April 7, 2025
I’m back from my very long drive to see the youngest. She’s great, and I was privileged to be granted a tour of an otherwise not-open-to-the-public facility. It gave me a lot of food for thought, especially as (spoiler alert!) I’m working on a book set in a sanctuary. No idea when I’ll even do more than gather ideas and play with the character and actually write the story, so don’t be all frothy at the mouth in anticipation.
Anyway, I’m tired today, as one is when they’ve spent a few days in the middle of tornado watches and floods and deluges of rain (and you forgot your raincoat), and drove 10 hours each way. Even Sheetz surprisingly didn’t make it easy, holding me up for an unwanted and unappreciated 20-minute break while the very slow and understaffed folk made me a smoothie. And then they gave me the wrong size, but at least it was a large instead of a small. Of course, being too large, it made me sick by the time I got home.
Just more to add to the files for research and future books, I suppose… I mean, “You gave me more food than I asked for” is hardly something to burn Sheetz down for, right?
Writing: I got next to nothing done over the four-day weekend, and I’m 100% fine with that. I was there to soak up what I could learn, to enjoy the road trip and explore the small town she’s living in, to be with my kid — and my cousin, who came down to join us. I don’t spend nearly enough time with my cousins.
Safe House is still on sale for $1.99
Populated is on sale at Kobo through the 17th.
Grab the sales while you can!
Editing: Much to do today, although I’m still waiting on those five manuscripts! Actually, looking over my queue, it’s now up to six. And a dear friend reached out to ask if I’d do my How to Work with a Freelance Editor workshop for her group. Yay!
Book of the Day: These are chosen randomly, so I don’t have anything related to the road trip, but here you go:
Felicia Grossman, Marry Me by Midnight
Reminder that if you’re enjoying these updates, buy one of my books, borrow it via Hoopla or Libby (or the other library apps)–although Hoopla STILL refuses to restore Saving Sima, Broken but Undaunted, and Permission to Enter, and they won’t list Legacy at all.
And, of course, buy me a virtual bottle of fountain pen ink via my Ko-fi. Book royalties and my ko-fi go to support operational costs here at West of Mars (including book production expenses), not my addiction to road trips, even when I come home with new, rich material.
Mule races, anyone? I went to mule races! You KNOW that’s gotta appear in a book at some point!
April 4, 2025
Hey, friends! I’m writing this early, as I’m with my youngest today and we are probably offline, doing stuff together.
Writing: I may have worked on something last night, after I got to my temporary digs. I may not have; it’s a long drive from home to kid! But it’s also great for thinking, and I come up with a lot of plot points and ideas as I drive. I love road trips.
Editing: Nope. Spent the day in the car. I love my clients, but I get to come first a couple times a year, and a good road trip is my method of choice. I am thankful I live in an area where I can road trip so easily.
Book of the Day: You know there is one!
Love in Color: Mythical Tales from Around the World, Retoldby Bolu Babalola
Not gonna lie. You fill my ko-fi today, I’ll put it into my belly or my gas tank!
Reminder that if you’re an author struggling with Beta Readers, or you’re a Beta Reader, my Guide to Beta Reading is at my ko-fi, and you can name your price. Seriously. I just want it to help people, so don’t feel guilty about not making a donation. If I wanted to make it generate income, I’d have put a charge on it. Instead, pay what you’d like and I really don’t care. (Just know that PayPal takes the first 50c in fees, so maybe don’t pick that amount? You’re just paying a billionaire at that point.)
Tomorrow and Wednesday are for catching up on books that so far have only been listed on Facebook, so be sure to check those titles out.
April 3, 2025
Yes! Populated is being featured at Kobo for the next two weeks. Go grab a copy while the price is low. (This is ebook form only, of course. I WISH I could sell print copies this cheaply!)
I’m headed out to see my youngest, so it’s a long day behind the wheel for me. And last I checked, it was looking like a rainy spring weekend.
Ask me if I care. I don’t. I’m gonna see my kid and spend time with her at this temporary stop on her path. Plus animals!
As always, I have a house sitter, so give up THOSE thoughts. Besides, I don’t have anything of value. I just spent it all on my renovation!
Writing: Still working on the standalone! Yinz and y’all are going to love it. I love Priscilla and Errick and what’s this? I’m giving up details?
Editing: On hold, of course, until Monday, when I’m back from my road trip adventures. Whee!
Book of the Day: Love is a War Song, by Danica Nava
That’s all I got, since I’m not here and scheduled this out. As always, if you appreciate me and the Book of the Day, feel free to buy me a Ko-fi.
