Thursday, October 23, 2025

Straight Browsing from the Library: What's It Like to Be Me by Elizabeth Ann O'Handley



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Elizabeth Ann O'Handley will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Well, one thing is for certain: everyone will feel something different after reading What It's Like to Be Me!

Why you ask? It is simply because every single one of us is completely unique; that is what makes us who we are.

The young girl in this book helps us understand that the journey of self-identification is not always easy. In some cases, maybe we just have not given it much thought. I mean, how often do we check in with ourselves? At times we are more focused on what others may think about us, while we are truly unaware of what we even think about ourselves.

With reflection, it is sometimes necessary, and useful, to see ourselves objectively.

The young girl in What It's Like to Be Me has to look within to find herself. Personal growth will usually assist us in accepting the reality of who we really are. As life changes and we grow through experience, it is up to us to be the best versions of ourselves.

Living your truth is a personal suggestion for making things a little easier when embarking on the journey of knowing exactly who you are. Every experience will change us, maybe a little, or maybe a lot. Who you are going to be in this world starts with you!

I wish you all a wonderful journey!
Truth, love, and respect always,
Elizabeth Ann O'Handley

READ AN EXCERPT


This is my journey about being me.

I often wonder what others see.

Do they see me as kind,

or maybe carefree?

Or fearlessly brave? Hmmm, is that what they see?

I was not quite sure,

so, I wanted to see,

what is it that others think about me.

I hope they see truth to the fullest

degree,and a heart filled with love,

for all those to see

MEET THE AUTHOR


What It's Like to Be Me is Elizabeth Ann O'Handley's second book. It was inspired by a visit to her hometown of Glace Bay, in the province of Nova Scotia.

Elizabeth graduated from Cape Breton University with a B.A. in 2005, and received a diploma in Acupuncture from the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners & Acupuncturists of British Columbia in 2011.

In realization of many things, Elizabeth is forever grateful for the love she continues to receive from her family and friends. She reflects on her experiences with a humble heart, and is very emotional about being true to oneself.

Elizabeth is convinced that storytelling can be an effective tool in helping anyone find their path.

Elizabeth is committed to creating positive content, in hopes that it will have an impact on all readers of her work.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/47332435.Elizabeth_Ann_O_Handley
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/What-Its-Like-Be-Me-ebook/dp/B0FBX92WG4/ref=sr_1_1wuat

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Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Straight Chatting from the Library: Eric Grandy



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Eric Grandy will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ THE INTERVIEW


Tell us about your current book in ten words.

Contemporary fiction, Humorous, Tense, Poignant, Memorable characters, Picturesque locations, Relatable

E-Reader or print and why?

Print, without question. A book is three dimensional. I like holding a book and turning the pages. I like to see it resting among the others in my library. A book is more personal and impressive looking.
One book at a time or multiples?

One at a time. I find reading more than one at a time too distracting. Only having one to finish is less intimidating.

Do you have any bad book habits?

I mark all my books. I write in the margins, and I highlight passages that I want to find later. I also write the definition to words that I don’t know in the back, on the blank pages.

Favorite place to read.

In good weather, I read on my front porch. I like the warm sun, the trees, the breeze and the chirping birds. During the wintertime, I sit in my living room and read by window light.

Favorite book to recommend.

It’s a book of historical non-fiction. “The Warmth of Other Suns”, by Isabel Wilkerson impacted me so much. I am a big reader of history and her well researched and intelligent recounting of the diaspora of Blacks from the deep south continues to resonate with me to this day.

Do you loan your books?

No. I’ve kept all my books. The few I’ve loaned out I never got back. If someone wants to read a book from my library, I’d rather buy it for them. Also, I like watching my library expand.

What would make you not finish a book?

I usually finish every book I start, even if it’s an ordeal, but I read a book many years ago where the author seemed to be in love with vocabulary. Unnecessarily complicated vocabulary seems pretentious to me. I couldn’t enjoy the story because the verbiage got in the way. I put it down and never picked it up again.

Favorite Genre

I am a lover of history and autobiographies. This was all I read before I started writing fiction. I love reading people’s life sagas through their own words, and I love true, factual accountings of people and events in the past.

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Natural talent, hard work, and a childhood friend help LaVern Whitaker find her calling as an actress. When her life becomes overwhelming, they discover a small town where her true identity can remain unknown and she can stay out of the spotlight. The more she visits her secret getaway, the more deeply she feels connected to the history, the lifestyle, and the people. Could this place be her home away from home, or become the home she has dreamed of? Or will sinister forces rip it all away?

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“I’m going to miss you so much sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.”

The tears began to flow.

“I’m going to miss you too, Mom.”

“I miss you already, Peaches,” cried Shaundra. “You better text me every day.”

LaVern broke her tight hold on her mother and transferred it to Shaundra.

“I told you a long time ago that nothing will ever come between us. I meant it then and I mean it now.” She clutched her best friend even tighter. Then it was Freeman’s turn. He’d been holding off his goodbye intentionally. He wrapped his arms around his daughter and held on. He rested his chin on her head. LaVern was sobbing uncontrollably, but she didn’t let go. He finally relaxed his grip and looked directly into LaVern’s crying eyes.

