Three years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic struck the United States, and the economy sputtered in the direction of collapse. Social distancing protocols caused businesses to shutter, and millions of Americans lost their jobs. Between February and April 2020, the unemployment rate doubled—then it doubled again. During the worst week of the Great Recession of the […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/03/21/the-high-cost-of-being-poor-matthew-desmond/
Join me in celebrating the release of ALL SIGNS LEAD TO LUCY by Julieann Dove. This women’s fiction romance shares the story of Lucy Fister, who discovers that in the game of love, fate always wins. Check out an excerpt, download your copy and enter the fabulous giveaway.
Amazon | Goodreads
After living a life of failed, predictable relationships, Lucy Fister took the advice of the psychic who charged sixty dollars for ten minutes: start seeking men who are the absolute opposite of who she dated. It made sense, but paying for the obvious meant it might work.
Tyler Tolliver met that criteria. He was an out of work actor who’d invented the love language ‘have a good time.’ They had a whirlwind relationship and after four months, he proposed, holding a bread tie for a ring, and giving the argument that the lease on his loft was expiring.
One year into her marriage with Tyler, and Lucy was tired of playing Xbox, clubbing, and watching movies before reading the book. She missed conversations deeper than picking where they’d eat, and being in bed before midnight. When her estranged best friend, Vanessa asked her and Tyler to go on a week-long trip to the Caribbean with her new fiancé, Martin VanLeer, Lucy accepted the invitation.
Fate scatters people and plans like a ceiling fan scatters loose papers. On the eve of the trip, Tyler and Vanessa respectively were called to fulfill work related tasks. The new plan was for them to meet up with Lucy and Vanessa’s fiancé in a couple of days.
One week is all it took for Martin and Lucy to fall in love. And for Lucy to realize that psychic was wrong—she didn’t need to find someone opposite of all the guys she dated, she needed to be warned of the millionaire engaged to her best friend. Because if they acted on this attraction, it meant destroying a marriage, a wedding, and a lifelong friendship.
Amazon
“The captain has been tracking a tropical storm off the coast in the path we are heading.”
My empty stomach dropped. “That doesn’t sound good.” I wanted to want this boat trip, but truth be told, it was Tyler who talked it up more than me. And of course there was us salvaging our torn relationship goal. But I’ve seen Six Days, Seven Nights. And Titanic. And Cast Away. I’m not new here. And now a storm?
Vanessa must’ve felt my heat radiating from where she sat. “Come on, Lucy. It’s fine.” She looked at Martin. “Right, honey? I mean, storms move, right?”
“Right. And that’s what we’re banking on. But we’re going to wait a day to leave. We’ll pull out at lunch tomorrow. That will ensure us that it’s moved out of the way.”
The waitress placed our drinks on the table and took off again.
What, no bread? I punctured my straw through the paper and dipped it in the ice. Ah, refreshing. Vanessa squeezed the lime wedge in her martini and sipped from the edge. Was she impervious to alcohol? Did she have an iron liver?
“How bad is it? I mean, tropical isn’t code for cyclone, right? I mean, hurricanes are still a thing, aren’t they? Don’t they typically name them after women? Maybe this one had a nice, un-destructive name like Eleanor. Or Melanie.” I needed assurance this was raindrops and a breeze, not a rip-off-the-side-of-the-boat and you’re on 60 Minutes thing, being watched by helicopter above while the sharks circled.
His mouth frowned. “I think he said winds of seventy miles per hour.”
My chest heaved. “This is a bad sign. Don’t racecars travel at 100 miles per hour? And they’re hard to watch. That’s only thirty more miles. Per hour.”
“Actually, I believe they travel much faster,” he replied.
Did it matter? Seventy certainly sounded more frightening than a graceful twenty-five. I took another drink. “First my luggage, then it appears Tyler has dropped off the edge of the earth, and now a tropical storm?” I clicked my nail on the tabletop. “No, this is definitely a sign.”
