Narrated by Jessie Mueller, Alice Hoffman’s newest offering, The Invisible Hour delivers a historical fiction about a cult, and a young woman with a copy of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Magical Realism at its finest. This story held me captive.

The Invisible Hour
by Alice Hoffman
Narrator: Jessie Mueller
Length: 7 hours and 44 minutes
Genres: Historical Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

One brilliant June day when Mia Jacob can no longer see a way to survive, the power of words saves her. The Scarlet Letter was written almost two hundred years earlier, but it seems to tell the story of Mia’s mother, Ivy, and their life inside the Community—an oppressive cult in western Massachusetts where contact with the outside world is forbidden, and books are considered evil. But how could this be? How could Nathaniel Hawthorne have so perfectly captured the pain and loss that Mia carries inside her?

Through a journey of heartbreak, love, and time, Mia must abandon the rules she was raised with at the Community. As she does, she realizes that reading can transport you to other worlds or bring them to you, and that readers and writers affect one another in mysterious ways. She learns that time is more fluid than she can imagine, and that love is stronger than any chains that bind you.

As a girl Mia fell in love with a book. Now as a young woman she falls in love with a brilliant writer as she makes her way back in time. But what if Nathaniel Hawthorne never wrote The Scarlet Letter? And what if Mia Jacob never found it on the day she planned to die?

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote: “A single dream is more powerful than a thousand realities.”

This is the story of one woman’s dream. For a little while it came true.

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Confession- When I was in high school, I absolutely loved the required summer reading lists and the discussions that took place in class. Going into ninth grade, The Scarlet Letter was required reading, along with a three others. I loved them. That Mia Jacob, a young girl living in an oppressive cult in western Massachusetts, finds solace in Hawthorne’s story, intrigued me.

The Invisible Hour begins with Mia’s mother and shares their life on the farm. Mia finds comfort in books and sneaks to the town library to get them. She befriends the librarian and hides books in the barn. Their life isn’t easy and Mia pleads with her mother to escape this life. When tragedy strikes, Mia leaves.

When she grabs a copy of The Scarlet Letter, it unlocks a portal of sorts and Mia is able to spend time with the author himself before he has written the book that changed things for her.

The tale highlights cult life, brings a little suspense and transports the listener. The tale has some romance and found family.

Jessie Mueller is a new to me narrator. She did a lovely job of capturing the tone of the story and bringing Mia to life. The production quality was well done. I highly recommend listening. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, magical realism, books and those who are curious about cult life.

Amazon | Audible

The Invisible Hour by Alice Hoffman narrated by Jessie Mueller delivered a time-slip tale that will captivate you. #audiobookreview
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/the-invisible-hour-by-alice-hoffman.html

Kurt Farin’s most recent case has unveiled a level of danger beyond initial expectations. Readers are introduced to Kurt, a San Francisco-based detective, who becomes entangled in a perilous situation when he attempts to rescue Leticia, a young woman who tragically loses her life. Regrettably, Kurt sustains a gunshot wound during this endeavor, resulting in a brain injury that renders him unconscious and necessitates a medically induced coma. Within this period of vulnerability, a previously unknown presence emerges within Kurt’s consciousness, a mysterious woman who reaches out to him. In the midst of his cognitive turmoil, he utters a solitary name: Genevieve Lucas. The enigma of this connection beckons – who is Genevieve Lucas, and what profound ties bind them? Conviction in the significance of his vision propels Kurt to embark on a quest to unravel this mystery, despite the incredulity of his confidant, who perceives his actions as emblematic of a descent into madness.

Terror Bay, by Lisa Towles, beckons readers into a world saturated with suspense, propelling them through a captivating odyssey of action, intrigue, and enigma. One of the narrative’s standout attributes is its capacity to confound expectations, holding readers rapt as they endeavor to untangle the intricate threads of the plot. Lisa Towles adeptly entwines the genres of crime and self-discovery, crafting a multifaceted story that encompasses not only the unraveling of a mystery but also the exploration of Kurt’s own past.

The merits of this narrative are diverse. Beginning with its meticulous characterization, Lisa deftly shapes a diverse cast of dynamic personas, each contributing a distinct facet to the story’s tapestry. The narrative flows seamlessly, precluding any moments of reader disengagement. Kurt’s introspections are eloquently conveyed, fostering an empathetic connection with the reader, who bears witness to his internal struggles.

