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Love and Nature/Amor y Naturaleza
Love and Nature/Amor y Naturaleza, authored by Abraham Garcia, is an eloquent compilation of bilingual poetry, seamlessly blending themes of love, nature, humanity, and fantasy in both Spanish and English. Garcia commences his collection with “Forever,” a heartfelt ode that reveals his profound appreciation and adoration for his partner. Through his vivid depiction of eternal love, Garcia not only celebrates the joy and serenity this bond brings into his life but also sets the tone for the collection.
As the book progresses, Garcia explores the intricate and inseparable relationship between love and nature, portraying them as fundamental and authentic aspects of life. His writing delves into the subtle, often unnoticed beauties of the natural world – the serenity of rainfall, the majesty of trees, the freedom of birds, and the warmth of sunshine. In doing so, he invites the reader to pause and relish the omnipresent yet frequently overlooked marvels of the natural environment. As a reader who has experienced love, the authenticity and relatability of Garcia’s love poems evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflection.
His keen attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of moments speak to his profound observational skills and deep emotional connection with his subjects. The poem “Essence” particularly stands out, showcasing Garcia’s dedication and enchantment with his muse, evoking a desire in the reader for such personalized, heartfelt verses. “The Train,” my personal favorite from this collection, resonates on a different level. It vividly captures the tranquil pleasure of train journeys, echoing the simple joys of watching the landscape pass by and the inherent peace in such moments. Garcia’s skillful use of language and imagery in this piece mirrors these sentiments, connecting profoundly with anyone who cherishes similar experiences.
The bilingual presentation of this anthology is a commendable feature, making it accessible and appealing to a diverse readership. Compact yet impactful, Love and Nature/Amor y Naturaleza is a delightful read, especially for enthusiasts of romantic poetry. It’s an invitation to explore the depth of love and the beauty of the natural world through the eyes of a poet who skillfully intertwines these themes.
Pages: 70 | ASIN : B0CX47R7GQ
An Honest Telling
To Venus and Back: One Man’s Quest to Rediscover Love is your story about becoming a widower and single parent at the age of fifty-one and your return to the dating world two years later. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There was an odd inner pull I felt to write my story, a story I never would have believed if I hadn’t lived it. I thought people needed an honest telling—from a man’s—perspective of what can happen in the world of dating, love, and sex. Dating memoirs and relationship books are a significant non-fiction category but are differentiated by gender. There are books about dating and relationships for women by women (spoiler alert, men don’t fare well) and the same for men (bro-books often written with locker-room mentalities). My book uniquely bridges this divide and fills a void—a dating memoir about women for women written by a man.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The biggest thing is that there are still people in this world—men in particular—for whom kindness is paramount. I also wanted to debunk the pervasive popular cultural thinking among some women that men are rather clueless—and maybe a bit unfeeling—when it comes to love. Lastly, for those who think love is about checking all the boxes, that’s not love. That’s accounting.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Several things were particularly hard. One was writing about various intimate situations. That was oddly strange in a way I’ve never felt before. Another was writing about—confessing—difficult personal failings and doubts. But if I was being honest about my story, I had to fess up and be honest about everything, including where I felt I was falling short. By far the most difficult thing I wrote about however was describing how my wife died. When I began writing my memoir I swore to myself I would not write about how she died. I didn’t think I could do it and I talked myself into thinking it wasn’t relevant for a book about the crazy world of online dating in middle age. But then I realized I had to, and it changed the narrative.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
We all have in our lives certain things we never talk about and never share—that which is the most personal and intimate and rarely makes it past a hushed conversation with a trusted friend if even that. After all is said and done, and after years of writing and all the work that went into it, I’m not sure how much the big picture on dating, relationships, and sex will change because of my book. But I do know for sure that between the covers of the book, one thing has changed—a man has spoken about things we just don’t speak about, and it’s one incredible story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
At age fifty-one, Turner Grant became a widower and single parent to his twin boys. Deep in grief, he often found daily routines difficult and his work arduous. But after two years, Turner embarked on a journey to find his future, both in life and love.
What Turner discovered shocked him. After tentative steps into the shallow dating waters, he was quickly immersed in a deep ocean filled with unexpected riptides and crosscurrents within a digital-dating universe that didn’t exist when he last dated decades earlier.
In three years, he met fifty-four single, middle-aged women who took him to a totally different world—Venus. It was a journey—a journey that’s, well … complicated.
