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Hello, book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Grace “Pacy” Lin, an acclaimed author and illustrator. She published her first book, The Ugly Vege…

Hello, book lovers! …

Hello, book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Grace “Pacy” Lin, an acclaimed author and illustrator. She published her first book, The Ugly Vegetables, in 1999, and since then, she has written and illustrated more than 25 books. Her work explores themes of cultural and racial identity, as well as friendship, family, and peace. In 2016, Lin delivered a TEDx talk titled “The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf,” advocating for greater diversity in children’s literature. She also hosts two podcasts—Book Friends Forever (…

This was my first time reading a romance short story by the husband-and-wife duo A. M. Kusi, and I found their writing style captivating. The story follows Tessa Matthews, a newly divorced woman, and …

This was my first ti…

This was my first time reading a romance short story by the husband-and-wife duo A. M. Kusi, and I found their writing style captivating. The story follows Tessa Matthews, a newly divorced woman, and her undeniable attraction to her Irish tattoo business partner, Roy.   Tessa accompanies Roy as his plus-one to his cousin’s wedding, set against the scenic backdrop of Shattered Cove’s seacoast and the lush Emerson farmland. Their friend and receptionist, Bella, also attends as the unofficial third wheel, still grieving the loss of her husband. Encouraged by the idea of moving forward, Bel…

This is the first contemporary short story I’ve read by Emily Josephine and I found her writing style engaging. The storyline revolves around Rachel and her two kids who are staying at her cousin Jo…

This is the first co…

This is the first contemporary short story I’ve read by Emily Josephine and I found her writing style engaging. The storyline revolves around Rachel and her two kids who are staying at her cousin Joe’s house for the past month while waiting on her husband to return and pick them up.  She’s enjoying Marilyn’s (Joe’s wife) mid-summer pool party when she’s approached by some snooty and condescending country club woman who immediately start judging her appearance—her sloppy ponytail, lack of makeup, no nail polish, and unshaved armpits. They even question whether her kids are ado…

Author’s Bio: Linda Murphy Marshall has a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing. She was a multi-linguist for the government for 30 years, working with more than …

Author’s Bio: Lind…

Author’s Bio: Linda Murphy Marshall has a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing. She was a multi-linguist for the government for 30 years, working with more than a dozen languages, going on dangerous work assignments to Africa. She worked as a Senior Research Scientist at the University of Maryland’s Center for Advanced Study of Language/CASL, a language think tank, specializing in African languages. Her 2022 memoir, Ivy Lodge: A Memoir of Translation and Discovery received a starred review from Kirkus. Her second memoir, Immersion: A Linguist’s Memoi…

Author’s Bio: “Moxie Gardiner” is the pen name of a writer, blogger, and traveler. The name “Moxie” was first bestowed upon her during a rare visit long ago to an upscale bar in her native B…

Author’s Bio: “M…

Author’s Bio: “Moxie Gardiner” is the pen name of a writer, blogger, and traveler. The name “Moxie” was first bestowed upon her during a rare visit long ago to an upscale bar in her native Buffalo, where posh regulars attempted to describe her rather rough West Side edges. She does have a soft side, however. She loves the smell of warm wood, the sound of insects in the evening, and the flashing underbellies of airplanes flying above the setting sun. After graduating from Buffalo State University, she moved to Washington to pursue a career in journalism that resulted in countless mag…

This is the first romantic suspense I’ve read by Jane Blythe, and I found her style to be captivating. The storyline revolves around a jewelry store robbery, a traumatized store owner, a crazed stal…

This is the first ro…

This is the first romantic suspense I’ve read by Jane Blythe, and I found her style to be captivating. The storyline revolves around a jewelry store robbery, a traumatized store owner, a crazed stalker, and an ex-husband/FBI agent assigned to track down the culprits.  Let’s meet Hannah Buffy, a divorced jeweler trying to rebuild her life after a traumatic event that shattered her marriage to FBI Agent Tom Drake. Three years ago, they both endured immense pain and decided to go their separate ways.  Fast forward to just a few days before Christmas, when Hannah’s jewelry store is robbe…

