A method of judicial interpretation that looks only to the original meaning of legal texts risks producing a Constitution and laws that no one would want.
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/05/23/choosing-pragmatism-over-textualism-stephen-breyer/
Are you traveling this summer? This is the perfect thriller to listen to. One of Our Own by Lucinda Berry delivers a suspenseful and well-executed story narrated by A.J. Cooke & Tessa Albertson. I devoured it and look forward to listening to more by this author.
One of Our Own
by Lucinda Berry
Series: 3 hours and 54 minutes
Narrator: A.J. Cook, Tessa Albertson
Length: 3 hours and 54 minutes
Genres: Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A suicide prevention hotline volunteer answers a call that turns her world upside down in this edge-of-your-seat audio original thriller by the bestselling author of The Perfect Child and The Best of Friends, performed by A.J. Cook (Criminal Minds) and Tessa Albertson (Younger).
Felicia, a single mother and lawyer by day, volunteers at a local crisis center to give back to her tightknit community in a small Wisconsin town. One night, she answers a horrifying call: through tears, a frantic teenage girl tells her that she was a victim of sexual assault at a local house party.
Felicia is shocked, and breaking protocol, she begins communicating with the girl on her own, determined to keep her safe and hold her assailants accountable. But as she gets closer and closer to the truth, she can’t shake the feeling that she and the girl are connected by more than the phone call. As the girl shares more details, Felicia begins to think the unthinkable—someone close to her may be involved in this heinous crime.
As Felicia earns the girl’s trust and more facts emerge about the incident, she faces a gut-wrenching battle between her protective instincts and the moral responsibility to do what’s right. This taut thriller is the perfect listen for fans of The Push, Wrong Place Wrong Time, and We Need to Talk About Kevin.
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Felicia is a single mom and lawyer who volunteers for a crisis hotline in small-town Wisconsin. One night, she gets a frantic call from a young teenage girl who claims to have been sexually assaulted. Breaking protocol, she communicates with the girl on her personal cellphone. The tale that unfolds held me captive as Felicia begins to suspect she may know the perpetrator.
Wow, this was an addictive tale from beginning to end. The author shares Felicia’s past as she frantically tries to help this young girl who is becoming suicidal. Berry kept me on edge from one suspenseful moment to the next. The author will have you questioning your own actions if you found yourself in Felicia’s shoes.
Fair warning, there are plenty of triggers in this one dealing. Nothing explicitly detailed, but rape, bullying, and suicide are central to the story. I went into this cold and avoided spoilers. I recommend you do the same.
Brilliant, addictive and suspenseful. One of Our Own was unputdownable and one I recommend listening to. A.J. Cooke and Tessa Albertson brought Felicia and the young victim to life.
Audible
Dr. Lucinda Berry is a former clinical psychologist and leading researcher in childhood trauma. Now, she spends her days writing full-time where she uses her clinical experience to blur the line between fiction and nonfiction. She enjoys taking her readers on a journey through the dark recesses of the human psyche. Her work has been optioned for film and translated into multiple languages. If Berry isn’t chasing after her son, you can find her running through Los Angeles, prepping for her next marathon.
AJ Cook is a Canadian born actress best known for her role as Supervisory Special Agent Jennifer “JJ” Jareau in the CBS crime drama Criminal Minds.
Tessa Albertson is an American actress. She plays Caitlin Miller on the television series Younger.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/04/one-of-our-own-lucinda-berry.html
Thrown to the Wind by Amanda M. Cetas transports young adult readers to 1660s France, introducing us to Etienne Gayneau, a young boy whose aspirations soar beyond his father’s wishes for him to continue the family stove-making business. Set against a backdrop of religious persecution, this historical fiction novel traces Etienne and his family’s harrowing exodus from France to Amsterdam and finally to America. Etienne, grappling with familial expectations and the loss of his brother, discovers strength in the steadfast love of his relatives. This emotional support becomes his anchor as they endure the hardships of their journey. Along the way, Etienne encounters numerous perils that test his fortitude, compelling him to either conform to family expectations or forge his own destiny.