And if you’re new around here, join my mailing list! Do it for the freebies.
April 1, 2025
It’s my birthday month! And like always, I only want one thing… book royalties! Be they from Hoopla or Libby or online sales or in-person sales, I don’t care. Buy my books.
Okay, I won’t say no to Umber Chocolates, either.
Editing: Still waiting on five manuscripts, still working on other stuff. But I found out yesterday in a pretty unprofessional way that a job I’d been asked to do was yanked out from under me. That was hurtful and sad, and please don’t treat others this way.
I’m writing it off as “when people show you who they are, believe them” moment and moving forward with a reminder that this is why editing samples are VITAL to a good author-editor relationship.
Writing: Still focused on the standalone! I hit a moment yesterday that I hadn’t seen coming — just one of those small one-liners that make me laugh, not a huge plot point. It was pretty glorious.
And now, the moment you’re all waiting for… The Book of the Day.
No one’s chimed in yet and said, “Hey, I know what the common theme is!” so keep thinking, and keep checking back for every day’s book of the day, with weekends continuing to be catch-up from when I was posting exclusively at Facebook.
Out on a Limb, by Hannah Bonam-Young
Having fun with this new series? Want to wish me a happy birthday and some chocolate of my own choosing? I have a ko-fi for that and I appreciate everyone for everything they contribute to it. Be sure to check out my Beta Readers Guide, too! Pay what you will… seriously.
March 31, 2025
Didn’t see this one coming, but I am NOT going to complain…
Legacy was my best-selling book over the weekend!
I moderated a panel at my local library over the weekend and while it wasn’t an event designed to sell books, and while most people in the audience thanked us and then left, a couple of us had sales. And I was lucky enough to encounter readers who needed the latest installment of the Tales from the Sheep Farm. Thanks, friends!
Writing: Over the weekend, the standalone got the most attention. I’m having to do more than tweaks but less than significant rewrites, but that’s why I delayed the release; I’d originally been hoping to have this book ready to put in readers’ hands at Books Books Books in September, but some books can’t be rushed. Either this one or the next Tale from the Sheep Farm will be out in April 2026. You read this here first.
Oh! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter! April is my birthday month, and that always means goodies for my newsletter subscribers!
Editing: Nothing to say. I’m still waiting on clients to send their manuscripts. This is the downside to telling authors to Send When Ready!
Book of the Day: Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi
End of the month reminder if you use Hoopla or Libby! If you haven’t maxed out your borrows, check out an indie author’s book! Mine or someone else’s… it doesn’t matter. The point is to use your library to help give them circulation numbers, to expose yourself to something new and wonderful, and the reason you want an indie author’s book is because many of us get paid for each check-out. Everyone wins.
And, of course, if you’re jamming on the Book of the Day and these short updates and would like to say thanks but don’t need a book to read (WHAT???), my ko-fi remains open so you can buy me a (figurative) bottle of fountain pen ink. I’ll actually use it for operational expenses around here, in interests of full transparency. But also? I use my fountain pens (I’m up to 11) when I edit, so that ink is an operational expense!
March 28, 2025
I got a call to restock copies of Maybe the Bird Will Rise at Blythe Books, the Pittsburgh-based used bookstore that also champions local authors.
I shouldn’t be so surprised. I wrote a really good book. One thing I’ve noticed at in-person events is the way the right readers gravitate toward my covers. It’s cool to watch.
In a way, it’s cooler to get restock messages. And one day, I will be in the store when someone gravitates toward the book and decides to buy it without talking to me about it first!
Editing: Still waiting on five edits. Five!
But at least this gives me the time today to run out to Blythe Books for the restock. Pittsburgh book lovers! Might I be leaving other titles too?
Writing: I got a lot done yesterday on the standalone. The storyline has changed subtly, so I’ve got to deal with that.
I’ve also been working on another typo check of Safe House, along with a reader’s group guide. Look for those when I can afford a website refresh. Another reason I hate waiting on manuscripts!
Book of the Day:
I know this is what you come here for, so here it is!
Darius the Great is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram
Having fun with the Book of the Day? Buy me a bottle of fountain pen ink!
March 26, 2025
I truly hate being between edits. Y’all can fix that, I’m sure.
Writing: I had a meeting last night at the temple, so I only got a bit of writing in, but I worked on a short piece that’ll be available only at my direct store.
Book of the Day: Pardon my Frenchie by Farrah Rochon
That’s it! No real plans for the day — I need a good tea ball and some ice trays, so if you have recs, I’m all ears! — and am hoping for some serious writing today/tonight.