Author’s Bio:  S​haron J. Burton has actively served as a visual artist, art curator, poet, podcaster, teaching artist and creativity coach for 20 years in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas.  …

Author’s Bio:  S�…

Author’s Bio:  S​haron J. Burton has actively served as a visual artist, art curator, poet, podcaster, teaching artist and creativity coach for 20 years in the DC, Maryland and Virginia areas.  She is the founder of Spark Your Creative Coaching, where she works with artists, authors, writers and other creatives to unblock and reach their creative potential. She also serves as the host of the Spark Your Creative podcast (SoundCloud) focusing on midlife artists, writers and creatives.   She received her certification in creativity coaching from the Creativity Coaching Association. She c…

Author’s Bio: S. R. Webster has previously published works under the name Sandra R. Campbell, including paranormal thrillers Butterfly Harvest, Dark Migration, and The Dead Days Journal. Several of …

Author’s Bio: S. R…

Author’s Bio: S. R. Webster has previously published works under the name Sandra R. Campbell, including paranormal thrillers Butterfly Harvest, Dark Migration, and The Dead Days Journal. Several of her short stories have appeared in Suspense magazine and various horror anthologies. Notably, Chilling Entertainment produced her short story Abandoned for the Simply Scary podcast.   After a brief hiatus, S. R. Webster is back, ready to unleash a new wave of monsters and genre-bending mayhem. A Girl Named Ghost is her debut publication as S. R. Webster. She is a member of the Horror Writers A…

This is the first legal thriller I’ve read by Freya Atwood, and I found her style captivating. The story revolves around a deranged killer, a determined lawyer fighting to save her client from priso…

This is the first le…

This is the first legal thriller I’ve read by Freya Atwood, and I found her style captivating. The story revolves around a deranged killer, a determined lawyer fighting to save her client from prison, and a key witness who lives off the grid. Meet Sam Spencer, a lawyer who has recently inherited her father’s law firm after his passing. Longing to return to her early days of tackling criminal cases, Sam comes across an intriguing newspaper article titled Reluctant Murderer. It details the Golden Lake killer case, where Angie Rose, a 25-year-old woman, was discovered dead on the lake's shor…

This is the first contemporary romance I’ve read by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent, and I found her style to be engaging. This story is a prequel to her new Love You, Mai…

This is the first co…

This is the first contemporary romance I’ve read by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent, and I found her style to be engaging. This story is a prequel to her new Love You, Maine series. Let’s meet Kellan "Kell" Luview, an environmental policy fellow with an international NGO, the EEC, in Washington, D.C. Kell hails from a quirky small town in Maine called "Love You," where every day feels like Valentine's Day. He's romantically involved with Alissa, his confident and driven supervisor, who is also the head fellow. Recently, though, Alissa has been distant, ignoring …

Author’s Bio: Jeff Elkins is the author of 12 novels, 4 books on the craft of writing, and over 100 short stories. He prides himself in writing engaging stories with dynamic and interesting characte…

Author’s Bio: Jeff…

Author’s Bio: Jeff Elkins is the author of 12 novels, 4 books on the craft of writing, and over 100 short stories. He prides himself in writing engaging stories with dynamic and interesting characters. Almost all of his stories take place in Baltimore. He podcasts and coaches writers as “The Dialogue Doctor.” Currently, he lives north of Baltimore with his wife and 5 children.   Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your books? Jeff Elkins: All of my books have started with a scene. I’ll see in my imagination characters having a conversation or experiencing something emotion…

This is the first multicultural romance I've read by C.L. Donley, and I found her style to be simple, realistic, and engaging. The novel is more character-driven than plot-driven, which makes for an i…

This is the first mu…

This is the first multicultural romance I've read by C.L. Donley, and I found her style to be simple, realistic, and engaging. The novel is more character-driven than plot-driven, which makes for an intriguing read.Meet Anita Parker, a 38-year-old personal assistant to eccentric CEO Jonathan Jantzen. After six years of navigating his demanding personality and efficiently managing his business, Anita is surprised when, just as she's offered her dream job as a forensic investigator, Jonathan counters with a marriage proposal. The catch? It’s a six-month arrangement.Anita throws herself into pl…