Thrown to the Wind is an enthralling narrative of endurance, love, and the relentless pursuit of one’s future. It skillfully combines historical richness with the essence of human resilience. The tale is a testament to hope, with Etienne navigating the storms of fate in his quest for redemption and a new beginning. As a devotee of historical fiction, I approached this book with high expectations, which were not only met but exceeded. The author’s meticulous research enriches the narrative, blending historical precision with engaging storytelling. The vivid descriptions and dynamic pacing make it difficult to put the book down. Etienne’s evolution from a hesitant boy into a cornerstone of strength for his family is profoundly moving, illustrating the power of human connections formed under the most challenging circumstances. The relationships Etienne forms—whether with his cousin, a girl he bonds with, or comrades on a ship—highlight the significance of interpersonal connections across life’s tumultuous journey. His sacrifices and the poignant moments of relinquishing personal dreams for family resonate deeply, enhancing the emotional depth of the narrative. The recurring motif, “Everything will look better in the morning,” poignantly underscores the family’s daily struggles with a sense of enduring hope.
Thrown to the Wind is a captivating exploration of historical events through the lens of personal struggle and growth. It not only entertains but enlightens, leaving readers more connected to the past and reflective of the human condition.
Pages: 246 | ASIN : B07VBHD217
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/30/thrown-to-the-wind/
Jesus the Egypt years, follows the life of Jesus Christ when he was in Egypt as a baby. He was in Egypt for three and half years along with Mary his mother and Joseph.
We know that Joseph was told by an angel to take the baby and his mother and flee to Egypt to avoid Herod’s massacre. But that’s just the beginning because in Jesus the Egypt years, we get to know that king Herod chase after them even when they get into Egypt.
We watch the holy family go through Egypt cities, hiding in caves in order to avoid Herod’s spies. While they feed on what God provide for them to eat.
For these three and half years, baby Jesus is growing up and we see him take his first step. We watch him say his first word and listen to his understanding of God at these tender age.
With the first three and half years of baby Jesus’s life spent running from one Egypt city to another with his mother and Joseph. How did this not affect his thinking as a baby growing up? And how did they survived these years?
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/30/jesus-the-egypt-years/
Meet Dave Lassam, the Man for the Job is a riveting memoir of Dave Lassam’s thirty-nine years of service in the Royal Australian Navy. Born into a roaming family, his early life was marked by frequent relocations and a sequence of boyhood mishaps, all of which shaped the resilient man he grew to become. The biography navigates through Lassam’s varied experiences, from his accidental entry into the Navy to his numerous, and sometimes thrilling, deployments across the globe. Lassam’s story is more than a military memoir; it takes readers on a deep dive into personal growth against the backdrop of naval life.
The author’s style is straightforward yet captivating, bringing to life the trials and triumphs of naval service. Lassam’s experiences are rendered with a mixture of humor and gravity that balances the weight of military responsibilities with the light-hearted anecdotes of daily life in the Navy. The descriptions of training, assignments, and the unique camaraderie among sailors are one thing I found particularly compelling, as they offered me a window into the complexities of service life beyond the typical call of duty.
The book also thoughtfully considers the broader implications of military service, such as the impact of familial relationships and personal decisions on a military career. One of the most intriguing aspects is how Lassam’s career decisions were influenced by his family dynamics, particularly the aftermath of his parents’ divorce. I felt that this added a layer of depth to the narrative, illustrating how personal life can significantly influence professional paths, even in as structured an environment as the military.
