“The Pocket Muse” by Monica Wood is a new type of writer’s reference. It is a scrapbook of inspiration comprised of snippets, quotes, writing tips and prompts, intermingled with an odd collection of photos, word collages, and illustrations.
“In The Wind’s Eye” by Charlotte Boyette-Compo tells the story of Sinclair McGregor and his return home after fighting in the Civil War. He discovers that his fiancée has married another, and that his inheritance was sold for back taxes. Robbed of the one true love of his life, he is forced into a marriage he does not want. At night, nightmares of battles lost and a bullet piercing his chest rule his mind.
“Caught In The Rain” by L. C. Martin details the story of a woman, Jessica Thomas, who leaves an abusive home to search for her place in the world. Struggling to make ends meet, she seeks employment by an escort service despite being a virgin. She meets Brian and they begin a serious relationship. Joe, an old friend for whom Jessica has pent up feelings, keeps reappearing in her life.
Native American writer Dawn Karima Pettigrew’s “The Way We Make Sense” is the story of successive generations of native people making sense of their lives in a world that, at best, has no understanding of their values or culture. It is first of all the story of the Redpaint family, the patriarch of which is willing to offer his daughter Indiana as collateral for a rodeo entry fee.
In “The Golden King,” Max Overton draws the reader back into the story of Nikometros, and his love, Tomyra. Alongside Nikometros’ faithful “Lions” and Tomyra’s “Owls,” discover characters that will confuse, hurt, and tantalize. For example, Parasades, the fierce warrior: where do his loyalties really lie? Overton creates spies and political intrigue, wars and religious ceremonies, as he crafts the story of Nikometros. Will the hero ever return to his beloved home in Persia?
Max Overton’s “The Lion of Scythia” is a fast-paced historical adventure. Overton weaves history with the excitement of raging battles and bloody death on the plains. The descriptions of the nomadic band Nikometros joins are engaging and well-researched. From the fermented milk to the cleaning ointment, the descriptions of the life of the band feel authentic to the reader.
The main character of “Glass House,” by Ariana Overton, is James, who is respectfully named “uncle” by the aboriginal people he was brought up by after his parents’ deaths. James is caught up in a quest that only he can fulfill, but he cannot do it alone. With the Vice Chancellor of the university doing everything in his power to discredit James’ investigations, the media and military both looking for a piece of the action, he needs all the help he can get.
When Mina leaves her native Italy to join her older sister, the mysterious Paola, in California, the two near-strangers quickly become best friends. After a terrible accident at Paola’s business, Mina discovers a dark conspiracy she can barely understand, but she is determined to help Paola however she can.
“Bent Coin” by Stephen Byers begins in 1898 with the death of Suzanne’s mother, followed by fond memories of her father told in creative flashbacks. When her father dies, Suzanne inherits his Chicago real estate business. She meets Harry Matheu, a truck driver with a greedy hidden agenda, whom shelater marries.
The setting for “The Naked Jaybird” by Stephen P. Byers is modern day Canada, focusing on the life and experiences of one private investigator – Rolland Royce.