe…. Sans Emmert has created an atmosphere that draws readers in, almost holding our breath as we fall deeper into the mind and perceptions of Damon’s world and his writing.

Razor taut throughout, readers will balance precariously on the edge of their seats waiting for that final shoe to fall…. Not for the faint of heart, this is a true test of the nature of man versus the nurturing of the soul. Highly recommended reading that is both chilling and haunting long after that final page.” —Tome Tender Book Blog

The Review

If I could sum up this psychological thriller and dark crime/horror read in one word, it would be chilling. Readers should first off be aware of some scenes implying acts of violence, including physical, psychological, and sexual in nature, all of which play an important role in the development of this main character. The haunting imagery of the narrative showcases the dark undertones this story hints at, and the rich development of these characters.

To me, the story excels due to the dynamic development of the main character and the essential themes the author touches upon. The horrifying backstory of the main character’s childhood and how it would impact his development and mindset overall was shocking and heartbreaking. The reason this character is so unique is that the story brings him into the role of both protagonist and antagonist at the same time, as he becomes his own worst enemy over time and the psychological impact of his past plays a role in the dark road he goes on. The themes of toxic masculinity, the impact violence, and toxic relationships can have on a child’s mind, and how young men need to be taught how to shed the mindsets that lead to those violent and dark sexual tones in their minds are all felt heavily in this narrative.

The Verdict

Captivating, haunting, and shocking, author Sans Emmert’s “Little Miss Fortune” is a must-read dark psychological thriller and horror novel. The way the story mirrors some of our own world’s true crimes will give the reader an equal amount of chills, as the author explores the cycle of violence and horror that often occurs in life, and how violence often begets violence. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sans Emmert is a former cancer researcher and biomedical product developer with a PhD in Molecular Medicine and a passion for Spanish guitar and beach volleyball. Little Miss Fortune is his debut novel.

https://www.facebook.com/LittleMissFortunebySansEmmert/

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08ZNT3VK9/ref=x_gr_w_glide_sin?caller=Goodreads&callerLink=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodreads.com%2Fbook%2Fshow%2F57766461-little-miss-fortune%3Fac%3D1%26from_search%3Dtrue%26qid%3DJRzFb3KJ1O%26rank%3D1&tag=x_gr_w_glide_sin-20

From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith, MFA Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Melanie Faith showcases to readers the path and means of taking their story from the writing phase to the publication phase in her book “From Promising to Published”. 

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The Synopsis

You’ve been writing and honing your craft for months or years and are curious about seeking publication for your latest project. Perhaps you wonder about the next steps in the process. Look no further!

This book has a little something for every writer interested in expanding their audience and sharing their writing with readers, from pre-writing and writing your drafts to choosing your market and the writing life before, during, and after publication.

Topics covered include:

  • The Lovely Littles: Breaking into Literary Magazines
  • The Spinning Spider: Keeping Track of your Brainchildren
  • Options, You’ve Got ’em: Traditional, Indie/Small, University Press, or Self-Publishing 
  • Two Streams with One Stone: To Simultaneously Submit or Not
  • Monetize it! Part One: All about the Benjamins; Monetize it! Part Two: Risk and a Swimming Metaphor
  • The Myth of the Fancy-Pants Tools
  • The Art of Writing the Author Bio
  • Paradox Meets Passion: Writer vs. Author
  • The Slam-Bam Reply: Now in Two Painful Varieties; Creative Noodling
  • F.U.N

and so much more!

The Review

This was such a thoughtful and meaningful read. Authors and aspiring writers will absolutely love this book. The author’s writing style was very pointed and personable, allowing the reader to feel more like they were in a conversation and less like they were being preached to. This friendly and relatable approach to the subject allows readers to connect more to the author’s message, and the lessons found within. 

I absolutely loved the amount of information the author was able to fit into this book. From the process of crafting an author bio and finding a target audience, to more thoughtful approaches such as making multiple submissions and finding a literary magazine to be featured in, as well as the differences between an author and a writer, this book does an incredible job of not only drawing the reader in but finding the right balance of inspiration and education.