March 25, 2025
Last December — because construction takes twice as long as they promise it will — I started a massive construction project on my house. New siding, new roof, new deck. No pictures for privacy’s sake.
Today’s the second scheduled day of punch list items. The end is in sight!
By the way, they’d promised me 11 weeks, and last time I worked with this contractor, they’d come in ahead of schedule, so I’m not stressed about the delays. They’ve all been justified and I’ve been very taken care of.
Writing: I developed a horrific migraine around noon, so no writing happened. That’s not common.
Editing: I’m still between edits, gosh darn it. Whenever the economy slows and book sales tank, authors stop using editors — and sometimes stop writing entirely because they need that income.
I promise you, authors, you’ll be glad you coughed up the cost for an edit, and not just because you’re helping support someone else’s small business.
And since I know this is actually what you’re here for…
Book of the Day:
We Could be So Good, by Cat Sebastian
Like what you see? Instead of a subscription Patreon, just buy me a bottle of fountain pen ink.
March 24, 2025
WHAT a weekend event!
It was the first ever adult book fair at Lolev Brewery, brought to us by Eeeek Creative and what an awesome time. I hit a few milestones: I sold out of a title! (I’d only had three, so maybe this doesn’t count?)
It was my highest earning show, but the second-highest number of books sold. (That’s because I’m selling the Trevolution books cheap… be sure you get yours before they are gone! No more print copies!)
Planning a book fair? I work with a group of authors and am glad to connect you not only to myself, but to the group as well.
Writing:
I’m working on a couple different manuscripts right now, just kind of skipping from one to the next as I’m inspired. I need to pull up a short story I’d written and get it ready to be my 2026 newsletter magnet. (If you’re not on my author newsletter, why not? You get a free story that’s only available via my newsletter, and only for one calendar year.)
Editing:
I’m writing this Sunday afternoon and still waiting for manuscripts to land in my inbox. So I’m working on my To Do list instead.
Book of the Day:
Their Just Desserts by Alechia Dow and Tracy Badua
Having fun with this new series of posts? Instead of a Patreon or subscription, I invite you to buy me a bottle of ink.
February 20, 2024
Woo hoo! It’s here! It’s here! It’s here!
Yep, book three in the Tales from the Sheep Farm series, Safe House, releases TODAY. Thanks to everyone who bought it — and its two predecessors, Maybe the Bird Will Rise and Populated — at its presale pricing.
I don’t know what to tell you about this book. It continues the story of Mack and Tess and their hunt for the answers of the Mackenzie treasure and legacy. It’s my pandemic book, in its own way. And it’s a story of a person with a lot of baggage and secrets that simply cannot remain hidden any longer.
Of course, like the entire Sheep Farm project, there’s plenty of found family here.
Oh, heck. Here’s what the back cover says:
A deadly virus is bearing down on the world and Emerson Mackenzie, CEO of PharmaScience Technologies—now back in its ancestral home of Port Kenneth, Tennessee—opens up the historic Mackenzie house on the family’s defunct sheep farm to six people: himself, his wife Tess Cartieri, his house manager, two members of his board of directors, and his executive assistant, Taylor Alexander.
Taylor won’t abandon Emerson, but at the same time, they don’t want to be there. Taylor has secrets, a past and memories they cannot face, and they fear that being locked in a house with five others will be entirely too revealing.
Taylor’s passion is to be outside, hiking, in a world that makes sense to them, and Emerson harnesses that, asking Taylor to map the boundaries of the old sheep farm and maybe help discover secrets buried on the land. Taylor is glad to do so, although the secrets they help Emerson and Tess discover are immediately darker and more disturbing than any had expected.
As the virus rages, as tensions across the country simmer, as relationships within the house change, and as the land gives up its secrets, Taylor realizes time has grown short. Their secrets cannot remain hidden any longer.
When they spill, Taylor is exposed for all in the house to see.
And every person inside the house responds in ways Taylor never expected.
Like the first two books in the series — and the ones coming after — this was a ton of fun to write.
Pick up your copy. As always, my books are available at every retailer who’ll carry them, and via such library apps as Hoopa and Overdrive/Libby. Yes, I get paid if you read the book via the library! So if your book budget is thin, there’s a solution for you. (Granted, not all library systems play nice with Hoopla or Libby, and may not carry certain books. But go ahead and ask for ’em anyway. It’s good for them to hear what you’d like to read.)
A reminder for you Large Print lovers: All books in the Tales from the Sheep Farm series are available in Large Print. I recomment either B&N or Bookshop.org
As always, I am eager to know your thoughts. You’ve seen me say it over and over, but it’s so very true…
The best way to help an author is to buy a copy of a book for a friend.