Author Bio: Debbi Mack is the NY Times bestselling author of the Sam McRae and the Erica Jensen mystery series and other novels, a screenwriter, and producer of two podcasts: the Crime Cafe and Dark a…

Author Bio: Debbi Ma…

Author Bio: Debbi Mack is the NY Times bestselling author of the Sam McRae and the Erica Jensen mystery series and other novels, a screenwriter, and producer of two podcasts: the Crime Cafe and Dark and Twisted Alleys: A Film Noir Podcast, co-hosted with crime writer F.R. Jameson. She loves books, movies, Travel, cats, espresso, and Doctor Who—not necessarily in that order. You can find her online at debbimack.com.   Deliah Lawrence: What is your writing process?   Debbi Mack:  I tend to outline after I get the germ of an idea. I usually write from the first person, so I try to plan o…

Author’s Bio: Brian received his chemical engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1974 and has worked in the chemical industry, primarily in the environmental, health and safety area…

Author’s Bio: Bria…

Author’s Bio: Brian received his chemical engineering degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1974 and has worked in the chemical industry, primarily in the environmental, health and safety area since then.  Brian is also an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and serves as a part-time pastor at two small churches.  In that role he has written and delivered more than 500 sermons.     He lives in Elkton, MD with his wife, Emily and has two sons and seven grandchildren. While he has worked as an engineer during his adult life, he has had a life-long passion for all types…

This is the first billionaire romance I’ve read by Vivian Wood, and it won’t be the last. Vivian Wood writes about flawed alpha males and troubled women who captivate them, and she delivers that d…

This is the first bi…

This is the first billionaire romance I’ve read by Vivian Wood, and it won’t be the last. Vivian Wood writes about flawed alpha males and troubled women who captivate them, and she delivers that dynamic well in this billionaire-ballerina romance.  Let’s meet Calum Fordham, a billionaire, former ballet dancer, and the owner of Indica Tech and Indica Charities. He is ruggedly handsome, sometimes ruthless, but undeniably smitten with Kaia Walker, a struggling ballet dancer with dreams of dancing for the New York Ballet. To make ends meet and pay back her father’s debt ($200,000) for her…

Author’s Bio: Diane Helentjaris often writes about unsung lives. After spending the middle years of her career as a clinical physician and public health administrator, she returned to her humanities…

Author’s Bio: Dian…

Author’s Bio: Diane Helentjaris often writes about unsung lives. After spending the middle years of her career as a clinical physician and public health administrator, she returned to her humanities roots. In 2020, she was a finalist for the Iceland Writers’ Retreat Alumni Award. Her historic novel The Indenture of Ivy O’Neill won the 2024 Maryland Writers’ Association Novel competition in the Romance and Historical category. Her poems and short stories are featured in anthologies, including her chapbook Diaspora. Her latest book I Ain’t Afraid — The World of Lulu Bell Parr, Wild …

Author’s Bio: TJ Butler writes fiction and essays that are not all fun and games, teaches workshops, and coaches writers. Her work has appeared in media outlets such as Huffington Post, Insider, and…

Author’s Bio: TJ B…

Author’s Bio: TJ Butler writes fiction and essays that are not all fun and games, teaches workshops, and coaches writers. Her work has appeared in media outlets such as Huffington Post, Insider, and various literary journals. She owns a business that supports the arts, and she was one of those kids who wanted to be a writer when they grew up. BUST Magazine calls her recent short story collection, Dating Silky Maxwell “gritty, realistic, often unnerving, and far from glamorous.” Connect with her at TJButlerAuthor.com.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? TJ Butler: …

This is the first thriller I’ve read by Nick Stephenson and it certainly won’t be the last. I’m a huge fan of thrillers and I found that this author truly delivered on action, suspense and a gri…

