Still House by Christian White & Summer DeRoche, is an audible original I found on Audible Plus. Narrated by Luke Arnold & Sibylla Budd, this twisty horror was the perfect listen on a cold winter’s night. You’ll want to curl up by the fire and discover what happened to the tenants of the rental home along the Balarang waterways.

Still House
by Christian White, Summer DeRoche
Narrator: Luke Arnold, Sibylla Budd
Length: 3 hours and 57 minutes
Genres: Horror
Source: Audible Plus
Purchase*: Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Situated in a beautiful setting abutting the Balarang waterways and located on an acre of natural bushland, this three-bedroom country home is full of promise, character and potential. Featuring private access to the many splendours of Balarang Creek, this idyllic property is perfect for anyone seeking fresh air and serenity.

Nostalgic for childhood summers a world away from his manic Melbourne life, Dave Johnson purchases a secluded house in a postcard-perfect coastal town. A savvy investment, he convinces his wife. One year on, and his seaside dream has turned into one big headache, with his tenants not paying rent, and now simply vanishing into thin air, leaving all their belongings behind. Summoned back to the house to inspect the abandoned property, Dave and his wife Lisa become trapped in the isolated spot after their car breaks down. Spooked and alone, they become lured into investigating what really happened to their mysterious tenants.

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Dave Johnson purchases a secluded house in a postcard-perfect coastal town despite his wife Lisa’s protest. What should have given them income as an investment property has turned into a bit of a nightmare. With fires, and other issues damping the market, their property manager convinced them to accept a long-term rental. Only the tenants stopped paying. When their manager finally gets an eviction notice, she discovers the tenants are gone…only it’s odd. She recommends Dave & Lisa come see for themselves.

The tale that unfolds was creeptastic as Dave & Lisa find themselves trapped at the rental when their car battery dies. The events that transpire will have you gripping your blanket as you listen. Plenty of twists and spooky happens give way to a terrifying and realistic tale.

Luke Arnold & Sibylla Budd narrate and brought both Dave and Lisa to life while enhancing the atmospheric tale and frantic emotions.

If you are looking for a good thriller with things that go bump in the night, you’ll want to grab your earbuds and listen to this novella.

Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer
• COYER Winter 2018-19

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/still-house-by-christian-white-summer-deroche.html

From Peacock Lane: the Poetry and Prose of Emily Evans Volume 1 is a collection of evocative poetry and prose written by your late mother. Why was it important for you to share these works?

As her loving daughter, it means so much to me that my mother’s life story, personality, and perspectives will live again through these brilliant writings now accessible to the world. Publication of her work is the fulfillment of one of her dreams. I’m thrilled to announce that “From Peacock Lane” is already available for pre-order, and will be out in plenty of time for National Poetry Month in April.

What poem in this collection do you feel embodies who your mother was the most and why?

Emily told me that the last poem, “By the Door”, was written about me when I was going through a trying time. But I believe the piece better reflects her own fortitude because of the many serious difficulties she overcame throughout her life. In this poem, a small bloom of forsythia, serving as a metaphor, survives a cold, icy winter by holding onto its faith that spring will return. Here is an excerpt:

“A beleaguered blossom

brave as any lonely

soldier

on a ravaged moor”

What were some goals you set for yourself in publishing this book? 

Before her passing in 2017, my mom gave me three large envelopes of her writing, “in case you can ever do anything with it.” I also have many of her journals, which I will evaluate for publication after the first three volumes of her work are completed. Currently, the working title of the entire series that will include all these texts is, “The Essence of Emily Evans.”

The publication of “From Peacock Lane” will be the first step in bringing that essence back to the world in a meaningful way. My next goals are to promote this first book of the series and then complete the rest. As you might guess, it’s been an emotional journey putting this project together. As I proofread and organized her poems, I heard her “voice” and experienced her with me again in a way that readers and writers can understand.

When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

I’ve looked through the second envelope, and there are approximately 50 typed poems, numbered in the order she wished to have them shared (thanks, Mom!). These writings also cover the breadth of her life, but go further ahead. There is a disquieting pre-9/11 poem about the Twin Towers, and a fascinating account of her transatlantic vacation.  So, the next book, “From Deer Path Trail,” will also conjure up a gamut of emotions, with twists of humor guaranteed. The readers will continue to encounter both delightful and jarring metaphoric visions. After my own next book comes out this spring, I will start scanning the typed pages from the second envelope into text, handle the layout and proofreading, and will again engage the wonderfully talented Luisa Galstyan for the cover art and illustrations. Ideally, “From Deer Path Trail” will be available before the end of the year. Thank you so much for letting me share these details with you and your audience.

Author Links: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/09/my-mothers-life-story/

From Brick and Darkness by J.L. Sullivan is a fascinating youth-adult fantasy novel that captivates your attention and feeds your imagination. This story involves a young, fatherless boy searching for a place to belong. When a disheveled man suddenly appears with a magic ring, claiming to have known his father, he reveals that the ring contains a genie that can grant his deepest desires. The man also cautions the boy to be careful what he wishes for, as he and his friends are thrust into unexpected situations beyond their control.