The next best way is to tell a friend.
The third best way is to leave a review online. And in fact, if you’d like to join my reviewing team, drop me an email! I’d love to send you a free copy, and there’s no need to be all “I am afraid to leave a one-star review” in my world. Your opinion matters more than an algorithm.
People are treasures too. That includes you and your opinion of my books.
November 8, 2023
Cover for Populated, written by Susan Helene Gottfried
Two weeks to go.
I know I’m throwing books at you fast. That’s the idea: The faster I get ’em to you, the happier the people who like to see most, if not all of a series up for sale before they start reading. And it makes for better promotions when there’s a long backlist. Readers like those, and Populated will be my tenth release.
Now, if you picked up Maybe the Bird Will Rise (and over a thousand of you did! Thank you!), you may think you know what to expect.
If you’re expecting a tale set in the fictional city of Port Kenneth, TN, you’re right.
If you’re expecting something like Maybe the Bird Will Rise, which gets into heavy territory with Mack’s family history, well, think again.
Populated is the story of Delia Ford, street photographer and Port Kenneth social media darling, and what happens when someone breaks into the Woolslayer Gallery and steals all her art. And only her art.
We’re not kidding when we say all. Delia is suitably impressed.
Add in a slow-burn romance with a man early readers said is their new book boyfriend, an across-the-hall neighbor who is retired from the Bank of Port Kenneth, a family you love to hate (or hate to love), and oops, the ire of one of the less savory families in town, and you’ve got a story that expands the world of Port Kenneth into directions you may not have seen coming.
Grab your copy ASAP. I’m not doing any price drops until after the new year, so once the price goes back up after release day on the 21st, it’s going to stay there.
October 2, 2023
Let’s welcome Linda Griffin back to West of Mars!
If you’ve missed her in the past, you can catch up with her here:
Guilty Knowledge
Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking
Bridges
Reluctant Hearts
Look at that backlist! If you haven’t explored it yet, why not? It’s all right there, so have some fun!
Today, though, Linda is back with a new book. This time, it’s called The Axe, and somehow, I don’t think we’re talking about the body spray.
But before we get into what sort of Axe we’re talking about, let’s get into the tunes. I mean, let’s face it. Tunes make the world a happier place. Although it’s true that so do good books.
So… Linda Griffin, what song makes you think of your new book, The Axe?
“Lizzie Borden” by the Rumjacks because the murder victims were “hacked to death in daylight.” But remember that Lizzie Borden was acquitted…
Oh, my! WHAT are we in for????
(Also, this song? Is wild, y’all, as one of my editing clients would say.)
Here’s the book description. Are you ready? I am sure curious!
Sweethearts Eric Leidheldt and Desiree Chauveau are spending a weekend at his uncle’s cabin when they encounter two strangers cutting wood. Eric is knocked unconscious, and Desi is viciously attacked. The following day two police officers come to their apartment to arrest Desi. Her assailants are dead, murdered with an axe, and her fingerprints are on it. She confesses–but is she really guilty? Eric is determined to stand by her, but the physical and emotional effects of the attack severely challenge their relationship.
WHAT???? This sounds crazy, and in all the good, nightmarish ways. (Or am I the only one who’s been terrified of being framed for something I never did? Really?)
Grab a copy because hello, what’s really going on here?
Amazon
Apple
B&N
Google Play
Kobo
Remember, if you pick it up and read it, the best way to thank an author is to buy a second copy for a friend. The second best way is to tell a friend about it. And the third best? Leave an online review!
Also, connect with Linda online.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
One more thing to keep in mind: I do this as a labor of love to help out my fellow authors. If you’re an author, or if you have a friend who is, or heck, even an enemy, send ’em over to fill out the form and I’ll feature them as well.
August 31, 2023
I honestly never thought this day would come. And to be honest, being primarily an editor is great fun and I love it and I hope that no matter where this author ride takes me, I remain an editor first.
But.
I had a couple days back in March without editing work. And that’s NEVER good. Idle Susan equals trouble, in big, fat, screaming capital letters.
So I decided to channel that trouble and dig through my hard drive. It wasn’t as much of a mess as I thought, which is good. And I knew all this material was there, so it was a matter of taking a good hard look at it through my editorial lens, not my Susan-who-wrote-this lens, and I decided I have enough material to bring you a collection of short stories.
I know. I know. Believe me, after the Demo Tapes, I know! Short stories don’t sell.