The Verdict

Honest, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Melanie Faith’s “From Promising to Published” is a must-read guide and reference book on the publishing process for authors. The knowledge the reader is able to glean from this book and the writing style will allow readers to return to this book time and time again and keeps authors invested in learning the process of getting their work published in a cohesive way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Melanie Faith is a night-owl writer and editor who moves through the daytime world with her camera. She’s an introvert who likes to wear many hats, too, including as a poet, photographer, professor, and tutor. She’s been a doodler for years but just recently started to share her perfectly imperfect doodles. She loves to write about historical settings in poetry and prose, and this fall she taught both a Leaping Worlds class for historical fiction and time-travel writers as well as a university class about publishing. She especially enjoys creating nonfiction craft books that assist fellow authors on their writing paths, including books packed with tips about writing flash fiction and poetry. Her latest published craft books are: Photography for Writers, guides for teaching online and writing a research book respectively, and From Promising to Published: A Multi-Genre, Insider’s Guide to the Publication Process (all from Vine Leaves Press). Read more about her books, classes, and arts projects at https://melaniedfaith.com.

Purchase a copy of From Promising to Published on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

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Blog Tour Calendar

December 5th @ The Muffin

Join WOW as we celebrate the launch of Melanie Faith’s blog tour of From Promising to Publishing. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

December 5th @ Karen Brown Tyson

Visit Karen’s blog today and read about whether to monetize your writing or keep it a hobby.

December 7th @ Create Write Now

Visit Mari’s blog today to read a guest post by Melanie Faith about how to self-motivate.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

December 8th @ Margay Leah Justice’s Blog

Join Margay as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://margayleahjustice.blogspot.com/

December 9th @ Blunt Scissors Book Reviews

Jennifer shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith’s helpful book From Promising to Published.

https://www.instagram.com/bluntscissorsbookreviews/

December 10th @ World of My Imagination

Visit Nicole’s blog to catch her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://worldofmyimagination.com/

December 11th @ Shoe’s Seeds and Stories

Visit Linda’s blog as she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://lschuelerca.wordpress.com/

December 12th @ One Writer’s Journey

Sue shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith’s helpful book for writers From Promising to Published.

https://suebe.wordpress.com/

December 13th @ Lisa Haselton’s Book Reviews & Interviews

Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Melanie Faith about her book From Promising to Published.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog/

December 15th @ Mother Daughter Bookclub

Join Cindy as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://motherdaughterbookclub.com/

December 16th @ The Faerie Review

Lily shares her thoughts about Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

December 18th @ Michelle Cornish’ Blog

Come by Michelle’s blog and read Melanie Faith’s guest post about overcoming imposter syndrome.

https://www.michellecornish.com/blog

December 20th @ A Storybook World

Deirdra features a spotlight of Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

December 21st @ Elle Backenstoe’s Blog

Join Elle as she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

http://ellebackenstoe.com/

December 22nd @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Visit Anthony’s blog and read his review of From Promising to Published.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com/category/blog-tours/

December 23rd @ Help Me Naomi

Noami shares a review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://helpmenaomi.com/

December 24th @ The Mommies Reviews

Join Tara she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published and hosts a giveaway too.

https://www.themommiesreviews.com/

December 27th @ Mindy McGinnis’ Blog

Join Mindy’s blog today where author Melanie Faith shares tips on writing author bios that have personality and heart.

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

December 27th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Join Beverley as she reviews Melanie Faith’s book From Promising to Published.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

December 29th @ Beverley A. Baird’s Blog

Visit Beverley’s blog to read a guest post by Melanie Faith about the benefits of hiring a freelance editor and how to find a good fit.

https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/

January 2nd @ Elle Backenstoe’s Blog

Visit Elle’s blog again and read Melanie Faith’s guest post about the benefits of beta readers and how to find one.

http://ellebackenstoe.com/

January 3rd @ Editor 911

Join Margo as she features a guest post by Melanie Faith about the taking-on-too-much spiral.

https://editor-911.com/blog

January 4th @ Liberate & Lather

Visit Angie’s blog and read her review of From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. She hosts a giveaway and also interviews author Melanie Faith about her book.

https://liberateandlather.com/blog

January 5th @ Word Magic

Fiona reviews this helpful writing book From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith. Don’t miss it!

http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

January 7th @ Leslie’s Voice

Join Leslie as she reviews From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith.

https://lesliesvoice.com/