“The Candid Idylls of a State Representative” offers a compelling and heartfelt look into the life and career of Elizabeth N. Metayer, a dedicated public servant who rose to prominence in Massachusetts politics. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, campaign narratives, and reflective essays, Corbin paints a vivid picture of Metayer’s journey from a community activist to a respected state representative. The book is a tribute to Metayer’s tireless commitment to her constituents and her unique blend of personal warmth and political acumen.

Corbin’s writing style is a testament to their close bond with Metayer, reflecting the intimacy of their relationship. His descriptions of her character, juggling her roles as a doting grandmother and a fierce advocate for her community, are particularly poignant. The narrative is punctuated with endearing stories of Metayer’s personal life, such as her knack for preparing elaborate Sunday dinners while managing her legislative duties. These anecdotes humanize Metayer, amplifying the impact of her achievements in public service. The author’s deep admiration for Metayer permeates every chapter, creating an intimate, almost familial atmosphere that allows readers to fully appreciate the personal sacrifices and joys behind a political career.

The book contains a meticulous account of Metayer’s grassroots campaign efforts. Corbin vividly narrates her door-to-door canvassing and the numerous coffee hours where she forged personal connections with voters. This bottom-up approach not only secured her electoral victories but also reinforced her belief in direct, personal engagement with constituents. Corbin’s portrayal of Metayer’s campaign strategies offers invaluable insights into the inner workings of local politics and the crucial role of community involvement. These sections are particularly enlightening for readers interested in the dynamics of political campaigns and the sheer dedication required to earn public trust.

While I enjoyed the book, I felt it occasionally leans towards hagiography. I would have liked to have seen her challenges and criticisms, which might have offered a fuller picture of her political career. The conflict with her opponent, Representative William J. Dignan, for instance, is discussed, but I would have liked to have seen a critical analysis of Metayer’s political maneuvers and the broader implications of her legislative work. Including diverse viewpoints could have enriched the narrative and provided a more nuanced understanding of her impact.

“The Candid Idylls of a State Representative” is a heartfelt and inspiring biography that celebrates the life of Elizabeth N. Metayer. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to serving her community with passion and integrity. This book is an excellent read for those interested in political biographies, grassroots activism, and the personal stories behind public service. Corbin’s affectionate portrayal of Metayer’s life offers a valuable reminder of the human side of politics and the enduring impact of sincere public service.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/12/candid-idylls-of-a-state-representative/

Composing Laney follows a bitter divorcee and novelist who meets a washed-up country music superstar on an island, where they help each other rekindle their passion for life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I think it was an odd combination of being a stay-at-home mom with a husband who traveled a lot and getting lost in my own daydreams. Also, I have single parent friends and saw the struggles they were going through and I thought, that I rarely read a good divorced-mom romance novel where the heroine was true to what it feels like being in that position. The tight budget, being left for a younger woman, having all the responsibility but none of the benefits. Laney always puts her kids and family first (like most mom’s do) and that sometimes makes us forget that we’re also women and humans with needs and wants and viable dreams. I wanted to have her find someone who supported her dreams and saw her as an entity not just an object.

There is a sense of love and innocence throughout the novel. How did you capture those feelings and put them into words?

What I love about Laney and Jamie is that, despite where they are in their lives now, they were both raised in small towns, as oldest children. They sort of have been living for other people their whole lives and when they finally find each other, they get to be themselves. I also love the interplay between Laney’s kids (Charly and Sylvia) because it brings out that dynamic of being a parent and still appreciating the joy that childhood adds to humanity. And Jamie is just kind of a big kid so, he’s playful and sweet and I think Laney really needs that lightness.

Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing or did it come out organically as you were writing?

I think I planned it to be much darker. I always knew that Laney would be struggling with body issues and depression. In fact, in early editions she was pretty self-loathing. But my beta readers and some of my good friends pointed out that that was annoying and it didn’t fit her. And they were right (Beta readers are gold!) So even though she is a little bitter, its hard to write dark when you’re setting a story in a bright and easy-going place like St Croix, with a bright and easy going guy like Jameson Clark. I think he brings the sunshine to her and so I think the tone came about organically as they started their journey together.

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

I’m currently working on finalizing a regency/time travel romance “Westbury Falls” that will be out in August, and it’s sequel “Courting the Lion” should be available in late fall. Beyond that, I’m editing and finishing up a new series for (hopefully) 5 Prince Publishing that’s set in the Ornkey Islands (between Norway and Scotland) It will be an Urban Fantasy Romance. I’m really excited about it!

Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/12/like-most-moms-do/

Searching for Lucky #3002: A Ben and Blue Mystery follows a ten-year-old boy with a school project on family who tries to uncover the mystery of his father’s past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

My son’s best friend growing up was a bright, personable, articulate boy living with his single mom. He was aware of his story of origin but had never met the man involved with his conception. I was told that when he once gave a talk about his birth history, another child in the audience made a negative comment. He pivoted quickly, saying, “If this way of being born didn’t exit, I wouldn’t exist.” We were so proud of him!

Ben learns a valuable lesson in his search for information about his father, including the diversity of families and how they are all valuable. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?

Like Ben’s mom, I am a psychiatrist. During my career, I’ve worked with many people in all kinds of family and personal situations that have highlighted the concept of diversity. An important lesson is that not all aspects of diversity are obvious. Also, that it may take someone a long time to feel comfortable sharing their story. And if you find you are not clearly understanding the details, but they are willing to share, you need to find a gentle and respectful way to ask questions.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Much less important than a family’s structure, is the feeling that runs through it. And by that feeling, I am talking about love. The love a child receives in their family of origin, their foster, or adoptive family, is essential to a healthy and happy life. From an early age, children should be guided to recognize that not all families are alike, recognizing this as a matter-of-fact aspect of diversity. And not least, children are entitled to know the story of their own birth history.

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

I am deep in the revisions of a next adventure for Ben & Blue! Will keep you posted!

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/12/i-am-talking-about-love/

Becoming Forever Families follows the experiences of a woman who finds love later in life and marries in the LDS church. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

This woman, Sarah, was previously married and had three children with Randy. He later divorced her; however, she felt that she needed to be married to a faithful husband, and prayed to God that this would occur. This story shows how God answered her prayers, and how she was married in the Lord’s House according to her desires.

Is there anything from your own experiences that you include in the lives of your characters?

Foremost is Ethan’s autism, which was introduced in my prequel Living a Miracle. I show how he was able to overcome many of its characteristics, as I have. I also relate Ruth’s situation of living alone with my being single and living by myself until I met my wife. She then later passed on, placing me in the same situation.

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

The main theme is the Lord’s plan for families to be together forever, as we have strong family bonds which we want to continue forever. Our struggles in life now are part of God’s plan to help prepare us to achieve this result after this life is complete. Another theme is that God will bless us during our difficulties in life as we stay faithful to Him.

Can readers look forward to seeing another installment following the Wilkinson family?

I have no immediate plans to continue this story; however, I may continue it later, with a message about how a high-functioning autistic adult can teach and help other people so that they can realize that their family lives are able to continue forever.

Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/13/part-of-gods-plan/

My boyfriend dropped me at the Greyhound station in Great Falls, Montana. A January afternoon, already dark, and he had a long drive north ahead of him. I bought my ticket and sat near the gate with my guitar and lime-green cardboard suitcase, one of a set Mom had been given for her honeymoon. I’d […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/11/harmony-karen-solie/

Maggie Doherty and I have known each other for thirteen years, which I know because I met her at the same party where I met my husband. For the past thirteen years, she’s been the person that I speak to daily about reading, writing, and teaching. Maggie is even-keeled, generous, and, above all, supremely responsible, […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/06/11/the-problem-of-other-minds-maggie-doherty/

The Summer Escape by Jill Shalvis is the sixth contemporary small-town romance novel in the standalone companion series Sunrise Cove. I absolutely adored this enemies to lovers mystery with family, romance and redemption. Grab your copy and enjoy!

The Summer Escape
by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove #6
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Heat Level:

Secrets are revealed and forbidden sparks ignited in this sizzling Sunrise Cove tale of enemies to lovers, redemption, missing treasures, and love.

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest — especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything — so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace?

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their dad’s name. Owen though is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together they go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an ear bud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen — their hearts have been as well.

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When a coin is found from a stolen treasure, it brings Anna Moore and Owen Harris together to find answers. An addictive, swoon-worthy and heartfelt small-town romance.

Anne Moore owns a private investigation company. She and her sister are mourning the loss of their father. Her childhood, while filled with love, also had trauma. They find an old coin amongst their father’s personal things, which calls into question his character and the man they knew and loved.

When adventurist, Owen Harris, hears about the coin resurfacing, he knows it’s part of the collection that was stolen from his Aunt. Owen loves his aunt who is suffering from dementia and wants to find the lost treasure for her. He hires Anne to investigate and insists on being part of the investigation.

I love this collection of Sunrise Cove stories and immediately liked both Anne and Owen. The back-and-forth enemies to lovers banter and underlying sizzling chemistry hooked me. The investigation was an intriguing one that kept me reading as Owen and Anne shared their pasts, their pets, and family stories.

Side stories involving Anne and her older, very pregnant sister were hilarious, emotional, and heartwarming.

I devoured The Summer Escape and highly recommend adding it to your beach bag this summer! Perfect for fans of small-town romances with a little mystery, families and sizzling chemistry.