In this case, I don’t care. There’s some strategy here, but mostly, this collection is full of material I’m really proud of, really confident of. And I want to share it with the world. (That means you.)
So. Permission to Enter.
Now, I hope a few (only ten!) copies will have arrived by the time the Books Books Books Festival in Lititz, PA happens at the end of September (If you’re nearby, come see me!). BUT in 2024, you’ll be able to pick up special editions with special covers. The content will remain the same. It’s just going to be an in-person bonus of sorts with a slick cover that’s kind of opposite this one, and it’s just perfect and I love it too.
So go and pick up your own copy of Permission to Enter.
Oh! Wait! You need to see the official description, especially because I love it as much as I love the stories themselves.
Permission to Enter
Women feature in this collection of short stories and one novella. Women regaining their power, moving forward through life, learning to face and deal with their pasts. These women have lived, loved, and lost. They have optimism for the future and darkness in their pasts. They have been granted permission to enter, they have seized it, or else they stand ready to do so.
Really, they’re just like us.
Okay! Universal Buy Link to make sure you can pick up the book where you’d like! If your library supports Overdrive or Bibliotheca, you can read it that way! Hoopla is coming at some point, if that’s your poison. I do encourage and support library use, so I hope you do the same.
And, as I say every time I post a Featured New Book Spotlight, remember that the best way to thank an author for their hard work is to gift a copy to your friend. The next best way is to recommend it. And the third? Leave an online review.
Have at it. Have fun.
I’m really proud of this little collection!
August 28, 2023
Holy smoke. This book makes the sixth one Alana Lorens has dropped in to tell us about. Sixth! I don’t know about you, but I’m in awe of that sort of prolific output. (She must keep her editors busy and I approve of that, knowing the trouble I get into when I am not busy.)
Today’s book is called Remnants of Fire, which is such a provocative title. That can mean so much!
So let’s get to it. Alana Lorens, what song makes you think of your new book, Remnants of Fire?
Newspaper reporters are driven to dig deep for their stories, even when the subjects of their investigations don’t want people to see what’s buried there. This is true for Sara in her new position at the paper, as well a her friends.
“Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera would be it. Not only did I discover Phantom during the period I first wrote this, but there are comparable themes in the stories. Heroine Sara Woods is swayed by her teacher into certain beliefs that could save her life–or end it.
Comparable themes? Yikes! But at the same time, you’ve got to read the official book description of Remnants of Fire… Ready? I am!
Looking for a fresh start, Sara Woods takes a job as a news reporter in a small town. Her first assignment for the Ralston Courier is to investigate of a string of deaths, all young women, all her age.
To deal with chronic back pain, she seeks help at a local healing center. She soon becomes convinced that there is something strange about the Goldstone Clinic. Its doctors and nurses are all the picture of perfect beauty and health, while their patients at first seem to improve and then mysteriously deteriorate.
Dr. Rick Paulsen, a physician at the local hospital, offers to teach Sara how to access her internal power, enhancing hidden skills and revealing secrets from her past.
Police officer Brendon Zale also takes an interest in Sara, watching her every move and trying to get close to her.
The deeper she digs into the Goldstone, the harder it is to deny links to the paranormal. Can she figure out what is going on and who to trust before it’s too late?
NB: This story was previously released as Love Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me. It has been rewritten and new material added.
That is NOT the comparison to Phantom that I was expecting — and I am glad of it! (This actually sounds way better and the paranormal twist has me certainly extremely curious.)
Get your copy!
Smashwords
And hey, before you connect with Alana Lorens, check out her past time in the bright light of the Featured New Book Spotlight!
Second Chances
Tender Misdemeanors
Encounter
A Rose by Any Other Name
Prophecies and Promises
Okay, now it’s time to connect with Alana so you can talk to her about Remnants of Fire
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Bookbub
Twitter
Instagram
Book Trailer
And remember! The best way to say thanks to an author for a good book is to buy it for a friend. But other really good ways include telling friends about it — and strangers, too, via a review. Be sure to leave a review online; it helps make a book more visible to the buying public. And we don’t want to keep these gems all to ourselves, do we?
No, no we do not.
July 3, 2023
Let’s welcome my fellow Pennwriter, Kathy Otten, to West of Mars!
Kathy has a new book out that she’d like to tell us about, so let’s get to it. Kathy, what song makes you think of The Solace of Denim?
Music has a power to heal and guide us when we are at our most troubled. The father of the murdered boy in this story is a former band member and follows his rock idols when he is his most despondent at the loss of his son. The denim jacket his son wore–the one that comes to young Joey, our hero–is bedecked with patches from the great bands of that era.