Copyright © 2023 by Julieann Dove
Julieann Dove takes great pleasure in writing about love and all the mess that goes along with it. How else does happily ever after become realized, if not for some type of hardship and journey? When she’s not writing, she loves playing with fabric at her sewing machine, baking new recipes, and playing in the dirt, trying to get things to grow. Julieann loves old movies, and never tires of listening to music—it’s where she finds most of her inspiration for her books.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter | BookBub
Enter to win a twenty-five dollar Amazon gift card! Open to anyone who can accept US eCard. Ends March 31, 2023.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/book-tour-all-signs-lead-to-lucy-by-julieann-dove.html
The Mole Book III, by Ron Raye, is the third book in the fascinating The Mole series. This particular collection of poems centers on engaging themes of survival, human nature, and betrayal, among others. The book starts with an intriguing introduction where the author talks about a character, who may or may not be fictional, who he claims was his brother. Following the character’s death, the ghost continued to haunt him, the author, even though he was not responsible for the brother’s untimely death.
I’m surprised to find one familiar character who stands out in the book, Willem, who appears in a previous book in the series. He is notorious for his destructive nature and deception. The author’s use of metaphor is brilliant when describing Willem, with lines such as “That night I saw him through the flashing light.” It was Willem; like a mole, he was holding court. “The evil thing was him.” These words aptly capture Willem’s character, making him a memorable figure throughout the book.
Ron Raye is a master of wordplay and metaphor, and his poems are written like captivating stories. The use of repetition in the right places was what I liked most, and it helped to emphasize the author’s ideas on the struggles of life. He asserts that life is a constant battle, and only those who can adapt to different situations and show resistance to oppression will survive. His insightful observations on human nature are thought-provoking and resonate with readers.
Ron Raye is a true master of poetry, and this book showcases his exceptional talent. As someone who has recently developed a love for poetry, this book is one of the best I have read so far. I highly recommend it to poetry enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 204
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/21/the-mole-book-iii/
Click Click Click is a fascinating true crime story that delves into the real-life events that occurred in Franklin, VA, during the 1990s. Co-authored by sisters Anne Varner and Karen DeVanie, who also host the Sugar Coated Murder podcast, this book is a gripping account of the murder of Trent Whitley, a high school student who went missing one Friday night. Despite having no leads and no suspects, the case remained unsolved for several years until the police finally made an arrest and brought the culprits to justice.
The authors’ extensive research and investigation into the case, as well as their firsthand experience of covering it in their podcast, have resulted in a riveting and immersive narrative. The reader is drawn into the story from the very beginning, as the authors provide a detailed and vivid portrayal of the town, the victims, and the perpetrators.
The book is structured in an engaging and informative manner, with each chapter providing a new layer of insight into the crime and its aftermath. In addition, the authors’ writing style is compelling, with their prose keeping readers hooked until the very last page.
Click Click Click is an excellent choice for anyone who is a fan of true crime literature or podcasts. It offers a concise yet captivating account of a heinous crime that shocked a community and made national headlines. This book is a quick and absorbing read that can be finished in one sitting. This is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a well-written and gripping story.
Pages: 108 | ASIN : B0BN43PBNB
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/21/click-click-click/
It is the year 3120, and humans have entered the world of intergalactic travel and commerce. The Milky Way has become a battle zone for resources between all the different alien races that reside there. With a new power source discovered, it is a race to see what race will control it, giving them the upper hand to control the direction of the galaxy. Can humans win the race? What will it take to get the job done and gain control of this new resource?
Author Aaron Walker Sr.’s Cargo 3120: Ties that Bind is an excellent science fiction adventure. Set in the distant future, the spirited members of the outlaw group, Raven Squad, find themselves in the middle of a heist gone wrong that could have implications for the future of the entire galaxy. Led by the imposing Marcus La’Dek, Raven Squad comprises sci-fi mainstays; the hotshot upstart, a cocky explosives expert, a brutish heavy gunner, and a brilliant hacker. Walker Sr. breaks some molds with the situations he puts his characters into, primarily by showing the devastating consequences of their actions.
At times, Cargo 3120 feels more like a crime drama than a sci-fi novel. There’s plenty of scheming, backstabbing, and betrayals. However, Marcus’s crew is brave and ambitious, often to a fault. The story takes a lengthy, albeit necessary, detour depicting a miserable stint in a galactic penitentiary. La’Dek is sent there for his past actions and the actions of his crew. Once “reformed,” Marcus is put into the unenviable position of choosing between his squad and his family. The author makes the situation work as La’Dek struggles to deal with the “ties that bind.”