Finding Common Ground
Whispers in the Vineyard follows a woman looking to learn more about her heritage and winemaking who falls in love with the son of a rival family. What inspired the setup of your story?
Whispers in the Vineyard draws inspiration from a rich textile of sources, combining elements of classic romantic literature, the time-honored tradition of vineyard cultivation, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Ghana. The central theme of the story—rival families with a complicated history finding common ground through the younger generation is a twist that highlights reconciliation and cooperation instead of tragedy.
The novel also taps into the universal appeal of returning to one’s roots. The protagonist (Loom)’s journey to learn more about her heritage and the art of winemaking serves as a metaphor for exploring one’s identity and reconciling with one’s past. This theme resonates deeply in a global context where many seek to reconnect with and understand their cultural backgrounds. Additionally, the setting in a vineyard is particularly symbolic. Vineyards, which require patience, careful cultivation, and a deep understanding of the land, parallel the process of nurturing relationships and building communities. They are places where nature meets human craft, where each season brings new challenges and opportunities for growth—much like the personal and communal growth experienced by the characters in the novel.
Lastly, the choice to set the story in Ghana—with its rich history, diverse cultures, and beautiful landscapes—provides a backdrop that enriches the narrative with authenticity and a sense of place. It allows the story to delve into specific cultural practices, particularly those surrounding agriculture and communal living, that shape the characters’ lives and the plot’s development.
Overall, the setup of Whispers in the Vineyard was inspired by a desire to weave together themes of love, heritage, and personal growth within the evocative setting of a Ghanaian vineyard, offering readers a story of enduring human connections forged in the face of historical rivalries.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
For characters in a novel like Whispers in the Vineyard, emotions such as longing, redemption, and reconciliation are often inspired by universal human experiences. These emotions are frequently explored in literature and reflect common human conditions—struggling with one’s identity, resolving past conflicts, seeking understanding and common ground, and experiencing the growth that comes from overcoming challenges.
Moreover, the emotions and journeys that characters like Loom and Feika experience can be modeled on real-life stories of heritage discovery, the complexities of family legacies, and the passionate pursuit of personal and professional dreams. The backdrop of a vineyard adds a layer of connection to the land and a tradition that many readers might find evocative and grounding. Thus, while the characters and their emotions are fictional, they are constructed to echo real human feelings and developments, not the author’s personal life, making them accessible and engaging for readers who may see reflections of their own lives and struggles within these stories.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In Whispers in the Vineyard, several themes were pivotal to enrich the narrative and offer depth to the reader’s experience. Here are some of the key themes explored in the book:
1. Heritage and Legacy: The book delves into the significance of understanding and embracing one’s heritage. Loom’s journey into the world of winemaking is not just about learning to manage a vineyard but also about connecting with her ancestral roots and the legacy left by her family. This theme underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and how it shapes individual identity.
2. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: The theme of overcoming historical rivalries and personal grievances is central to the novel. The story explores how Loom and Feika navigate their initial animosity and the broader family feud to find common ground. Their journey toward reconciliation serves as a metaphor for healing and building new futures on the foundation of forgiven pasts.
3. Community and Unity: The story highlights the strength and resilience of community bonds. As Loom and Feika work together to revitalize the vineyards, they also strive to unite the community of Domeabra. The book celebrates how collective efforts and shared goals can lead to substantial communal growth and harmony.
4. Love and Partnership: Loom and Feika’s romantic love intertwines with their professional partnership, showing how relationships can evolve from rivalry to deep affection and mutual respect. This theme is explored in the context of personal and professional growth, illustrating how love can drive change and achievement.
5. Connection to the Land: The vineyard itself is almost a character in the story, representing a deep connection to the land that sustains the community. This theme explores how the land shapes the lives of the characters and serves as a legacy that ties generations together. It also reflects on the challenges and rewards of working closely with nature.
6. Resilience and Adaptation: The characters’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome challenges is a recurring theme. The novel showcases how resilience, often nurtured through adversity, is crucial for both personal growth and community survival.
7. The Power of Stories: Throughout the novel, stories play a crucial role in preserving history, teaching lessons, and bringing people together. The theme of storytelling is celebrated as a means of passing on wisdom, maintaining cultural identity, and strengthening bonds within the community.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I am currently writing a romance novel. As I fine-tune the elements of these stories, considering various factors that will shape their final forms, I will soon decide on the final title and when it will reach my readers. I eagerly look forward to sharing this news with my fans. Stay tuned for updates and teasers that I hope will whet your appetite for the romantic journeys ahead!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Despite their intermittent clashes, Loom and Feika’s mutual passion for winemaking and respect for tradition kindled a romance that blossomed amidst the challenges they faced. The discovery of family diaries unveiled a history of love and conflict. Nevertheless, that discovery laid the groundwork for understanding, healing, and love.