Amazon | Audible

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/06/the-summer-escape-by-jill-shalvis.html

The Price of Passion is a deeply moving tale that spans the decades-long romance between Josette Harrington and Daniel Ellington. Their love story, filled with trials, triumphs, and a profound sense of purpose, explores the themes of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Josette, a gifted pianist, and Daniel, a renowned musician, find solace in each other’s arms amidst personal tragedies and societal expectations. Their journey, from the struggles of their youth to the serenity of old age, is a testament to the healing power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

The writing in The Price of Passion is both rich and evocative. Artemios John Korkidis and Katherine E E. Korkidis have a talent for weaving intricate details into the narrative, creating a vivid tapestry of emotions and settings that draw the reader into Josette and Daniel’s world. The descriptions of the couple’s musical journey are particularly compelling, painting a vibrant picture of their shared passion and the solace they find in music. The depth of character development grows as readers are given a deep look into the protagonists’ inner lives and struggles.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its exploration of complex themes through the lives of Josette and Daniel. Chapter 3, The Making of a Family, beautifully depicts how their love evolves into a nurturing force for their adopted son, David. This chapter illustrates the challenges and rewards of building a family, especially when faced with societal pressures and personal demons. The subplot involving Daniel’s mission to aid the homeless adds a layer of social commentary, highlighting the importance of empathy and community involvement. The narrative is further enriched by the secondary characters, particularly Priscilla, Daniel’s estranged wife, whose story of redemption is poignantly portrayed. Her journey from a socialite disconnected from her family to someone who finds meaning and redemption adds depth to the story, showing that personal growth and change are possible even after a lifetime of mistakes.

The Price of Passion is a heartwarming and reflective novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate deeply emotional stories of love and redemption. The book is particularly suited for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and are interested in themes of resilience, the healing power of music, and the complexities of human relationships.

pages: 173 | ASIN : B0CDSWF9TX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/11/the-price-of-passion/

Manifest It! Action Planner by Nakeya Fields is a transformative tool designed to turn your dreams into reality. Fields, a licensed social worker and mental health coach, has created a planner that acts as a comprehensive roadmap for achieving your goals. If you’ve been feeling stuck and overwhelmed, this planner provides the structure and accountability needed to move forward.

What sets this planner apart is its holistic approach. It not only encourages you to articulate your goals clearly but also helps you break them down into actionable steps. This eliminates vague aspirations and replaces them with concrete plans. The planner’s system is akin to having a personal project manager, keeping you organized and on track with your progress. In addition to goal-setting, the planner incorporates strategies to maintain motivation and positivity, even during challenging times. It emphasizes the importance of self-care, with prompts that encourage reflection and the development of healthy habits. This focus on mental well-being ensures that you remain balanced and energized throughout your journey.

Manifest It! Action Planner is more than just a planner; it is a multifaceted tool that combines the roles of a cheerleader, project manager, and self-care coach. It bridges the gap between dreaming about your goals and taking tangible steps to achieve them. For anyone serious about transforming their aspirations into achievements, this planner could be the essential guide you’ve been searching for. Highly recommended for its comprehensive and supportive approach, this planner is a valuable asset on the path to success.

Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0CWY8STYR

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/11/manifest-it-action-planner/

The Case for Values Education delves into the crucial role of education in shaping the future of the United States, presenting it as a pivotal force at a time riddled with division and uncertainty. Author, Rolland B, offers a compelling narrative, arguing that the approach to education could either significantly bolster the nation or, conversely, lead to its downfall. He explores various facets of the educational landscape, from historical developments to the role of education as a social driver, crafting a multi-dimensional discussion that underscores his expertise and thorough research.

Rolland B emphasizes the evolving purpose of education, reflecting the shifting demands of society. He particularly highlights the critical role schools play in nurturing the interpersonal skills of future citizens. A notable strength of the book is its reliance on data, including mission statements from numerous school districts, which supports a well-founded discussion on educational disparities, especially in funding across the K-12 system. The author does not shy away from contentious topics. He argues that the decline in civic and history education has diminished young people’s understanding of democratic principles, a point that ignites fervent debate among educators and policymakers alike. Rolland B’s writing is infused with a mix of passion and lament for the current generation, which he believes is fundamentally disadvantaged by existing educational inequities.

With persuasive language and evident concern, Rolland B not only critiques the status quo but also encourages the reader to advocate for substantial reforms in public education. His approach is both an urgent warning and a rallying cry for broader engagement with educational policy, making The Case for Values Education an essential read for anyone invested in the future of the nation’s education system. It serves as a critical call to action, urging all, regardless of parental status, to influence policymakers and instigate meaningful change.

Pages: 184 | ASIN : B0CVCL2L6W

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/06/11/the-case-for-values-education/