This is the first th…

This is the first thriller I’ve read by Nick Stephenson and it certainly won’t be the last. I’m a huge fan of thrillers and I found that this author truly delivered on action, suspense and a gripping tale of greed and betrayal.   Let’s meet Leopold Blake, a billionaire and an expert criminology consultant for the FBI. He is hired by Jean Dubois, the Louvre’s senior art director to perform a full Security sweep of the place. However, Leopold discovers the theft of a painting (The Virgin and Child with St. Anne) and sets out to find out who stole it.  Unbeknownst to Leopold and his…

Author’s Bio: Award-winning novelist John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thrill…

Author’s Bio: Awar…

Author’s Bio: Award-winning novelist John DeDakis is a former editor on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer." DeDakis is the author of six novels in the Lark Chadwick mystery-suspense-thriller series. In his most recent novel, Enemies Domestic, Lark is a White House press secretary forced to make her extremely personal abort-or-not-to-abort decision in a highly toxic and polarized political fishbowl—all while dealing with an attack on the presidency itself.  DeDakis, a former White House correspondent, is a writing coach, manuscript editor, and regularly teaches novel writing at …

Author’s Bio: Linda Murphy Marshall has a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing. Her memoir, Ivy Lodge: A Memoir of Translation and Discovery received a starred r…

Author’s Bio: Lind…

Author’s Bio: Linda Murphy Marshall has a Ph.D. in Hispanic Languages and Literature and an MFA in Creative Writing. Her memoir, Ivy Lodge: A Memoir of Translation and Discovery received a starred review from Kirkus. She is an Associate for the National Museum of Language and a docent at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Her second memoir, Immersion: A Linguist’s Memoir, comes out September 24, 2024 and has already garnered a gold medal (2024 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner in Travel/Travel Guide) and has been reviewed by Kirkus ("A fluent and far-reaching celebration o…

This is the second Z.L. Arkadie contemporary romance I’ve read, this time with an interesting trope (enemies to lovers). For starters, the book is divided into three parts: 1 – High School Crush, …

This is the second Z…

This is the second Z.L. Arkadie contemporary romance I’ve read, this time with an interesting trope (enemies to lovers). For starters, the book is divided into three parts: 1 – High School Crush, 2 – A University Night and 3 – The Plan. This provides context of the longstanding family feud between the Groves and the Valentines – two wealthy families in the tech industry.  Let’s meet Paisley Grove, a high school software designer who has won several awards and now on her way to the prestigious Albrecht Institute of Technology in Boston on a full scholarship. Not having lots of fri…

Author’s Bio: C.L. Merklinger, the author of Interloper - The first novel in the Realms and Realities Series - grew up with an insatiable appetite for reading and all things scary.  Inspired by Hor…

Author’s Bio: C.L.…

Author’s Bio: C.L. Merklinger, the author of Interloper - The first novel in the Realms and Realities Series - grew up with an insatiable appetite for reading and all things scary.  Inspired by Horror Authors such as Ray Bradbury; Stephen King; Dean Koontz; and Edgar Allan Poe, she was also deeply influenced by great Mystery Character Authors such as Lawrence Sanders, Agatha Christie and Mary Higgins Clark.  Following her passions for Horror and the Paranormal she pulls from her experiences as an Empath which inspired her to write this series.  C.L. resides in the Chesapeake Bay area of …

Author’s Bio: Elizabeth Smith, who goes by Libby, lives in Parkville, Maryland with her husband Dennis. Her previous book, Twin Strokes, is about a young girl who suffered with a rare illness…

Author’s Bio: Eli…

Author’s Bio: Elizabeth Smith, who goes by Libby, lives in Parkville, Maryland with her husband Dennis. Her previous book, Twin Strokes, is about a young girl who suffered with a rare illness called Guillain-Barre Syndrome.   Smith, who enjoys writing children’s stories, senior jokes, articles and essays, has three children and two grandchildren. Her hobbies include, reading, writing, baking, walking, swimming, and listening to a variety of music. Among her favorite authors are Jan Karon, Adriana Trigiani, Matthew Kelly, Francine Rivers, and the late, Erma Bomback.   While gr…