Bravely confronting the past, Loom and Feika collaborated to unite their vineyards. Their journey, marked by innovation, resilience, and community support, transformed their rivalry into a partnership that revitalized the vineyards and became the heartbeat of Domeabra.
They ultimately got married and were blessed with a baby girl, Loombik. The novel culminates in a grand celebration of the vineyard’s success, symbolizing the power of unity and the enduring bonds of love. They experienced the transformative power of forgiveness and the beauty of a shared vision woven into the rich embroidery of Ghanaian culture.
A Love That Transcends Time
In Silence Cries the Heart follows an American schoolteacher on a trip to Scotland who uncovers the tragic history of a couple from the 17th century and a mystery surrounding their love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
During the summer of 2019 while on a tour of Scotland, I and my fellow travelers stopped at Urquhart Castle, the ruins of which rest on the banks of Loch Ness. Visiting the dungeon there, I read a placard that mentioned the name of its most famous prisoner, Domhnull Donn, a cattle thief who had been executed not so much because he was a reiver but because he had the audacity to fall in love with the laird’s daughter, Mary Grant. When I asked the tour guide for further information about this doomed pair, he really didn’t know a whole lot beyond what was stated there on the display.
For some reason, I just couldn’t shake the memory of the castle, the dungeon, and the two lovers themselves, so when I got home to New York, I started digging around to find whatever I could about Donal and Mary. During that research, I found a particularly wonderful book by William Mackay called, Urquhart and Glenmoriston, Olden Times in a Highland Parish (1893) which included intriguing comments about Domhnull, calling him “the Rob Roy of his generation” who “had more poetry in his soul than the famous Macgregor had.” In addition, Mackay also recounted Domhnull’s capture, his final days, and even his last words before succumbing to the ax. I started to think, What kind of love could be so strong that it would be worth dying for?
I knew I had the shell of a tremendous story from history; I just needed to flesh it out.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
I believe so. I hope readers will be captivated by the story of Mary and Donal and feel transported back to another age and time.
There is so much to be said about love in this book. What do you hope your readers take away from your story?
Two things actually. First (as stated earlier), I hope that they will be enchanted by a love that transcends time. Second, I hope that they will come to realize that silence is something to be welcomed, not avoided. For it is in silence where we learn so much about the soul–the spirit that connects all human beings from ancient times to today. Silence is something we have so little of today. Think of all of the buzzing notifications we get on a minute-to-minute basis: FB updates, incoming text messages, Instagram posts, etc. We simply can’t escape the noise and the distractions. But the truth is, we need silence. It’s a requisite for self-discovery. Only in the silence do we get to know ourselves, and when we can do that, we can then identify the part inside of us that’s the same stuff inside every other person–even those who lived in the Scottish Highlands back in the 1600s.
Thus, the Dedication at the opening of the novel:
“To the voices of yesterday that can be heard in the silences of today”
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’m currently working on another dual-narrative novel, but this one is set in the years before the Norman Conquest. It’s a tumultuous time, and powerful men are jockeying for possession of the English throne.
Various rulers stake their claim, each believing he is the rightful leader to wear the crown. But the waters grow even muddier when King Edward the Confessor, childless and already in failing health, sends for his nephew, Edward the Exile, to return home. What will this mean for Harold Godwinson? For William, Duke of Normandy? And when the Exile mysteriously dies almost immediately after coming ashore, what will become of his son Edgar, the last surviving male member of the royal dynasty of the king?
While these men assume a significant role in the novel, the two main players are women: Melisende, a simple farm girl from Caen, Normandy, and Margaret, daughter of Edward the Exile and future queen of Scotland. Their two lives eventually intersect when Melisende is forced to spy on Edgar, Margaret, and Margaret’s suitor, Malcolm III of Scotland. Facing adversity, loss, and death, each woman is transformed by those experiences to see her own lustrous reflection mirrored in the other. Enemies no more, they emerge as kindred souls: triumphant, brave, and able to endure. Thus, the title, Therein Lies the Pearl.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
To Venus and Back, One Man’s Quest to Rediscover Love
To Venus and Back: One Man’s Quest to Rediscover Love is a poignant and relatable memoir that delves into the complexities of human relationships, grief, and the search for love. It’s an evocative journey that navigates the often-turbulent waters of dating and relationships after the devastating loss of a spouse. Author Turner Grant’s narrative voice is both sincere and engaging, making the reader feel like a confidant rather than just an observer.
