Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland is the story of a dysfunctional family with gifts and what happens when Sage Flores comes home. Magical Realism, an “enemies to lovers” romance, fantasy and paranormal woo-woo await you. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and curl up with this addictive tale.

Witch of Wild Things
by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Genres: Magical Realism
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Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.

Sage Flores has been running from her family—and their “gifts”—ever since her younger sister Sky died. Eight years later, Sage reluctantly returns to her hometown. Like slipping into an old, comforting sweater, Sage takes back her job at Cranberry Rose Company and uses her ability to communicate with plants to discover unusual heritage specimens in the surrounding lands.

What should be a simple task is complicated by her partner in botany sleuthing: Tennessee Reyes. He broke her heart in high school, and she never fully recovered. Working together is reminding her of all their past tender, genuine moments—and new feelings for this mature sexy man are starting to take root in her heart.

With rare plants to find, a dead sister who keeps bringing her coffee, and another sister whose anger fills the sky with lightning, Sage doesn’t have time for romance. But being with Tenn is like standing in the middle of a field on the cusp of a summer thunderstorm—supercharged and inevitable.

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Sage Flores left her home after her sister Sky died and things became heated between her and her sister Teal. When Sage loses her job teaching a jewelry class, it forces her to return to her Appalachian home. Sage and her sisters have gifts. Sage is a plant whisperer and Teal’s mood can affect the weather. Sage also has a secret. She can see and communicate with Sky her dead sister, who leaves her coffee.

This was an interesting tale about healing with character growth and some neat twists. Cranberry Rose Company, her previous employer, offers her a job. The job involves scouting for plants they can reproduce and sell. They partnered her with Tennessee Reyes, the boy, now man who broke her heart in high school.

The tale offers a romance filled with secrets and passion. Sage has a lot of growing up to do and we see her do just that. I wasn’t always happy with her behavior and actions, but in the end, I was happy.

I loved the magical realism from the plants to lightning. The story involving Sky was unique and kept me curious. A strong thread involving their dysfunctional family held me captive. The story, despite the heated romance, felt like we should shelve it in the women’s fiction section.

Witch of Wild Things delivered a heartfelt story, and I would certainly try this author again.

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Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland offers a tale of healing, romance and magical realism. Perfect for a fall afternoon. #bookreview #NewRelease
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/09/witch-of-wild-things-by-raquel-vasquez-gilliland.html

After the heart-wrenching loss of her elder brother, Elizabeth Redbird’s passage from adolescence to young adulthood unfolds as a compelling story of resilience and evolution in the face of a disintegrating family foundation. Possessing an innate wish to bring joy to those around her, Elizabeth wrestles with the intricate tapestry of life. This eventually leads her to the realm of higher education, a stepping stone to a gratifying career and a close-knit circle of confidantes. Yet, the ghosts of her past loom large, often holding her back from committing deeply to romantic endeavors. As fate would have it, Elizabeth’s trajectory undergoes a delightful shift when she encounters a captivating gentleman with whom she shares more parallels than initially evident.

Angela Geer-Gann’s Redbird in the Poppies eloquently chronicles Elizabeth’s path of addressing deep-seated family wounds and rediscovering love. The narrative gracefully weaves through Elizabeth’s tumultuous teen years, shedding light on the intricate family ties that bind her. Advancing to her later years, Geer-Gann tenderly portrays Elizabeth’s journey toward healing and self-revelation.

While the novel predominantly succeeds in holding the reader’s attention, there are moments where I feel the articulation could benefit from added finesse. Dialogues sometimes veer towards the realm of the implausible, briefly detracting from the otherwise adept character development. However, the heart of the story remains strong, offering candid insights into the depths of its characters.

Redbird in the Poppies promises an engrossing read and an emotional voyage long after turning the last page.

Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0CGX3CKK9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/12/redbird-in-the-poppies-a-novel/

In Scorch Mark, the third installment by JP. McLean, we delve into the captivating narrative of Joyce, affectionately referred to by those in her orbit as Jane. She departs from the norm with a unique paranormal capability that’s both a gift and a curse. The looming question is, will she navigate the treacherous waters of her extraordinary circumstances?

We also meet Sadie, a determined young woman eager to complete her online studies and transition from her uncomfortably sweltering, confined living space. Yet, as she strides towards her goals, Dylan, with his infectious charisma, becomes a beacon of happiness in her life. The challenge? How does she unveil her clandestine truth to him without driving him away?

Dylan, portrayed as a dedicated law enforcer, is relentlessly drawn to the enigma that is Jane. The narrative is tense as he doggedly works to peel back the layers of her mystery. What secrets will he unearth?

JP. McLean weaves a tapestry of rich and vibrant characters. Jane stands out with her resilient spirit, punctuated by moments of vulnerability, making her a delightful protagonist. Sadie offers a refreshing brightness amidst the dense plot, while Dylan’s juxtaposition of strength and tenderness adds depth to the story. McLean’s pacing is meticulous, ensuring readers remain hooked from start to finish. The courtroom scenes are particularly riveting, with tangible tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just as the plot seems to stabilize, McLean throws in an unexpected twist, a hallmark of an adept storyteller.

While the narrative is gripping, a subplot involving a mysterious bowl felt slightly underdeveloped. A deeper exploration or more revelations regarding this aspect would have augmented the overall impact.

Nevertheless, Scorch Mark stands as a testament to McLean’s literary prowess. The book is a genuine page-turner, replete with action and masterfully crafted prose. It’s a commendable addition to the ‘Dark Dreams series’ – suspenseful, gritty, and utterly engaging. I eagerly anticipate more from this gifted author and wholeheartedly recommend this book for its immersive experience. Kudos to McLean for this compelling read.

