Category: Featured Book

Featured Book: Mazie Baby

Mazie BabyMazie Baby
by Julie Frayn
Genres: literary fiction, contemporary
Available at Amazon.

Mazie Reynolds’ husband used to adore her. Now he’d rather blacken her eyes. When he tires of her and turns his attentions to their daughter, Mazie hatches a plan to get them both out, now. But can she outwit the man she vowed to obey until death do they part?

Excerpt:

His breath was heavy and laboured, his chest rose and fell in fast rhythm with each inhale and bourbon-scented exhale. “Mazie.” His voice was gravelly. A hoarse whisper. “Baby.” She used to love it when he called her that. Mazie Baby. It spoke of his love for her, his desire to take care of her, protect her. Like a mother is supposed to keep a child safe from harm. It morphed into a taunt, like a schoolyard bully mocking a weak kid crying for his mommy. What’s the matter, baby? You gonna cry, baby? “Come on, baby. Untie me. You’ve made your point.” He smiled one of his fake smiles. “You know I love you, right?” How many times had he said that? After he hurt her. After the apologies that used to mean something but now rang as hollow and untrue as most every word he spewed.

What others are saying: “Her characters are raw and too real to ignore.” ~ Darcy, Amazon.com

Featured Book: Mortom

MortomMortom
by Erik Therme
Genres: mystery, thriller, suspense
Available at Amazon.

After his estranged cousin dies, Andy travels to Mortom to survey the estate. When he finds a dead rat with a key in its mouth, he thinks it’s some sort of joke. Then he discovers the letter left by his cousin . . . detailing the rules of “the game.”

Excerpt:

His hand froze mid-air as Ricky’s truck crept around the curve and shuddered to a stop. The grill grinned at him with tiny cavities of rust. Ricky sat motionless inside.

“Go around,” Andy said under his breath.

The old man dogged the gas pedal, taunting him.

“Go,” he said, raising his voice. His heart accelerated from a fast run into a gallop. “You’ve got plenty of room.”

The engine revved. Andy forced himself to stand his ground. It wouldn’t matter if he moved an inch or a mile; this had nothing to do with the road. The old man was a bully—plain and simple—and it was going to end here and now.

“I’m not budging,” he said loudly. “I can—”

It was all he got out before the truck lurched forward on squealing tires.

What others are saying:

“This book had me from the first page…a unique plot, great characters and an unexpected ending.” – Diane W

Featured Book: An Untold Want

An Untold WantAn Untold Want
by Sara Stark
Genre: literature, women’s fiction
Available at Amazon.

Being born into a family of witches in rural Georgia has made Maggie MacAllister a recluse. She just wants a normal life, and if it weren’t for the MacAllister curse, a husband. When her teenage daughter nearly dies, Maggie must let others into her cloistered lifestyle, even a potential suitor.

Excerpt:

Everyone else in the restaurant politely ignores Libby, all the while making mental notes as to what was said and worn and done. The Jacob’s Creek grapevine will be humming tomorrow, and Maggie’s glad she decided to change out of her grubby work jeans and boots and into a nice pair of slacks and designer flats. At least they won’t be able to gossip about how badly she was dressed.

She gestures to Jerry, the bartender, who’s doing a better job of masking his dismay than Liz. He hovers behind the bar, hopefully near enough to help if there’s a problem. Maggie steps up next to Libby and waits, unsure what to say or do. She reaches out her hand but then drops it by her side. It’s hard to sympathize with Libby—Maggie would never cause a scene like this—but it’s not hard to be kind.

What others are saying:

“What started out as a book about witches, curses, herbs, and life in small-town Georgia developed into something much more meaningful.” – Jerry Prohoehl

Featured Book: On the Right Side

On the Right SideOn The Right Side: My Story of Survival and Success
by Karen Magill
biography, memoir
Available from Amazon.

When Karen Magill woke to find herself partially paralyzed on one side of her body, she began a journey filled with twists and turns. From the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis to becoming an award-winning novelist, On The Right Side shows that a crisis can be a blessing.