This is the second Shelby Alexander thriller I’ve read and I remain steadfastly intrigued by Craig A. Hart. So, let’s meet Shelby Alexander, a former professional boxer nearing sixty who is thirty…

This is the second S…

This is the second Shelby Alexander thriller I’ve read and I remain steadfastly intrigued by Craig A. Hart. So, let’s meet Shelby Alexander, a former professional boxer nearing sixty who is thirty years older than his girlfriend, Carly. Carly needs her ex-boyfriend, James Blair to stop sending her text messages after she finds out he’s married with a child. She asks Shelby to deliver her message, but soon thereafter, James, his wife and child are murdered. This is where the story gets intriguing with Smith, the killer who wields the murder weapon…a knife with expertise.  Smith has a …

Author’s Bio: Virginia (Ginnie) Isaacs Cover grew up in Minnesota. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and has worked throughout her career with children and adults wit…

Author’s Bio: Virg…

Author’s Bio: Virginia (Ginnie) Isaacs Cover grew up in Minnesota. She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and has worked throughout her career with children and adults with complex medical conditions and developmental disabilities. She is an advocate for those with disabilities and their families, and published a widely read guidebook for those affected by X and Y chromosome variations, Living with Klinefelter Syndrome, Trisomy X, and 47, XYY. Turning to fiction, she explores the impact of a prenatal diagnosis on a young family in Supplemental Needs: A Novel. Cover…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Jessica Hawkins and it won’t be the last. This novel takes you on a sexy, edgy, emotional, conflict of morals, and erotic journey. So, let’s meet …

This is the first ti…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Jessica Hawkins and it won’t be the last. This novel takes you on a sexy, edgy, emotional, conflict of morals, and erotic journey. So, let’s meet Lola Winters, a waitress who works with her boyfriend/manager, Johnny at Hey Joe, a bar located on the Sunset Strip. Hey Joe used to be a vibrant hangout spot with bands playing, but now there’s an empty stage, a few regulars and not enough customers to keep the doors open for long. One night, Lola goes outside the bar to handle a rowdy group of drivers revving their car engines and disturbing …

April is child abuse prevention month the month set aside to try and end child abuse.  Parents have many responsibilities when educating their children about life. One of the most important conversa…

April is child abuse…

April is child abuse prevention month the month set aside to try and end child abuse.  Parents have many responsibilities when educating their children about life. One of the most important conversations to have with your child is a conversation about body safety. What is body safety you ask? Body safety is teaching your children that their body is their own and if anyone touches them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable you want to know as soon as possible. This one piece of information can save your child from childhood sexual abuse and is key to abuse prevention. I think parents ov…

Poet’s Bio:  Ruth Ticktin coordinated international programs, advised and taught English in Washington, DC and Maryland since 1977. From Madison and Chicago, graduate of the University of Wisconsin…

Poet’s Bio:  Ruth…

Poet’s Bio:  Ruth Ticktin coordinated international programs, advised and taught English in Washington, DC and Maryland since 1977. From Madison and Chicago, graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Ruth writes poetry and fiction. Always sharing stories, she is an author: Was, Am, Going; Recollections in Poetry & Flash (New Bay Books, 2022.) co-editor: Psalms for Contemplation (Poetica Publishing 2020.) co-author: What's Ahead? (Pro Lingua Learning 2013.) contributor: Maryland Bards 2023, 2024 & Gathering (Local Gem Press.) BarBar; Literary Heist; Wild Word; Straylight & more. …

Poet’s Bio: Pat Valdata is a poet and novelist. Her poetry book about women aviation pioneers, Where No Man Can Touch, won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. A revised edition of this book was pu…

Poet’s Bio: Pat Va…

Poet’s Bio: Pat Valdata is a poet and novelist. Her poetry book about women aviation pioneers, Where No Man Can Touch, won the 2015 Donald Justice Poetry Prize. A revised edition of this book was published in June 2023 (Wind Canyon Books) and won third prize from the Delaware Press Association. Her poetry has appeared in anthologies and literary magazines including Ecotone, Ekphrastic Review, Italian Americana, Little Patuxent Review, North American Review, Passager, and Valparaiso Poetry Review. She has received three Individual Artist Awards in poetry from the Maryland State Arts Council,…