Terror Bay stands as an exceptional read, utilizing adept storytelling that both captivates and resonates.

Pages: 371

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/21/terror-bay/

The Horror Film Killer marks the second installment in Michael J. Bowler’s enthralling A Film Milieu Thriller series, featuring a fresh set of characters distinct from Book One. Centered around Cassie Stewart, a senior at Performance Arts Academy High School in Southern California’s San Fernando Valley, the narrative follows her collaborative endeavor with best friend Donovan Quinn. Together, they embark on co-writing and co-directing a feature film for their senior project in film class, with aspirations of entering their creation into the prestigious local Shriek Festival, renowned as one of the nation’s oldest and grandest horror film festivals. However, their aspirations are derailed when a sinister figure begins replicating the murders depicted in their script, compelling Cassie and her police officer father to join forces in a race against time to apprehend the killer before more lives are claimed.

I found myself engrossed in this tale, particularly relishing the illuminating glimpses into the behind-the-scenes aspects of film production. The story initially unfolds at a measured pace, acquainting the reader with an ordinary school day and the diverse cast of characters. However, the narrative takes a thrilling turn by the end of the first chapter, captivating readers as the first chilling murder transpires. Despite the sizable ensemble of characters introduced in the early stages, the author skillfully furnishes detailed descriptions for each, enabling readers to seamlessly distinguish and connect with them. An impressive feat of suspense-building ensues, notably evident during Marjory Quinn’s tense night rounds at the hospital. The author adeptly conveys the suspenseful ambiance, deftly surmounting the challenge of conveying tension through the written word without the aid of audio or visual cues present in film. The climactic unmasking of the killer occurs towards the story’s conclusion, followed by a final chapter that offers a glimpse into the characters’ lives as they endeavor to move forward after the tragic events. This additional insight into the students of the film class adds a gratifying dimension to the narrative. It’s worth mentioning that while the story maintains its allure, some readers, including myself, found the choice of third-person present tense a bit unsettling. At times, this stylistic approach may lead to a sense of disconnection and distraction from the unfolding events, pulling one momentarily away from the immersive experience. Looking ahead, They Know When the Killer Will Strike, the third book in the series, promises an exciting convergence of characters from both Book One and Book Two, interweaving their storylines. A preview of this next installment serves as a tantalizing teaser, piquing readers’ curiosity and anticipation for what lies ahead.

The Horror Film Killer delivers an engaging and suspenseful narrative adorned with invaluable insights into the intricate world of film production. While the third-person present tense may prove slightly disconcerting for some readers, the tale compensates with its compelling plot and well-developed cast of characters. Fans of this series will undoubtedly relish the upcoming installment, which promises to reunite familiar faces from previous books and elevate the thrills to new heights.

Pages: 187 | ASIN : B09B1F1FFF

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/21/the-horror-film-killer/

Maggie Bain’s Whispers in the Breeze is a riveting exploration of tribal politics, survival, and justice set within the seclusion of the African jungle. The narrative revolves around Wango, the Chieftain of the Wangoorie tribe, who embarks on a journey in search of food due to severe scarcity, leaving behind his wife, Mallee, and son, Zengie. However, as the season passes, Wango fails to return, sparking a cauldron of troubles within the tribe.

Adding to the turmoil, Wango’s malicious and cunning brother, Zulu, sees this as an opportunity to lay claim to the chieftainship. In his relentless pursuit of power, Zulu dispatches his henchmen to bring back Zengie, the rightful heir to the leadership. His nefarious plans, however, lead to unexpected chaos across the tribe, raising critical questions – Will Wango ever make a comeback? Will Zengie inherit the position that is his birthright?

From the onset, Whispers in the Breeze is a deeply immersive narrative that held my attention until the very last page. The unrest, deception, and ancestral wrath triggered by the Zulu’s unjust actions against the Wangoorie tribe make for a compelling storyline. Bain skillfully portrays Zulu’s character, emphasizing his manipulative nature and desperate power grab. Interestingly, the influence of the ancestors, voicing their dissent from beyond the grave, provides a fascinating layer to the plot.

