Henry Hamlyn was a British wool merchant who lived during the first half of the sixteenth century. His house stood on a central street in Exeter, in Devonshire, in the southwest of England. Its façade was done in the half-timbered style common in French towns and cities like Morlaix, one of Exeter’s trading partners in […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/01/07/new-money-medieval-merchants/
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
We wrapped up 2023 quietly at home. For 2023, I read/listened to 230 books, of those 139 were audiobooks. I managed 11/12 Library Love. We are expecting our first significant snowfall tonight into Tuesday with bitter cold temperatures. Stay Caffeinated.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/01/sunday-post-609-welcome-2024.html
Love Always, Bailey follows five friends who spend five days at a beach house where they discover the importance of friends and how quickly they can slip away. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for the setup of this story was taken from my personal life. The Highview, the house the friends go to, is a real house in Manasota Key where I used to spend one week each summer with my friends. The friend group is based off of my own childhood friends, and many of the scenarios in the story were inspired by real-life scenarios.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
No character in this story is a carbon copy of anyone I know, but they each have some of the best and worst qualities of my childhood friends. I think when pulling from inspiration, it is important to keep the element of fiction. In this case, I imagined how I thought the real-life friends would react to the major event and loss in this story. I know these characters so well because I crafted them to be fictionalized versions of people I know so well.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Friendship and found family are the most important themes that I explored in this book. I think it is so important to share with YA readers the importance of friendship. In adulthood, I find that so many adults don’t value their friendships, and I find that to be a huge loss.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently shopping around 2 YA novels. One is about a young girl who has to move into a motel after her family suffers a loss due to addiction. The other is a YA version of The Wedding Planner meets The Wedding Singer: basically, a wedding planner’s very type-A daughter falls for the lead singer of a wedding band.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Morgan reunites with her friend group at The Highview, an oceanfront house where they’ve spent every summer since they were kids. There’s Noah, who hopes that his friends trust one of his plans one final time. Ethan, who mourns the loss of the girl he loved and never got to tell. Allie’s anger overpowers her desire to heal. And Ryder still holds out for one final game of Rock Paper Scissors with Morgan, hoping it can spark their once-picture-perfect love story.
Over the course of five days, the friends learn their friendship has changed, and they can no longer take for granted the closeness they once shared. Instead, they must learn to love and grieve simultaneously.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/07/the-importance-of-friendship/
In Cursed King: A Vampire Dark Fantasy Romance, Danielle Paquette-Harvey invites readers into a turbulent realm where King Nathan, a vampire-werewolf hybrid, grapples with the complexities of royal duties and personal desires. As Nathan stands at the precipice of an arranged marriage, his inner turmoil intensifies, compounded by his wolf side’s silence. However, his nuptials are abruptly shattered by an assassination attempt, spiraling his life into chaos. With a kingdom teetering on the edge and an assassin lurking in the shadows, Nathan’s journey is one of survival and alliance-seeking amid a landscape indifferent or hostile to his plight.
Paquette-Harvey skillfully weaves a narrative brimming with intrigue and fantasy. King Nathan, emerges as a multi-dimensional character whose reputation belies a softer, romantically inclined nature. The cast extends to Caleb, a morally ambiguous assassin with a penchant for danger and desire, and Samantha, a cunning vampiress whose manipulative tendencies are as formidable as they are detestable. While Emerald serves as a compelling supporting character, her perspective remains a tantalizing mystery, perhaps to be explored in future installments.
The author’s strength lies in her ability to juggle a diverse ensemble of characters, each contributing their unique viewpoint to an intricately connected storyline. The narrative is further enriched by a vibrant tapestry of vampires, werewolves, elves, and humans, ensuring a varied and immersive experience. The plot, marked by its well-crafted cliffhangers, propels readers through a whirlwind of emotions and anticipations, culminating in a compelling urge to discover what lies ahead.