The song that makes me think of this story is Bob Seger’s TURN THE PAGE, a song about the ups and downs of life on the road. (In fact, it’s also the title of the musician’s biography, written by Edward Sarkis Balian.) Lines like “You pretend it doesn’t bother you/but you just want to explode” define the journey Joey is going through to a T. He is coming from one of the worst experiences a child can have–nearly murdered by his own father–to being accused of the murder of the only friend he has in his lonely foster child existence. But he finds help in the most unlikely place he can imagine.
Now, longtime readers and fans of West of Mars will recognize that I am a total Rock Fiction junkie. Which means that no matter how heavy this sounds, I’m there. (Also? “Turn the Page” was the song for Trevor’s Song, my first novel.)
What’s the book description, though? In case this wasn’t enough to hook you?
The victim of a horrific crime, fifteen-year-old Joey Kowalski has bounced around in the foster care system for six years. When his only friend Luke is murdered, suspicion falls on Joey.
As evidence mounts against him, Luke’s denim jacket appears in Joey’s closet. When he puts on the jacket, he gets visions of Luke’s murder and hears Luke’s voice in his head. Can Joey convince Luke’s father, Detective Marek, to look past his grief and help him find the real killer?
Whoa… mystery clothing! I’m there. Are you?
Pick up your copy of The Solace of Denim:
Amazon
eBook at Apple
eBook at Kobo
eBook at Smashwords — on sale for 99 cents in July!
And connect with Kathy!
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon Author Page
Book trailer
Bookbub
Remember that the best way to show thanks to an author is to buy copies of their books for your friends! Next to that is telling people about a great book, and then we have the old “leave an online review” option. All are great, and when you can do all three, authors benefit. We want authors to benefit — if they don’t, they won’t keep publishing their writing for us to read! (Yes, it really IS that simple.)
And, as always, be sure to send your friends and your colleagues over for their turn in the spotlight. I’m glad to host them!
May 22, 2023
I love repeat offenders around here, and Hannah E. Carey (or just Hannah Carey, or just Hannah, as I know her) is always a favorite in particular. Today, she’s got The Scout: Legends of Pern Coen to tempt us. And let me tell you…
I’m excited to bring you news of an impending release! Order it now and either wait until tomorrow, or, if you’re reading this on Tuesday the 23rd or later, you won’t have to wait at all! How can you argue with that timing?
I sure can’t.
So let’s get to the book because you’re going to be itching to read this once you get through this post and I’m going to warn you now: You’ll need to read the first installment (The Shifter) to get the most out of this one. Ready?
Hannah, what song makes you think of your book?
A Storm Is Coming”- Tommee Profitt & Liv Ash
The Scout is Book 2 in a trilogy and as any good middle installment, everything more or less goes to hell. The first book really built up the brewing darkness in the land and in the second installment, the heroine, Seren, and hero, Bran, are forced to deal with the storm that’s been created by that darkness. This line of the song in particular really resonated with me:
A storm is comin’
That you can’t escape
Tears are fallin’
Like blood and rainSeren’s father (who is also the clan leader) has been trying to ignore the darkness that’s right in front of him, but as it grows in power, there’s no escaping it. And while Seren and Bran know this, there are many in their clan, Seren’s father included, who don’t want to heed their warnings and want to live in denial instead. But that denial costs the clan greatly, in both bloodshed and heartache, and it’s up to Bran & Seren to put a stop to it all.
Yeah. This. I don’t think the book description can get any better, but here it is:
Will they survive Fianna’s flames?
Seren has saved Bran’s life, but their hardest battle is yet to come. Fianna is gaining ground in the land of Blaidd as Cadfael refuses to unleash the full power of the war band against it. The future of the clan looks bleak and Seren is hearing whispers in the Spirit Realm. Ones that speak of a power that hasn’t been woken for over a hundred years.
If they want to save their people and their land, Bran and Seren will have to defy Cadfael in every sense imaginable. But will it be enough? And will they, and their love, survive the flames of destruction that threaten to devour them?
Epic fantasy meets shifter romance in part two of this Celtic inspired romantic fantasy trilogy featuring elaborate world building, shapeshifters, a fierce heroine, a morally grey hero with a hidden heart of gold, dark magic, fire monsters, forbidden love, and low spice romance.
Woo, right? And sheesh. This song! I think it was Hannah who first introduced me to Tommee Profit and wow wow wow. That’s one artist who’s become a favorite around here, and this song’s no exception.