The character of Zengie, a courageous young soul thrown into survival mode early on, is captivating. His father’s disappearance and the absence of guidance from his mother and tribal elders present him with extraordinary challenges. The narrative takes a suspenseful turn as Zengie, having escaped Zulu’s henchmen, must navigate the ruthless African wilderness on his own. Is he resourceful and resilient enough to survive?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning. Bain evokes a gamut of emotions, providing a rollercoaster ride of a reading experience. As the plot unfurls and the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the reader can’t help but hope for Zulu’s comeuppance for his atrocities against the Wangoorie tribe. The believability of the characters, the vividly described landscape, and the gripping storyline make one feel as though they are witnessing the events firsthand. The author’s ability to resolve loose ends ultimately results in a rewarding reading journey. Whispers in the Breeze is a must-read for all lovers of engaging and emotive literature.

Pages: 119 | ASIN : B0C3WMDCS1

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/21/whispers-in-the-breeze/

Do You See Me when We Travel follows a small child who is unsure about new experiences as their family travels to a new city, the parents help the child see new things are not bad. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?

I think family vacations have always been the best! Many surprisingly small things can influence their success. I have tested my methods in our close circle for decades – and dare to recommend them to others. They guarantee everyone good experiences and happy memories of shared moments.

In my time, I had three children in the same car, plane, ship cabin, hotel, or foreign city. Our family traveled every year to many destinations together. We learned to reconcile different wishes and take care of the needs of travelers of different ages.

I already have two grandchildren, with whom we have also been abroad – my dream is to introduce them to interesting places in the same way I did to their parents when they were children.

What was the most interesting place you ever visited?

This is a difficult question because there have been many unique travel destinations. Our best travel experiences with the family often involve historically significant places or cities. My favorite cities are probably Istanbul, Rome, and the old inland towns of Spain – especially Toledo, Seville, and Granada. The great mountain areas in the Alps and the northern parts of Spain will also remain in my mind forever.

Perhaps my most cherished memory is connected to Toledo and its magnificent Catedral Primada Santa María. My older children could already read, and they had noticed the big streetside ad about the extensive church art exhibition in that incredible building. To my surprise, they suggested that we go there. “You would like to, though, wouldn’t you, Mom?”

Our visit to the Toledo Cathedral lasted hours because the extensive exhibition covered probably twenty different rooms. Even our youngest, just a toddler, was excited about various artwork and didn’t rush away. I remember how my children found a statue that they wanted me to see among the objects. In that special work of art, Baby Jesus tickled Mother Mary under the chin and made her laugh! The message was clear to me, too. A parent and a child need to be close and have fun together – even on trips!

I also want to praise historic hotels – like Paradors all over Spain – which are often incredible buildings full of stories that I have been able to tell my children. That way, traveling gets a deeper dimension. Of course, everything we have done and discussed has been adjusted to suit the children’s age.

What book changed your life or greatly influenced you?

As a child and teenager, I read a lot. The interest changed from children’s to non-fiction books and novels for adults early on. As a memorable book experience, I have cherished Mika Waltari’s ”Sinuhe”, whose narrative and historical background made a great impression on me. Later, I read more of Waltari’s historical novels, but my first experience with ”Sinuhe” remained invincible.

It is important to me that the background of the book is authentic and that the author has both knowledge and the ability to tell the story impressively by using quality language. I am a fan of reflective books. I want to get deep into the thinking of the main characters and try to understand their choices in life.

Waltari’s epic novels are full of incredible events and fantastic adventures, but I think the main thing in them is the main character’s inner life.

Different twists and turns are interesting in children’s books, but I like to write books with small and ordinary events, too. They are just a frame for the personal development and thinking of the main characters.

Will there be more “Do You See Me” books?

My “Do You See Me Series” already has three books. The other two are “Do you see me at home?” and “Do you see me in nature?”

I have already written also the fourth manuscript, where we are in the world of sports activities. Adults and children may look at it from very different perspectives. There will be challenging stunts, noise, rush, and pressure to perform – sometimes even unpleasant surprises.

The “Do You See Me?” Series is quite exceptional among the children’s books I have written. I wanted to make a series where the point of view of a small child would be the absolute focus. I have written these books in a new way, all based on a pure conversation between an adult and a child. The lines have different colors depending on the speaker.