I appreciated Grant’s writing style for its honesty and vulnerability. He doesn’t shy away from exposing his personal struggles, uncertainties, and the raw emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one and the subsequent journey toward healing and finding love again. His use of dialogue, particularly in conversations with his sons and friends, adds a layer of authenticity and helps to humanize his experiences. While I enjoyed this memoir, I felt that, at times, the detailed recounting of various dates and encounters felt a bit overwhelming and slightly detracted from the pace.
Otherwise, what I truly enjoyed in this memoir is Grant’s introspective exploration of the societal and personal expectations placed on men in the context of dating and relationships. His narrative challenges the stereotypical notions of masculinity, particularly in how men deal with grief and embark on new relationships. This perspective is a refreshing take on a subject I find is often mired in clichés.
The memoir’s exploration of online dating and the modern dating landscape offers a glimpse into the joys and pitfalls of seeking connection in the digital age. The authenticity of its descriptions will resonate with anyone who has navigated the complex world of online dating, particularly at a later stage in life.
To Venus and Back: One Man’s Quest to Rediscover Love is a memoir that speaks volumes about resilience, the enduring need for human connection, and the courage to embrace love again after loss. I recommend this book to anyone who has experienced significant loss or is navigating the intricacies of modern dating. Its heartfelt narrative and honest reflection make it a compelling read not just for those in similar situations but for anyone interested in understanding the impact of love and loss on the human spirit.
Pages: 376 | ASIN : B0BKQW6XM5
Finding a Family and Love
Searching for Zen follows a young boy from Earth who is given a divine destiny and the chance to impact civilization if he confronts humanity’s dark side and discovers the meaning of love. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
A long time ago, I lost someone and decided to drive across Canada alone. I felt like my life was all but over. I felt like I had wasted all my potential and listened to Beck’s Sea Change for the first 20 hours. After a while, I needed to change my mindset, so I decided to tell myself a story to help change my mindset. I needed to remind myself what I felt was most important. The story, of course, has changed a lot in the past 20 years.
Zen goes through many changes and challenges, shaping who he becomes. A lot of time was spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I was hoping you feel him being lost. So all his powers and potential are not what is really important, but finding a family and love was what was most important. Maybe just me, but I think it’s finding those connections that really matter in life.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I feel like the current situation of our world is darker than it has been since I’ve been alive, and many feel lost. I just wanted to be a small voice to remind people what is important.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have 6 other stories or books, but I do have a plan for 2 more books for Zen. The next might be Zen headed to the spiritual realm and look into that. I don’t see my story as a spiritual one really, but I do think faith is important. I like leaving that open to interpretation, but I was trying to blend a more modern take on fantasy religion or faith.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Our story begins on Earth, but an Earth with a past steeped in fantasy, myths, and legends. From humble beginnings, a boy is given a divine destiny, a chance to make his mark on human civilization, but he must embark upon a life-changing journey. Our hero struggles to understand what he has been given and what to do with it, losing himself in doubt and loneliness as he confronts the dark side of humanity.
Coming of age, Zen finds strength in himself, builds a family from a motley collection of strangers, and discovers love. His newfound friends help him open up, learn to trust others, and eventually understand his reason for fighting. The trials he faces throughout his quest amplify as his power increases, and he even sparks the ire of those in the spirit realm, who doubt any human can wield such power successfully.
As Zen grapples with the weight of his purpose and the sacrifices it demands, he learns that the true power lies not in his abilities alone, but in the bonds of love, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance
Penny Peyser is a multi-talented woman who excels in various fields such as acting, writing, and filmmaking. She is also a poet with a strong perspective on romance and life. Her second anthology of Sonnets, Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance, covers a wide range of topics related to romance, from light-hearted to profound and thought-provoking. When reading these sonnets, one can feel like they are peering into a window of a woman’s life, only to realize it is like looking into a mirror.
One Sonnet that stayed with me after I finished the book was “Self-partnered,” in which Peyser talks about loving oneself and setting aside time alone with oneself. It emphasizes the need to make time for yourself and not depend on romance with another person to have a full life. Another Sonnet that left me laughing and relating all too well was “An Appeal to Rockstars,” where she kindly requests concerts be performed as a matinee so all the “old” fans can still attend and be home at a reasonable hour.