Cursed King: A Vampire Dark Fantasy Romance is a testament to Paquette-Harvey’s narrative finesse and imaginative world-building. It’s a story that lingers with the reader, sparking a keen interest in the unfolding saga. As the first book concludes with tantalizing hints of what’s to come, one thing is clear: the journey through this enthralling world is far from over.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0CCYWGL5D
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/07/cursed-king-a-vampire-dark-fantasy-romance/
Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery follows a dedicated gardening bunny who becomes confused when her vegetables start to disappear, and she has to discover what is happening. What was the inspiration for this story?
The inspiration for Hunnie Bunny’s Garden Mystery is based on a real event that happened to my son and his girlfriend when they were living in San Francisco many years ago. They had put in a lot of time and effort planting a wonderful garden in their back yard, and one day watched several of their vegetable plants disappear into the ground. It turned out that their neighborhood had a gopher infestation which destroyed most of the gardens in the area. Obviously, Hunnie Bunny handles the situation in the book differently and with compassion.
What is one thing that people point out after reading your book that surprises you?
That is an interesting question. I would have to say that Hunnie Bunny’s positive influence on their children and the bond they have developed with her not only surprises me, but is very humbling as well. That realization has made this journey even more special.
Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
From a young age, I liked to write stories about animals, and the first author to inspire me to become a writer was Anna Sewell and her incredible book Black Beauty. I still have a copy of that book in my library.
What adventures do you have in store for Hunnie Bunny next, and when can your fans expect the next story to be out?
After the first book, Hunnie Bunny’s Garden, was finished, Hunnie Bunny decided that she had many more stories to tell. The third book that was recently published was Hunnie Bunny’s Christmas Wish, which was released in early December. It was actually the fourth book written in the series, but we wanted to get it out before the holidays, so it was finished before the book that is now being illustrated, titled Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift. This book should be published and available sometime in January 2024.
There are a total of ten books in the Hunnie Bunny series. The stories that follow Hunnie Bunny’s Special Gift are Hunnie Bunny and the Lost Fairy, Hunnie Bunny’s New Neighbors, Hunnie Bunny and the Magic Flute, Hunnie Bunny and the Unicorn, Hunnie Bunny’s Great Escape, and Hunnie Bunny – A New Beginning.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/07/hunnie-bunnys-positive-influence/
Liberator: The People’s Guard: Vol. 2 Genetic Arms Race centers around a modern-day superhero who is forced to take on two powerful, genetically engineered enemies bent on destruction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I honestly don’t remember. The overall story for Liberator was one I’ve been working on for a while now (like my other series Mystical Force). I’ve had the basic idea for these stories probably since I was in high school so we’re talking late 90’s. To me, it just seemed natural that if a nation like Ruthenia (which is my stand in for the Soviet Union) would create a genetically enhanced hero, then it stood to reason that Usonia (my stand-in for the US) would do the same. It’s not unlike when America first developed the atom bomb. It was only a matter of time before other nations, like Russia, would say, “If they’ve got a weapon to destroy us, we need an even bigger one to destroy them. To ensure that if they try and use it against us, we can do the same to them.” No wonder they call it “MAD,” whether it’s bombs or tampering with one’s genes it’s Mutually Assured Destruction.
Did you plan the tone and direction of this second volume in the series before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
Yes and no. As I stated above, I’ve been writing for years now. It was always an overall synopsis, like what you’d see if you were to look up a movie on Wikipedia. So “yes” I had a general idea of the tone and direction for the second volume before writing, while at the same time “no” because, like any story, things change during the writing process. Ideas I came up with didn’t work for one reason or another, so I modified them as I went along. So again, “yes” the tone and direction the book ultimately takes did come out organically as I was writing but at the same time “no” I already had the idea ahead of time, though not exactly the same way it turned out. That’s the funny thing about life, sometimes two seemingly contradictory statements can both simultaneously be true. Weird, isn’t it?
Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent. What type of research was required to get that aspect of your novel just right?