The topics of the “Do You See Me?” books are very familiar to most families with children. Challenging situations where help and understanding are needed can be found both at home and in the nearby environment – or further away as we travel. The adult must have time to listen and consider the concerns and wishes of a small child. It often helps if adults try to remember their own experiences as children. After all, we all carry our childhood experiences still with us.

I have received excellent feedback on the parental and educational aspects of these ”Do You See Me?” books. Many adults have said that the conversations are very realistic, and they recognize the situations of the stories in their family life. Readers have also liked my Mongolian illustrator Majigsuren Enkhbat’s vision, where a small child is often surrounded by new or overwhelming things – and the little ones are often literally presented surrounded by the feet of adults.

I want to give all my experience of everyday family life, travels, and celebrations with children to the use of others. I believe there is a great need for books like these as they can help everybody. The families will develop mutual understanding by reading the books together.

Everyone benefits if challenging situations are resolved in a good spirit. Being and doing things together is valuable!

Author Links: Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/21/challenging-situations-are-valuable-lessons/

The Unbroken Horizon follows the lives of two people, a white humanitarian nurse in 2011, and a 14-year-old Black girl in 1914 whose lives are interwoven. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The birth of The Unbroken Horizon came in 2011, during a healing workshop. Suddenly, I had the sense of being in a forest. I saw flashes of white hoods and torches. I felt dizzy and nauseated. The images and feelings followed me for days until I finally sat down at my computer and started writing what ended up being the broad outline of Maggie’s life. A few weeks later, I had the idea of a humanitarian nurse, Sarah, who had a similar vision as I had, but in a recurrent nightmare that caused her to make a near-fatal mistake, and subsequently launched her on a healing journey. I had done international humanitarian work for a decade (mostly in Asia and the Middle East) and my sister had worked for fifteen years with Doctors Without Borders (mostly in African countries) so I combined both our experiences for the setup. Sarah’s path to healing was inspired by my own and that of my clients, as I am now a holistic healer focusing on anxiety and trauma—including that which is inter-generational.

What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?

After getting the initial sense of Maggie’s life through automatic writing, extensive research into that era (1914-1927)—both general and also focused on Black history—helped flesh out the details. Learning about the 1918 Dyer anti-lynching bill (which never became law due to filibusters in the Senate) helped contextualize the story in time. Jim Crow Laws, the Great Migration, World War I (and the promises made and broken to Black soldiers), the Spanish Influenza and the Red Summer form the backdrop to Maggie’s lived experiences in the first five years covered in the novel. Some of the details I included (such as the messages on placards at an NAACAP silent march, or the rain bringing an end to four days of violence during the Washington DC Red Summer events in July 1919) were informed by thorough research from books, internet searches and news clippings. Reading Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell’s autobiographies helped give me a sense of Black women activists’ experiences around that time.

However, it was also clear to me that Maggie was a poet at heart and would want to go to college to explore that passion. Archival images of Howard University’s 1920 yearbook gave me a sense of the students, the campus, and the professors at that time. I was sure Maggie and Alain Locke would have gotten along famously, so I did a deep dive into his life to understand him better as a person. I read numerous books of both poetry and prose written by Harlem Renaissance writers featured in his The New Negro anthology (which, in my novel, Maggie helps with) to imbibe the voice and lyricism of that time period.

My research for Sarah’s story (the parts not inspired by my own experiences) was more informal. I pored over my sister’s photos and stories of South Sudan, and talked to various friends about their experiences as: a therapist doing EMDR, a baby cuddler at a neonatal Intensive Care Unit, a study abroad student in Tanzania, a volunteer with CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) in the 1960s, to bring some of Sarah’s scenes to life.

What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?

As a healer/poet/writer, I’m fascinated by trauma, mental health struggles, and the capacity for resilience and healing. I love combining the stark realities of being human with magical realism, hope, and realms/guidance that transcend the limitations of our cognitive brains.

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?

Honestly, since I poured so much of myself into The Unbroken Horizon and it took be about a decade to finish (the writing, rewrites, and publishing), I feel like I need a little break from novel-writing. However, I am hoping to publish a nonfiction book about body-based ways of healing from anxiety and/or a book of poetry in the next year or two.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/21/resilience-and-healing/