Get your copy NOW! Lots of buying options, so pick your favorite:
My Direct Store
Apple
Kobo
Barnes & Noble
Google Play
Smashwords
Amazon
And be sure to connect with Hannah. She’s one of those people you want in your social circle. (Just not so much that she runs out of time to write!)
Website
Facebook
Instagram
GoodReads
Ream
If you’ve missed Hannah’s other visits here at West of Mars, here you go!
The Hunter’s Featured New Book Spotlight
The Betrayer’s Featured New Book Spotlight
The Shifter’s Featured New Book Spotlight
Of course, if you’re still here and not busily buying Hannah’s backlist, let me remind you that leaving online reviews — thoughtful reviews that are oh, so much better than high school critical papers — is always the second best way to show appreciation for an author’s hard work. The first way, of course, is a tie between buying the author’s books and telling your friends to buy their books.
April 24, 2023
Let’s welcome our buddy Linda Griffin back to West of Mars!
You all know I love repeat visitors, and I hope you’re having fun following the careers of these authors. I personally love watching authors grow and mature and settle into their craft of writing. And man, do we get some good books for it!
Today’s book is Reluctant Hearts, and let’s let Linda tell us what song makes her think of it:
“I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” by Burt Bacharach and Hal David because the characters in Reluctant Hearts aren’t ready for new relationships. Unexpected love may triumph though!
Whoa, this is an oldie, but wow, has it held up well. Not as a contemporary song but as a song that stamps the time it was written and made famous. It’s so much fun! Be sure to give it a listen.
Let’s get back to the book.
So you know, this book releases today!
Ready for what it’s about, so you know what you’re buying?
Four couples, four stories:
Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again.
Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation.
David Early and Kate Howard meet in the laundromat, but her life is consumed by the needs of her disabled child, and David isn’t ready for the responsibility.
Realtor Frank Ellison meets Kayla Barnes at an open house, but a mistaken first impression derails any chance of romance.
Can they all overcome the obstacles to love?
Lots of trauma and messiness in here… just like real life, no? I love it. I love messiness.
Pick up a copy of Reluctant Hearts!
Amazon
Amazon print
Barnes and Noble
Apple
Bookshop.org
Indiebound
Connect with Linda:
Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
If you’ve missed Linda’s past visits, this is a great time to go check them out, too!
Bridges
Love, Death, and the Art of Cooking
Guilty Knowledge
Remember: The Featured New Book Spotlight is here for you if you’re an author, your friends, the authors you love to hate, whoever! If you’ve got a book that makes you think of a song, come on by.
February 20, 2023
Let’s welcome Joyce Reynolds-Ward to West of Mars with her book, The Enduring Legacy!
Let’s dive right in, shall we? I love talking books and music… It’s my happy thing. Joyce, what song makes you think of The Enduring Legacy?
“My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” as performed by Willie Nelson. It sums up the saga of Gabriel Martiniere, from star-crossed billionaire heir testifying against his family company’s abuse of mind control technology, to ranch hand on the run, to billionaire again and his ongoing crusade to reform the abuses of indenture and mind control tech.
Hello? Mind control tech?
I. Am. There. (Mostly because I am worried we’re not that far off from that day in our present society. Yikes. Something I never thought I’d have to say!)
Reaady for the cover description? I sure am.
Series Standalone.
WHAT PRICE DO YOU PAY FOR HAPPILY-EVER-AFTER?
Ruby Barkley and Gabriel Martiniere have made it. They’ve defeated Philip Martiniere, and Philip’s suicide leaves them an opening to reform the Martiniere Group as well as the Martiniere Family. To create their own, positive legacy.
But. The legacy of the Martinieres isn’t so easily repaired. Forty-five years of dominance by Philip doesn’t just go away overnight. Gabe and Ruby have a lot of work to do, especially since Philip’s toxic legacy endures in unexpected places.
New foes arise—including the specters of age and health. The mysterious worm that interferes with digital and living memories, and glitches their newest biobot designs.
Then Gabe begins to wonder—is Philip truly defeated?
Can he keep his legacy safe? Or is he doomed to lose his second family, only in a slower manner than the plane crash that killed his first family?
What will it take for Gabe to guarantee that his legacy endures?
Now, this is the fourth (Smashwords says fifth; Amazon says fourth and yes, I’ll ask and update when I get an answer) in a series, but it’s listed as a standalone, so… dive in here, or back up and go hunt down the first three books as well as this one. Your call! (I love when authors give you choices. It’s like Choose Your Own Adventure for grown-up bibliophiles.)
Grab your copy!
Amazon
Smashwords
Apple
Kobo
B&N
Connect with Joyce! I can’t say we’ve done that yet. YET. You all know how I love to chat with authors about their books and their worlds and their processes.