Meet Dave Lassam, the Man for the Job is a story of personal evolution, resilience, and dedication. I recommended it to anyone interested in naval careers and those who appreciate stories of personal triumph and the complexities of life in uniform. Lassam’s journey through highs and lows, his humor in the face of adversity, and his unwavering commitment to his role make this biography a compelling read for military enthusiasts and general readers alike.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0B8VBXWMF
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/30/meet-dave-lassam-the-man-for-the-job-my-39-years-service-in-the-royal-australian-navy/
In A Chef on Ice, author Sebastien JM Kuhn invites readers to embark on a remarkable journey to the remote and enigmatic continent of Antarctica. Drawing from his unique experience as a chef in this icy realm, Kuhn narrates the challenges of enduring extreme weather conditions, long days, and nights while basking in the serene beauty of Antarctic nature, observing penguins and seals in their native habitats. His narrative extends beyond the Antarctic landscape, delving into his culinary ventures in Australia, discoveries about his family history in South Africa, and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This book is rich with captivating elements. Kuhn’s eloquent descriptions bring the Antarctic wilderness to life, complemented by photographs that illustrate the landscapes and moments he describes. The book skillfully intertwines themes of nature’s majesty with gastronomic delights. Kuhn’s vivid portrayal of battling the “intense coldness right inside my bones,” even with layers of clothing, highlights the book’s immersive nature. A key feature of A Chef on Ice is its culinary focus. Kuhn shares tantalizing food descriptions interspersed throughout the narrative, culminating in a collection of special recipes. These are sure to entice both culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike. The narrative is also a testament to Kuhn’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit as he navigates the complexities of running a food business in various challenging environments. The book introduces readers to memorable people, such as Tina, whose warmth and friendliness shine through, and Sharon, known for her unflappable nature in stressful situations.
A Chef on Ice is more than just a travelogue or a culinary journal; it is an engaging compilation of exploration, cooking, culture, business acumen, and personal growth. This book promises to inspire readers with a taste for adventure and a love for the culinary arts. Sebastien JM Kuhn’s journey is not just a culinary exploration but an invitation to experience the convergence of diverse worlds through his eyes.
Pages: 273 | ASIN : B0CW1LNGQG
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/30/a-chef-on-ice/
Readers often enjoy happy-ending stories, but everyone craves stories with intrigue, nail-biting dilemmas, and unusual storylines. Since the beginning of time, humans have told (as well as listened to) the tales that weave unusual and unexpected ‘dark’ threads together. Sometimes these stories become a golden fabric by the end of the weaving.
As writers, wanting to explore the entire spectrum of emotion, for this story we wanted to check out the dark side of a storyline, even if it was just to peek at that edge of murky gloom. Writing about a subject that even scares us (!) was something we wanted to try in Tree Pose.
Tree Pose follows a couple on their dream vacation to Tasmania who end up in a nightmare of mystery, murders and ghosts from the past seeking revenge. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of our favorite short stories is The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. It is hard to top a headless horseman, a shaky schoolmaster named Ichabod Crane, a night of relentless shadows, a discarded hat on the ground, and the remains of a shattered pumpkin.
As one of the components of Tree Pose, we created a short ghost story. And Tasmania gave us all the elements to build that ghost story. Several Australian states were used as a penal colony starting with the arrival of the first British fleet in 1788. Tasmania was an isolated island at the lower end of Australia reserved for prisoners deemed the worst, or even just recalcitrant at being ‘transported for life’.
The mixture of a naturally beautiful island with the brutality of the prison system led to the desperation and hopelessness felt by the men, women, and children convicts locked up in Tasmania. These images provided us with a ‘ghostly’ backdrop for this embedded story. It also helped to visit the remnants of the prison buildings which are spread throughout Tasmania. Many have what are called ‘nightly ghost walks’ and guides recounting the horrid tales of the past.
Ghosts became a theme within the entire story line. Elaina picks off a leaf from Ric’s clothes that is from an iconic Australian Ghost Gum tree. There is a joke between Ric and Elaina about ‘The Ghost of Christmas Past’ and the movie Ghostbusters. The ghosts from Ric’s past have haunted him throughout the first three books.
Ric and Elaina, our protagonists, move between the joy and elation of their budding romance to dealing with a past that haunts them both. This includes dark secrets Ric cannot reveal. While Ric and Elaina share the beauty of coming together there is a darkness—from hitmen to multiple warnings, to ghost stories. These are wrapped up and delivered within the storyline.
And that is why the dedication in the eBook and Audiobook is in part: To All Ghosts – Past, Present, and Future. There is nothing like ghosts to help explore the darkness … and light within a story.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
There are four main antagonists in Tree Pose. Two remain a threat throughout the story, two turn out to be different than expected. We wanted to use these changing patterns contrasted against a combination of people caught in the throes of life altering events.
The events of the story help create the varying feelings of regret, hatred, seeking revenge and settling a score among the different antagonists.