Poet’s Bio: Dr. Brittany Soul is a Las Vegas native and award-winning singer-songwriter/poet who has more than enough luster to shine even in the city of lights. Brittany Soul is a leading lady in t…

Poet’s Bio: Dr. Br…

Poet’s Bio: Dr. Brittany Soul is a Las Vegas native and award-winning singer-songwriter/poet who has more than enough luster to shine even in the city of lights. Brittany Soul is a leading lady in the Spoken Word/Neo-Soul genres and often merges jazz, poetry, R&B and gospel. Ms. Soul is the true embodiment of an all-in-one artist. Brittany Soul is such a light in the artist-realm with experience throughout her career as a Drum majorette, flutist, author, choreographer, choir president, musical theater Lead and actress, curator, host, speaker and producer. Brittany, the soulstress, is no …

Poet’s Bio: Alisa Howard, formerly known in the publishing world as An Howard and most recently rebranded as A. Howard, is the Owner of AHP Writing and Editing Co., previously recognized as An Howar…

Poet’s Bio: Alisa …

Poet’s Bio: Alisa Howard, formerly known in the publishing world as An Howard and most recently rebranded as A. Howard, is the Owner of AHP Writing and Editing Co., previously recognized as An Howard Publishing, established in 2011. Howard boasts a diverse portfolio as a published author, with her poetry collection, "Whispers of Words Spoken," along with her roles as a writer and editor. Howard's writing journey began in childhood, journaling stories and poetry, which evolved into professional roles including as a Paralegal, drafting legal documents, and later in Public Health, writing for …

Poet’s Bio: Jahi Minkah Trotter was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Alabama when he was six years old. He has been writing poetry since he was 11 years old. He has written two poetry books: It Was…

Poet’s Bio: Jahi M…

Poet’s Bio: Jahi Minkah Trotter was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Alabama when he was six years old. He has been writing poetry since he was 11 years old. He has written two poetry books: It Was Already Written (2016) and Adapting To Life: Poems and Quotes by Jahi Minkah Trotter (2020). He developed a love for filmmaking while receiving his bachelor's degree in social science. Jahi decided to continue his quest for filmmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA.  During his final two years at SCAD, Jahi was encouraged by his professors to go into acting while continuin…

Poet’s Bio: Margaret Beaver is an eighteen-year-old college freshman, Mental Health and LGBTQIA+ equality activist, and award-winning poet and novelist. She has been honored as a two-time consecutiv…

Poet’s Bio: Margar…

Poet’s Bio: Margaret Beaver is an eighteen-year-old college freshman, mental health and LGBTQIA+ equality activist, and award-winning poet and novelist. She has been honored as a two-time consecutive Topical Winner of Live Poets Society of New Jersey publications, a recipient of the Readers’ Favorite Five-Star cover seal, and decorated with the Donna Lynn Quille Award for Best Advocacy Prose. Margaret is the founder of Margaret Beaver Books, a grassroots organization aspiring to aid the accessibility of treatment, Education, and the arts. She writes nonfiction poetry collections and novels…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Tony Dunbar and it won’t be the last. Although this is the sixth book in the Tubby Dubonnet series, I am already loving Tubby. So, let’s meet him. …

This is the first ti…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Tony Dunbar and it won’t be the last. Although this is the sixth book in the Tubby Dubonnet series, I am already loving Tubby. So, let’s meet him. Tubby is a lawyer who has given up booze, looking for his pay day from prior clients, and is now embroiled in a doozy of a case while on the brink of a potential love interest.  The doozy of a case involves Judge Al Hughes who calls Tubby because he is caught in a bind with District Attorney Marcus Dementhe who confronts him with dates, times, and places of having sex with a young lady (Sultana …

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, novelist, poet, short story writer, and artist, Sandra Cisneros. She is a pivotal figure in Chicano litera…