The collection boasts a variety of literary pieces that have the power to resonate with individuals in the middle-aged and retired demographic. These works serve as a gentle reminder that life still holds many possibilities and that their memories, habits, and desires are still valid. It’s a refreshing perspective that acknowledges the value of life experiences and the importance of cherishing them. Whether it’s a simple act of collecting a coffee cup from every place one travels or more significant endeavors, these works hold the power to uplift and inspire. They provide a sense of hope and encouragement to keep on living life, making new memories, and pursuing one’s passions no matter your age.
Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance is a collection of modern Shakespearean sonnets written by Penny Peyser. The poems are inspired by everyday situations, especially those related to romance, and are intended to leave a lasting impression while entertaining readers with humor. This collection is perfect for poetry enthusiasts and women seeking camaraderie in our unpredictable world.
Pages: 99 | ASIN : B0CPG2M3VD
War is a Character
In One Year, One Night, readers follow a woman who revisits her experiences and a romance during WWII when she returns to her hometown and happens upon her long-forgotten diary. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
About 10 years ago the college where Sarah was teaching was involved in a ceremony to lay a stone on the resting place of a little evacuee boy that died in a bombing at the beginning of WW2. Sarah’s curiosity was tickled by the fact that he had laid there unacknowledged for so many years and that nobody had attended his funeral. She discussed the event with Laura and they set out to research the history of this boy and the circumstances of his death.
Is there anything from your own experiences in the lives of your characters?
In a way War is a character in our writing. Both of us grew up hearing the stories of how it strongly affected the lives of our parents.
Sarah parents were 11 and 10 in 1939 and they were Londoners. Sarah’s father Ron remembered delivering newspapers and looking up to see a dogfight between a German bomber and a British pilot. The issue of food was a very strong memory and Sarah grew up in a household where the idea of a sell-by date was a genuine puzzle.
Regarding going down to the Anderson shelter during bombings, like Annie and Remy do on their first romantic tryst, the most obvious memory was that Sarah’s parents were doing exams at school – to be interrupted by an air raid.
Ron’s mother worked in a military factory at night – he and his sister were sometimes left on their own. They would tune into the American Forces Radio for company.
Families gathered round the radio can be seen in One Year One Night by SL Roman when the Corbett family listen to the news before their father goes off to war.
Laura’s experience was very different as she grew up in Rome, in the Italian capital. That experience enables her to see the British from a removed viewpoint (she married a Londoner and settled in Britain).
The similarities between the UK and Italy lay in rationing, bombs, destruction and civilian casualties.
Laura’s father was a key member of the Italian Resistance and he had been trained by the Scots Guards. His talents included skilful use of explosives to blow up Nazi railway lines.
He had several different aliases and Laura remembers him having a bounty on his head by the German military. He was awarded a distinction for his contribution to the war by Field Marshall Alexander who was commander-in-chief of the allied army including the Americans.
Both Sarah and Laura were brought up in families where money was treated carefully, influenced by a long period of austerity both in Britain and Italy. Laura said that a number of families were so poor in Italy that they went to live in caves when their homes were destroyed by the bombs.
What draws you to the genre of historical fiction?
The original boy in One Year One Night was a wartime evacuee so the genre of historical fiction was the obvious route. We are both avid readers and attend the same book club where we’ve read historical fiction and analysed it in the group. Laura also has a long-standing interest in History and believes well-researched historical fiction is an excellent teaching tool.
Sarah thought it could be a factual story but Laura argued for it to be fictionalised as we would have more leeway and fun creating the characters, underpinned by plenty of accurate historical research.
Can readers expect to see more from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes, we’ve written 25 pages of the second novel using the same strong character of Annie who’s moved to wartime London. We’ve had lots of discussion between us about her character and how it evolves.
We don’t want to give the whole plot away but we have two ‘lively characters’ who make for compelling reading set against a brutal time-frame when London underwent 57 continuous nights of Nazi bombing through the winter of 1940.
We’re also inserting the stories of orphaned kids in London in WW2 and how they managed to survive.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog
When Annie returns to her home village after a long absence, she rediscovers the diary she kept the year she turned 16, the year that changed her life. We follow Annie as she navigates a blossoming love story with a handsome soldier and her growing affection for an evacuee child. With tender and amusing moments, this story―set in a small English village during World War II―explores love, resilience, and loss with a fresh new voice.
LITERARY TITAN 