Both authors have had varied backgrounds including working and living in various parts of the world. This includes military service, law enforcement, restoring a presidential yacht, cleaning up hazardous waste sites and working in Middle Eastern oil production areas with live minefields … just to name a few. With that background we have seen a variety of antagonists of varying degrees, as well as done significant research in various psychological realms. Further we drew on personal experience for the some of the emotions of the antagonists in Tree Pose.
But like all humans, changes do occur over time. The raw motive of revenge, the elements of pity, self-doubt and remorse, and finally redemption, which can turn a character from a vengeful monster into a caring human. But not all characters make this transition. Their storyline thus becomes a tragedy.
Was there a reason why you chose this location as the backdrop for your story?
The Australian island-state of Tasmania is well known as a tourist destination, a ‘go-to place’ for throngs of visitors from Australia and from all over the world. It is a stunning part of the world and like no other. While living in Australia, we became fascinated with the state and more so with its dark beginnings and history.
At one point, Tasmania was inhabited by First Nations Australians during the time of lower sea levels when the area had a land connection to the mainland of Australia. But with a sea level rise, those early inhabitants and the flora and fauna were cut off from the mainland. Imagine that for 12,000 years, a few thousand people were isolated and cut off from anyone else on the planet.
When European settlers first arrived, Tasmania was established as a penal colony for the British Government. Men, women, boys, and girls were transported by sailing ships to Tasmania shores.
The crimes were often minor, such as stealing food and clothing. Hardened criminals were also ‘transported for life’. The contrast of Tasmania as a popular destination for tourism, compared to its dark past as a penal colony actually attracted us for this very distinction.
We thought it helped provide the contrast for our main characters coming to a beautiful place to sort some things between out between them, while being met by the darkness and dangers that faced them in Tasmania. It was irresistible.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
We are long term planners and writers. We have produced three eBooks and three audiobooks in three years.
Our next book is Warrior Pose. This book is set in another one of our favorite locations in the world—the islands of New Zealand, and particularly, Nelson, on the South Island.
The next book is also a homecoming for Ric Peters, since he was born in New Zealand. His partner in the crime solving mystery series, Elaina Williams, will be meeting Ric’s parents while there. Does it sound like we think our characters are real? You bet!
New Zealand is an island chain of volcanoes, thermal pools, snowcapped peaks, fertile valleys, and forests spread from the tropical North Island to the cooler alpine climate and topography of the South Island. It has ‘drop dead’ gorgeous scenery, which is perfect for two crime-writers.
As expected, we will explore several themes, and a mysterious death or two. The eBook will include an audiobook some months after, as the previous writings.
As far as the upcoming books, Book 5 is Half Moon pose set in the south of France, Book 6 is Dragon Pose set in Melbourne, Australia and Book 7 is Goddess Pose centered, in Greece and the Mediterranean.
As with all our writing we ground truth all story locations as part of our research. If you see us walking around, we are the ones with cameras, notebooks, measuring tapes … and spare change for the coffees we sample along the way.
The Devil’s Island is living up to its name, serving up the ghosts of its dark past, while Ric is haunted by his own demons. The truth is unravelling, and death is closing in from all sides. And now, it’s stalking Elaina.
Ric’s past is catching up to him, with a vengeful man seeking retribution for a catastrophic blunder in Indonesia. Ric has kept a secret hidden from Elaina, fearing that she will not … cannot, forgive him. That after all they’ve been through, he’s not the man she believes him to be.
In the shadows, a hitman lurks … waiting for the time to strike, unafraid of collateral casualties.
As corrupt officials pull strings and innocents are sold, Ric and Elaina’s life together is threatened. Detective Inspector Jack McMasters races against time to piece together the clues before it’s too late.
A sociopath and an anguished man are closing in. As the lightning strikes, the uncertainties remain … revenge, redemption, or devastation?
Tree Pose is delivered hot with twists and turns, mixed with secrets and attractions, tossed with suspense and revenge, then blended with classic storytelling.
The third book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series takes readers on a thrilling ride through the beautiful and mysterious island of Tasmania, Australia. The story follows Dead Man’s Pose, set in Sydney, and Cobra Pose, set in Brisbane.
BUY Tree Pose for a captivating mystery with murders, ghosts, and a past that won’t stay buried.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/04/30/the-dark-side-of-writing/