Substack link to the books
Joyce’s main
And as always, be sure to refer your author friends (including yourself) to the Featured New Book Spotlight submission page. This is my labor of love and… I’d love to exercise that love in your direction. Or your friend’s direction.
One last note? Leaving reviews helps other readers find good books, so be sure to leave a few thoughts!
January 16, 2023
Let’s welcome Cerine Marrouat and her short story, The Train, to West of Mars!
(Throw confetti. Okay, it’s paper shreds to reduce plastic and be good to birdies. And maybe some dryer lint for nest building.)
I’ve gotten to know Cendrine via Counter.Social and its lovely writing community. I’m really delighted to host her today, which means… let’s get right to it, shall we?
Cendrine, what song makes you think of your new short story, The Train?
While writing my short story “The Train,” I often listened to Leigh Nash’s “Nervous In The Light Of Dawn.”
I chanced upon the song a few years ago and immediately fell in love with Nash’s haunting voice. It also has some of the most beautiful lyrics I have ever heard. To me, they speak to the need for self-love and the importance of introspection, which feature heavily in “The Train.”
The first note of this song is, indeed, haunting. And Nash’s voice is nice and light… this is lovely music! And yes, a new-to-me musician, so YAY for that, too. I love it when my author friends widen my musical horizons.
What’s the story about? I’m curious, especially as the song plays.
You never know what a train ride may have in store. Maggie is about to find out as she journeys to Coueuses to visit her family.
“A powerful and deeply touching story with layered characters that all felt real.” – Berneta L. Haynes, author of Eve and the Faders
Ooh. All the potential… and then this song? I’m there. Are you?
Note that The Train is currently a preorder, BUT the release is later this week, so you won’t have to wait for long! Go buy barely-in-the-future you a present!
Here’s a universal link for you. You all know how much I love these; you get to pick your retailer!
Of course, connecting with Cendrine is the way to go.
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Goodread:
More links can be found here
Remember, if you’re an author, have a friend who’s an author, know someone with a book to promote, the Featured New Book Spotlight is here! It’s such a lovely way to meet new authors, see what they are writing and listening to, and expand all our musical horizons, all with one simple question!
October 3, 2022
We’re back after a short blackout (I hate those!) with a return visit from my new friend Tara Conrad.
You can visit her first post, featuring Submitting to Him, here.
Which means Tara’s an old hand at this already. I mean, of course she is after only being here once before. This isn’t hard stuff, gang — and that’s by design. I want it easy for you, both as spotlit authors and as readers. Which means, we gotta get right to it, no?
Tara Conrad! What song makes you think of your new book, His Melody?????? (Lots of question marks ’cause I really want to know and yes, today is a MOOD. Go with it.)
Viktor and the girl he ends up with (I can’t give away who it is) both believe they’re damaged beyond repair. Both of their pasts are filled with loss, pain, and more trauma than any person should have to endure. Neither of them believe they’re worthy of love.
Their paths cross–their worlds collide and they can’t ignore the pull to one another.
But, there’s one big problem, their love is forbidden.
This song? One of my all-time favorites! And I want to one day write a book that makes me think of this song. It’s so… mmmm. Everything. Yum.
And if you didn’t notice, by Tara’s refusal to let us know the female lead’s name, this is one in a series — the fourth, to be precise. So you might want to backtrack and catch up before reading this one! (Hey, the first book? I linked to it above! It’s Submitting to Him!)
But before we think about that, let’s talk about the official book description. Ready? I sure am!
Everyone seems to believe time heals all wounds. But is that really the truth or something people say to ease their conscience?
The pain from loss never completely goes away. Instead, we learn to live with the suffocating grief.
I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up. A man like me doesn’t get a happily ever after.
I knew better. That mistake won’t happen again.
This time, I’m starting over with nothing left to lose.
I just hope when the dust settles, everyone I care about can forgive me.
~Viktor
Ooh! Tara STILL didn’t spoil the woman’s name!!! Notice what she did there!
I gotta know. Do you gotta know?
Here’s the way: Amazon only book you gotta read
And here’s how to connect with Tara… well, how to get signed paperback copies, anyway! They make great gifts…. just sayin’…
This is that spot where I remind you that if you can’t gift a copy to a friend, and if your friends are tired of you talking up all the great books you find here and want them to know about, the next best way to help an author raise their visibility is to leave a review online! Another good way is to send them here, for their chance to stop into the spotlight.
Be a good reader. Share the name of your favorite book or author with the world.