This thrilling story will take you on an intense emotional roller coaster with well-developed, likeable characters. Each scene is skillfully thought out, so the reader can understand and visualize the characters’ living. As I turned one page after another, I eagerly wanted to learn more about Bax, his desire to learn about and know his dad, and the ring’s power over him. Should he embark further, despite the risks, or turn back? The vivid narration made it easy for me to get immersed in the storyline.

J.L. Sullivan’s book is both adventurous and chilling, with unexpected twists and turns throughout the story. It’s a fun read that’s ideal for fans of fantasy and fiction, with a sense of mystery.

From Brick and Darkness by J.L. Sullivan is a thrilling young-adult novel ideal for a weekend read. It’s a visually engaging book, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

ASIN 150924008X | Pages: 362

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/09/from-brick-darkness/

Backstabbed on Broadway by Carolyn Summer Quinn is a gripping mystery novel that involves murder, high stakes, and many suspicious characters. The novel focuses on Jasmine Flannery, a young woman working at an acting agency. She stumbles upon the body of her boss, Isidore, who is cruel and widely hated. Jasmine is shocked to find out she inherited the agency. She must take on incredible responsibility as she works to maintain her innocence and solve the crime while suspicions arise. With the help of her family and the police, Jasmine must navigate the dark and seedy world of the theatre industry to solve the case, but the constant chaos at the agency leaves her wondering if her efforts are worth the trouble.

Quinn has written an enjoyable book with a likeable main character and honest, vivid developments throughout the story. The storyline is well narrated, navigating through the protagonist’s difficulties while handling the daily business of working in theatre. As the number of suspicious people increases, the plot intensifies as it becomes difficult to find the culprit, leading the reader through a maze of mystery from beginning to end.

The characters are vibrant and exciting and fit into the story perfectly, capturing my attention from the start. The run-down theatrical space and shady acting agency added a gloomy but captivating atmosphere to the book, set in New York City, with many layers of unpredictable characters, plot twists, and developments. It’s a story that will take the reader through many possibilities, keeping you guessing non-stop and considering every possible character as a suspect, including Jasmine.

Backstabbed on Broadway by Carolyn Summer Quinn is a fun story that kept me engaged. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of murder mysteries and action stories.

ASIN B0BRL54YLF | Pages 305

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/09/backstabbed-on-broadway/

Battles Within: My Journey of Self and Service by Adam DeMarco is an inspiring journey through one man’s surprisingly remarkable life. Adam grew up on the coast of Florida as a headstrong young boy. In 2001, two events would change his world forever: his parent’s divorce and the destruction of the World Trade Center. In a thoughtful exploration of trauma, Adam relates how he spiraled in the wake of both tragedies, which led to a life-changing decision when his high school coach pulled him aside one day, asking him, “Why not join the army?”

Adam’s life-changing choice leads him to West Point, followed by multiple deployments overseas, a stint as a politician, and rejoining the military, which later leads to unexpected changes, including becoming a whistleblower. Readers will find the story incredible, with a rollercoaster of highs, life-altering experiences, heartaches, and lessons learned alongside many achievements. While the book may seem overwhelming at times, it’s an exciting, inspirational read that I enjoyed.

The book offers a fascinating historical and cultural background about the military, woven between personal anecdotes, political events, and unique perspectives. DeMarco’s writing takes on a casual, conversational tone, which gives readers a sense of familiarity. The book is rich in poignant introspection regarding the author’s childhood, his relationship with the United States military, and the people who shaped him into the man he is today.

I appreciated the author’s writing style and how he addresses many aspects of his life and experiences, including mental health, which he covers with great care and consideration. He also acknowledges the trauma that comes from experiencing combat and violence and less visible tragedies such as divorce and bullying.

Battles Within: My Journey of Self and Service by Adam DeMarco is an extremely exciting and engaging read with the potential to change how readers view the military and the broader political context of the past few decades.

ASIN 1955026408 | Pages

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/09/battles-within-my-journey-of-self-service/

Join Susie and Johnny, the dynamic duo of best friends, on a tantalizing journey filled with education and adventure. These charming grilled cheese characters embark on a thrilling day at school before returning home for a scrumptious snack. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – they zip-line into their magical treehouse where a mystical vehicle whisks them away on an imaginative adventure.

Susie and Johnny are cute little grilled cheese characters that do everything little kids would do, they just do it as charming little sandwiches. Readers are introduced to the Toast family and Soup family, where we get a sense that everything in this world is food related. I enjoyed this unique twist as it provided a lot of adorable moments throughout the story. We learn a lot about Susie and Johnny and their world in this colorful picture book so I hope there are future books that will build on this creative foundation.

The friends go on a wildly imaginative adventure near the end of the story that will surely ignite children’s imagination. With vibrant illustrations and a whimsical narrative, Meet Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese is a delightful children’s book that is sure to entertain children and spark the imaginations of young readers everywhere.

Pages: 52 | ASIN: B0BPMZ4TYT

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/09/meet-susie-johnny-grilled-cheese/