Walker Sr. does an excellent job of building a vibrant world. The varying factions and syndicates of the Interstellar League of Planets are fleshed out and feel like real organizations. I like how the author presents a “real” fictional history for his future world. Also, the science fiction elements aren’t too far out there, allowing the reader to enjoy Marcus’s and the other characters’ journeys.
Cargo 3120: Ties that Bind is a riveting science fiction adventure that takes space opera fans into the world they love and gives them new villains and battles to follow along with. This remarkable story is sure to be the start of a captivating and engaging series that will garner the love of old and new sci-fi fans alike.
Pages: 263 | ASIN : B09B8454KV
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/21/cargo-3120/
Joseph W. Taylor: Born to Bird is an engaging biography penned by Anne Taylor, chronicling the life and passions of her father, Joseph Taylor. The book delves into Joseph’s deep love for birds, nature, and conservation, showcasing his significant impact on Anne’s life. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic mid-20th century, the narrative is captivating and nostalgic, as Anne Taylor’s conversational tone draws the reader into her family’s rich experiences and lessons learned.
Ornithology serves as the book’s focal point, with Anne introducing readers to the fascinating world of birding through her father’s eyes. As the story unfolds, she recounts Joseph’s involvement with the prestigious 600 Club, a birdwatching group dedicated to research, conservation, and the joy of birding. The narrative is imbued with Anne’s admiration and affection for her father as she shares the passion and enthusiasm that fueled the club’s members.
Complementing the vivid storytelling are a collection of stunning photographs featuring color and black-and-white images of Joseph Taylor, his family, and his birding adventures. The meticulously captioned and dated photographs offer a visual journey through Joseph’s life, from his early years to his later excursions to breathtaking locations such as Alaska, Newfoundland, New Mexico, Nova Scotia, and Florida.
Despite Joseph’s challenges in his later years, Anne Taylor’s account of her father’s life is a testament to his resilience, love for nature, and commitment to family. The narrative, interspersed with uplifting moments and valuable life lessons, pays tribute to Joseph’s lasting legacy within the birding community. His dedication to preserving the natural world and treasuring family bonds remains an enduring message that resonates with readers.
With its compelling narration, intriguing insights into 20th-century ornithology, and heartwarming stories, Joseph W. Taylor: Born to Bird is a must-read biography for those seeking a captivating journey into the life of a remarkable individual and the enchanting world of birds.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0BWLWNHJQ
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/21/joseph-w-taylor-born-to-bird/
Una MacLaren is a fiercely independent woman and widow. When her beloved husband suffers an accident in Break Heart Canyon, she concludes her life is just another story to add to the depressing legacy of the canyon. Preferring the company of her goats and her dog MacTavish she works her farm and keeps to herself for the most part. That is, until a relic hunter appears uninvited and unwanted on her property. Ryker is unlike the other bone hunters who try to pilfer the spirit cave on her property. Slowly the two of them work their way into each other’s lives, with a bit of help from Whiskey Jim, the mysterious wonder that seems to know everything that goes on in this town.
Break Heart Canyon by Gini Rifkin is more than a western romance novel. It is the story of Native American legends, Scottish heritage, and self-discovery. Ryker is the loner, never staying anywhere long, just long enough to get the job done and get paid. But, it is in the canyon and after meeting Una, he starts to realize there is more to life and adventure can come in many forms. Una learns that she doesn’t always have to be strong and it is ok to love more than once in a lifetime. Together they find the missing pieces of themselves and help solve a long-standing mystery that has plagued the town.
Rifkin’s writing style pulls the reader in, giving them rich characters that, in order to get to know the real person, you have to keep reading. Even the minor characters are well-developed and are used to show added depth and personality to the protagonists. Intertwined in the story is the mystery surrounding the cave and the events that have happened in the canyon. The mystery plays out well and leaves some wonderful surprises for the reader to discover.
Break Heart Canyon is a captivating historical romance filled with legend and lore that will have readers unable to put the book down. Each chapter gives the reader something new to think about, leading them deeper into a world they were not expecting. This is the perfect read for those that want romance with their adventure.
Pages: 196 | ASIN : B0B4Z39G9X
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/21/break-heart-canyon/