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, novelist, poet, short story writer, and artist, Sandra Cisneros. She is a pivotal figure in Chicano literature and her work explores the formation of Chicano identity, the challenges of being caught between two cultures (Mexican and Anglo-American) and experiencing poverty. Her first novel, The House on Mango Street (1983) is a coming-of-age novel that has been translated worldwide and is taught in U.S. classrooms. She is also known for her short story collection, Woman Hollering Creek and Other Stori…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, author, journalist, Min Jin Lee. She is a Korean American author (former lawyer) who has written novels, s…

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, author, journalist, Min Jin Lee. She is a Korean American author (former lawyer) who has written novels, short stories, and essays that have garnered praise and won several awards. Her debut novel, Free Food for Millionaires was published in 2007 and was named one of the Top 10 Novels by The Times of London, NPR’s Fresh Air, and USA Today; a notable novel by the San Francisco Chronicle; and a New York Times Editor’s Choice and other awards. In January 2021, it was announced that Lee and screenwrit…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, civil rights activist, author, publisher, journalist, and lecturer, Daisy Bates. She was the co-publisher …

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, civil rights activist, author, publisher, journalist, and lecturer, Daisy Bates. She was the co-publisher (and owner along with her husband, L. C. Bates) of the Arkansas State Press, a weekly statewide newspaper with its first issue appearing on May 9, 1941. It primarily focused on advocacy journalism and was modeled off other African-American publications like the Chicago Defender and The Crisis. The newspaper was punished for supporting desegregation (Little Rock Segregation Crisis – The Little Ro…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, author and philosopher, Jean Houston, Ph.D. She is a visionary thinker and one of the founders of the Huma…

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, author and philosopher, Jean Houston, Ph.D. She is a visionary thinker and one of the founders of the Human Potential Movement which centers on the belief that humans can experience an exceptional quality of life through developing their human potential. She is an advisor to UNICEF in human and cultural development and has worked around the world (over 100 countries) with many spiritual leaders including the Dalai Lama in India. Since 2003, she has been working with the United Nations Development Prog…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you novelist, Kiran Desai. In 1998, her first novel, Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard received many accolades fr…

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you novelist, Kiran Desai. In 1998, her first novel, Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard received many accolades from literary figures such as Salman Rushdie. It won the Betty Trask Award, a prize given by the Society of Authors for best new novels by citizens of the Commonwealth of Nations under the age of 35. Her next novel, The Inheritance of Loss won the 2006 Man Booker Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Fiction Award.  In May 2007, she was the featured author at the inaugural Asia House Festiv…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, journalist, writer, and filmmaker, Nora Ephron.  After participating in a class action suit against Newsw…

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, journalist, writer, and filmmaker, Nora Ephron.  After participating in a class action suit against Newsweek for sexual discrimination (the magazine told her they didn’t hire women writers), she went on to enjoy a prolific career in journalism and screenwriting. She is best known for writing and directing romantic comedy films for which she received various accolades and awards (a British Academy Film Award, nominations for three Academy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and three Writers…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, poet and essayist, Rita Dove. In 1987, she received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for Thomas and Beulah, a…

Hello book lovers! I…

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, poet and essayist, Rita Dove. In 1987, she received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry for Thomas and Beulah, a collection of poems loosely based on the lives of her maternal grandparents. In 1993, she was named United States Poet Laureate by the Library of Congress, a position she held until 1995. She has won several awards and collaborated on many creative projects including a live reading at the Lincoln Memorial, accompanied by John Williams’ music – a poem to Steven Spielberg’s documentary The Un…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Lily Zante and it won’t be the last. This novel serves up a dose of doubt, a spoonful of mistrust, and a heaping of finding love again.  So, let’…

This is the first ti…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Lily Zante and it won’t be the last. This novel serves up a dose of doubt, a spoonful of mistrust, and a heaping of finding love again.  So, let’s meet Ava Ramirez, an entrepreneur of an online kids store, reeling from hurt after being ditched by Connor Beachcroft, her fiancé six weeks before their Valentine’s Day wedding. After the suppliers, dressmakers, caterers, and party planners are canceled she sets out for Verona, Italy - the honeymoon destination, the one thing she didn’t cancel.  When Ava arrives at Verona airport, she fin…