Pages 286 | ISBN : 978-1-988125-64-6

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/12/scorch-mark-dark-dreams-book-3/

In All That This House Has To Offer, Betty R. Wall elegantly crafts a tapestry of tales that delve into the nuances of family, heritage, and the beauty of simpler times. This collection is more than just stories; it’s a homage to life’s authentic moments, with the house itself emerging as an unforgettable character, rich with history and sentiment.

Wall’s narratives are exquisitely penned, exhibiting thoughtful attention to detail and a deep grasp of the human journey. Her prose dances between poignant evocations and deep emotional connections, inviting readers to delve into an intimate bond with the tales’ characters and their sagas.

The house stands as a poignant centerpiece in these stories, witnessing family generations and the cascading memories they create. Wall’s dexterity in lending the house its distinct voice is commendable, making it a silent yet resonant beacon that bridges the past and present, emphasizing the significance of upholding familial legacies and cherished recollections.

All That This House Has To Offer is not just a book; it’s an experience. It reverberates with warmth and introspection, appealing to readers across generations. Betty R. Wall’s narrative brilliance is evident as she masterfully navigates timeless themes of kinship, legacy, and life’s inherent pleasures. This collection comes with the highest recommendation. Whether seeking a reminiscent journey or a reaffirmation of life’s most cherished values, this book stands as a testament to the enduring power of family ties and the sanctity of memories forged within our homes.

Pages: 128 | ISBN : 1639889876

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/12/all-that-this-house-has-to-offer/

Assassins Are Us follows a teenage girl who has been born into a family of assassins and is expected to follow in their footsteps. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I remember watching the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, a comedy/action/romance where the husband and wife are (unknown to each other) trained assassins who have seamlessly blended into suburbia. I was so entertained by this concept that I asked myself, What if Mr. and Mrs. Smith had a family? As a result, I started Assassins Are Us about eight years ago, then shelved it until about a year ago, where, with the benefit of a concept editor at Atmosphere Press, I was able to flesh out a fully-formed third act.

Hedala struggles with her family’s secrets and her desire to do things other teens do, like have a boyfriend. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?

Great question! As the Hinterschotts are the nuclear family next door, I felt it was important for the family members to be subject to the same sensibilities as any other. The teenage years are really tough ones to navigate: the politics of friendships, hormones, first loves, sibling rivalry, family dynamics, stressors of school and teachers… and social media make it even more difficult. I wanted to make Hedy seem lost in many of these teenage trials and tribulations to make her as normal as any teenage girl might be.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

The topic of family and bloodline recurs throughout Assassins Are Us, even in the darkest sense. Without giving too much away, there are characters in the book who are the most unlikely Hinterschott family members. Deeper questions lie beneath the surface of the book’s humor, such as What makes a family? Is it the bloodline? Is it the values that keep the family whole? Family is built through connections, unconditional love, and support.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?

Well, until my content editor, Bryce Wilson, put the idea in my head, I hadn’t even thought about a sequel or even a series. Also, with the addition of some positive reviews that have also suggested this continuation of Hedy Hinterschott, I have penned some ideas for a sequel, at the least. David Corso is still Hedy’s mystery man, so I think I would like to evolve his backstory with some intrigue.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/12/the-family-next-door/

“IT” follows a young musician who has lost all hope of achieving his dreams till one day, he learns to have self-confidence and faith. What inspired you to write this story?  

This story follows the path of dissolving lies that keep us from living our best lives. After going through a mental health crisis, I got better. The path to health was a rediscovery of the “IT” within me. This simple story illustrates the truth of all of us that we have “IT” within us, and we are to support each other in its discovery. The value of each human being is huge if we allow the truth of our light to shine. It is my story. It is the story of all of us.

What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story? 

I wanted to show the reader the importance of listening to their inner guidance even when it may feel uncomfortable. By witnessing the impact of trusting that guidance on our struggling musician, Joe, my hope is it will inspire people to follow that loving guidance available within them. Another major challenge is our worth. We see Joe struggle with this and how an answer arises in an unexpected and perfect way. Also, when we see someone struggle, we may think we need to fix it. Notice the people who cared about Joe the most had prayed for him. They couldn’t fix it and likely tried. However, there was a solution that arrived just in time. We sometimes lose faith, and I wanted to have the reader see the power of Joe’s loved ones resting in that place of faith without being the ones who had to solve it. Lastly, hope was nearly lost, and I wanted to reveal how quickly hope can be restored. Sometimes it is a simple word from LOVE.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book? 

We have an opportunity. We are all our “brother’s keepers”. Sometimes we are called into action and may not understand why. In the presence of love, we may receive insights and take action in support of someone and never know just how impactful our action was. However, in love, we can always trust. We may lose hope, and it may just be our perception is not aligned in a way to see what is true. Challenge your perceptions and allow them to change. We saw this with Joe shifting from self-judgment to awakening to what is true about the talent he has within him. The path to our optimal life is intertwined with the paths of others. Sometimes we receive, and sometimes we give. Do both. Somehow there is a connection amongst us, invisible threads we are able to tune into, like the dream the reader experiences. The opportunity is here now to receive these insights and expand our senses from the five physical senses to the more subtle spiritual senses. This process of discovery and nurturing of these senses is available to everyone. 

What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?

I am working on two more books right now and have six out already. The next books include my story of healing from a mental health challenge and a novel about the same subject. My belief is everyone has within them an innate guidance system designed to lead us each to remember the core LOVE we were created in the image of. This process (if followed) will lead to a dissolution of most mental health challenges people experience today. The great news is we can discover this proactively and well before symptoms of health challenges emerge. I expect these books to be launched on April 27, 2024, and sometime soon thereafter for the second. 

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/09/12/sometimes-we-receive-sometimes-we-give/