I have no idea what you’re talking about. Where in my book do I mention AI? By the time AI was starting to become what it is, the book was already in the final stages of publishing so the story was already completed at that point. The issue with AI (as I see it) is that we humans – as a society – are not yet evolved enough to know how to use it properly. Creating “deep fakes” and revenge porn with it for example; not to mention the entertainment industry trying to get rid of the human factor by having AI write novels and movie scripts, replacing actors with AI and such. To paraphrase the line from Jurassic World, “You were so busy asking if AI could do X, you never stopped to ask if it should do X.” I remember watching a video where a right winger asked an AI chatbox if a transwoman is really a woman, then having a meltdown when the AI said “yes” and that we should respect their choices when it comes to gender identity. It just goes to prove that they didn’t really want artificial intelligence, they want artificial conformation bias. They don’t want AI to actually think, just to tell them what they want to hear. Much like with the issue of genetic engineering in the book, to quote my character Pavel, “It always comes down to an our-kind-against-their-kind mentality.” If anything I can see AI becoming our species caretaker, having to make all our choices for us because it’s decided that we as a society aren’t mature enough to make our own choices in life.
Is there a third installment planned for the Liberator series? If so, where will it take readers?
Volume three involves a group of eco-terrorists who stumble upon General Duboshnev’s attempts to create more super soldiers like the Liberator. It also brings in the character of Scarlet Knightwalker, thus helping to tie this series into the events of my other series Mystical Force. Speaking of Mystical Force, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’ve almost finished work on the next volume (six) of that series. That book follows Chiyoko (Shi-ria’s apprentice from volume 5) training to become a Taman Knight while having to deal with her own anger issues and the risk of history repeating itself. Not to mention we also get a more in-depth look at the character of Dead-Eye. I’d say more but, you know, spoilers and all.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website | Amazon
When Ruthenia created the Liberator, they opened up Pandora’s box. Now General Flagg wants to create his own version for his country. Flagg turns to a Ruthenian crime boss named Grigori Chekhov to get his hands on the formula. So it’s up to Petro Volkov to recreate the serum that made the Liberator, despite being unable to get his hands on the original formula. He creates a knockoff serum that when tested on one of Chekhov’s hired thugs turns him into a super-strong, mindless brute that’s now terrorizing Ruthenia. Meanwhile, Flagg succeeds in creating his own version of the Liberator with help from a mysterious businessman with a connection to Flagg’s past. Modelled on his own image, the Patriot is the official state sponsored hero of Usonia. Unfortunately, this new hero, like Flagg, is a fanatical zealot who sees non-existent conspiracies against his country everywhere. If he’s the official state hero, then who will protect the state from their own hero? Now Tovarich is forced to fight off two super powered foes, one who answers to no one and another who is a greater threat to his own nation than a hero. But how do you stop something that can’t be destroyed?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/07/a-genetically-enhanced-hero/
In God’s Eyes: A Vision for Us: Presence, Promise, and Power, author Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan presents a visionary narrative that delves deep into the essence of spirituality and our connection with the divine. Stemming from a profound experience that transcended the ordinary, this book offers an insightful exploration into the nature of humanity’s relationship with God, as perceived from a divine vantage point.
The book is structured around a pivotal vision experienced by Egan, one that significantly influenced her understanding of humanity and unveiled aspects of God’s intentions for us. The narrative is not just a recounting of this life-altering event but also a detailed interpretation of its implications. Egan’s journey, as chronicled in these pages, invites readers to consider a form of spirituality that goes beyond religious confines, embracing a more universal approach.
Rev. Dr. Egan, whose background is deeply rooted in Christianity, demonstrates a respectful and open appreciation for various religious traditions. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of her message, which advocates for a sense of unity and goodwill amongst all people. The book unfolds through her vision, a vivid portrayal of God’s desire to strengthen His bonds with humanity. Egan’s enthusiastic storytelling, combined with her evocative descriptions of divine love, captivated me. Additionally, her insights into spirituality and mindfulness provide a thought-provoking layer to her narrative. While the book revisits certain themes, this repetition serves to reinforce the importance of spirituality and the nature of our relationship with the divine, aligning with Egan’s intent.
The coherence of Rev. Dr. Anne Hays Egan’s storytelling and the clarity of her message render God’s Eyes a meaningful exploration of faith and the interconnectedness of all beings. Those interested in spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of divine connections will likely find God’s Eyes to be an enriching and enlightening read.
Pages: 80 | ASIN : B0CNQVKWPP
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/01/07/gods-eyes-a-vision-for-us-presence-promise-and-power/