Author’s Bio: Kristin Paul is a two-time award-winning author addressing social issues that impact women. Her books extend beyond storytelling, creating a platform for dialogue and awareness surroun…

Author’s Bio: Kris…

Author’s Bio: Kristin Paul is a two-time award-winning author addressing social issues that impact women. Her books extend beyond storytelling, creating a platform for dialogue and awareness surrounding the challenges faced by women. She has spoken to numerous organizations about the difficulties women experience including domestic violence.   Her books are Drowning by Katelin Maloney and Freeing Yourself Financially: A Woman’s Guide to Rebuilding Her Finances After Divorce. She is also a book publisher at Purple Ribbon Publishing. Kristin Paul, also a passionate advocate for empowe…

Author’s Bio: Mary dedicated over four decades to development economics, with pivotal roles at institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Her journey from Uganda to North Ame…

Author’s Bio: Mary…

Author’s Bio: Mary dedicated over four decades to development economics, with pivotal roles at institutions like the World Bank and the African Development Bank. Her journey from Uganda to North America has been marked by academic and professional pursuits​ and underscored by a commitment to ​grab opportunities, seek excellence and meaningful contributions​ to society.  Now, in her golden years, she champions women's economic empowerment to achieve "Hope for a Better Future" for all and younger living for the retired. ​She has authored two books in Retirement, including The Book O…

Lauren Blakely didn’t disappoint in this standalone novel about love, trust, and sexual fantasies. From the very beginning you can feel the heat flying off the pages between Lily Whiting, a sports r…

Lauren Blakely didn�…

Lauren Blakely didn’t disappoint in this standalone novel about love, trust, and sexual fantasies. From the very beginning you can feel the heat flying off the pages between Lily Whiting, a sports reporter and Finn Nichols, a lawyer who’s healing from the death of his brother. They bond over sports and although their schedules are hectic, they find the time to get to know each other deeply.  Now that they are engaged, there’s just one ultimate fantasy (a threesome) that Lily wants to indulge in but doesn’t know how to bring it up with Finn. When Finn sees her browsing history, he won…

Author’s Bio: Julie Federico is an award-winning children’s service author who writes books that help parents keep their kids safe.  She has written prevention books on child abuse prevention, do…

Author’s Bio: Juli…

Author’s Bio: Julie Federico is an award-winning children’s service author who writes books that help parents keep their kids safe.  She has written prevention books on child abuse prevention, domestic violence prevention, school violence prevention, race relations, and elementary friendships.  She takes difficult adult topics and breaks them down in a friendly and non-threatening way that preschoolers can comprehend.   Julie believes knowledge is power and protecting your children is paramount. Her books are for readers 0-9 years old. All of her books are illustrated in a welcoming f…

Author’s Bio: Erica Ginsberg has drawn on creativity in a variety of different roles: writer, documentary filmmaker, story consultant, project manager, and social entrepreneur. She co-founded the do…

Author’s Bio: Eric…

Author’s Bio: Erica Ginsberg has drawn on creativity in a variety of different roles: writer, documentary filmmaker, story consultant, project manager, and social entrepreneur. She co-founded the documentary film organization Docs In Progress and served as its founding executive director for more than a decade. She co-hosts The D-Word, a peer-to-peer global community for documentary professionals. In addition to working in the arts, Erica has organized professional development study tours to the United States for mid-career professionals from around the world. She has a BA in international …

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Fiona Murphy and it won’t be the last. This novel captures the essence of Christmas: family, love, good deeds mixed in with some romance, a few surpr…

This is the first ti…

This is the first time I’m reading anything by Fiona Murphy and it won’t be the last. This novel captures the essence of Christmas: family, love, good deeds mixed in with some romance, a few surprises, and a heartwarming ending.    So, let’s meet Lydia Romano, a renowned and in demand sexy, sassy plus-sized stylist with many rules that her clients adhere to like not contacting her before noon (it’s on her business card that her hours are from noon to six). So, when she gets a call at six in the morning, she is furious and lashes out at the caller who later turns out to be Decker Hol…