“I want you to know you have made your mother and me so proud, Peaches.” He wiped a tear from his daughter’s face with his thumb. “You’re ready for this. You’ve been preparing your whole life.”

“Thank you, Daddy. I love you so much.”

He released his daughter, picked up the luggage and, along with everyone else, headed outside. LaVern turned to take one last look. The realization that she wouldn’t be back for months was just hitting her. It’s really happening, she thought. I’m actually leaving. She closed and locked the door. The second part of her life was about to begin.

MEET THE AUTHOR


Eric Grandy was born and raised in Baltimore City and graduated from City College. After he graduated from Essex Community College, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played six years for that team. He went on to a variety of jobs: photographer, lab manager, driver for DHL and warehouse manager. After retirement, he decided to devote himself to writing, producing several short stories and Accidental Paradise, his debut novel. Grandy still lives in Baltimore with his wife Rhonda and his daughter Marti. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Paradise-Eric-Grandy/dp/B0FKPYYH8S

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Monday, October 20, 2025

Straight Chatting from the Library: Nicole Givens Kurtz



This post is part of a virtual book tour orgainzed by Goddess Fish Promotions. Nicole Givens Kurtz will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

NGK: Where the Wild Things Are was the first horror/fantasy book I read, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. Max being sent to his room for not eating his supper and sailing away in his imagination to a kingdom where he ruled deeply resonated with me as an only child. My brother arrived six ½ years later.

What is your favorite book today?

NGK: My favorite book right now is by L. Marie Wood and it’s titled, The Promise Keeper. It is a deeply intricate story within a story told from a protagonist who is on dead row in the last 1950s. Her neighboring inmate is a vampire, but that’s of little consequence, as she recounts the horror of how she came to be on death row and how the vampire who made her continues to hunt for their son—to kill him. It’s such an astounding story. After I finished it, it stayed with me, emotionally and from a historical context as well.

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

NGK: Fabricated is a multi-layered mystery set against the backdrop of the former U.S. capitol.

What are you reading right now?

NGK: Right now I am reading Breath Warmth & Dream by Zig Zag Claybourne.

One book at a time or multiples?

NGK: To read or write? It is the same for me for both reading and writing. I only read one book at a time and for the most part, I only write one book at a time. If I try to write multiple books or read multiple books at the same time, I lose focus. I loose my connection to both stories, so I like to read and write one story at a time.

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Cybil Lewis, a private inspector in futuristic D.C., now The District, begrudgingly works with the Territory Alliance agents to track down an escaped violator, Nico Mars. Almost immediately, Cybil is tossed into the District's gritty underbelly of political ambition, drugs, and betrayal. This case will take her and Jane deep into the reaches of The District's notorious Sector 12, where life is cheap and currency is king. When her investigation leads back to those responsible for protecting citizens, Cybil discovers she's in danger. She's reminded once again that everything can be fabricated.

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Lynn sighed in dramatic fashion. “She’s been following the stories in the news files about you for months.”

Agent Winsome yanked down her jacket. “Not just months. Two major political and high-profile cases solved within this last year. I still remember the governor’s case with the souped-up hatchling serum, The Change, a while back. Right?”

“Yeah. Right.” My mouth tasted like I’d been chewing leftover tofu. The Change had destroyed the love of my life, introduced me to Trey, and cast me into the spotlight. “Look, agents–”

“I have been following your career since I joined the T.A.,” Agent Winsome said. “I admire trendsetters in the field, blazing paths for us to follow.”

Did she just call me old?

Well, I was waxing poetic about my wisdom and age. What bothered me more was the contradiction. Didn’t she come in talking about my rudeness and flair for firing my laser gun at folks? But now, with forked tongue, Agent Winsome admired my work?

This whole thing reeked like the Atlantic Ocean’s contaminated banks or the Sector 10 sewer system.

As if to fill the silence, Agent Winsome rushed forward. “But, you’re the best P.I. in The District. That’s why we want you.”

Agent Winsome’s round face remained closed off but attempted to be professional. My concern locked on to Lynn. No way she believed a word of the newer agent’s words.

That made two of us.

MEET THE AUTHOR


Nicole Givens Kurtz has been called “a genre polymath who does crime, horror, and Science Fiction and Fantasy (Book Riot).” They’ve named her as one of the 6 Black SFF Indie Writers You Should be Reading, 30 Must-Read SFF Books by Black Authors, and The Best of the West: 8 Alternative History Westerns (Sisters of the Wild Sage). She’s a two-time Atomacon Palmetto Scribe Award winner. With over 20 years in publishing, She’s written for Pseudopod, Apex, Fiyah, White Wolf, The Realm, Baen, Subsume, and MV Media. Nicole has over 50 published short stories, including her story, “The Way Home,” in Marvel®’s Captain America: The Shield of Sam Wilson anthology from Titan Books. Nicole is the author of the Cybil Lewis and Death Violations cybernoir series as well as the Kingdom of Aves fantasy mystery series.

She has conducted workshops for Writer’s Digest Online, Clarion West online, SAGA, and is the owner of Mocha Memoirs Press. She’s the editor for the groundbreaking SLAY: Stories of the Vampire Noire and co-editor of Blackened Roots: An Anthology of the Undead anthology. Nicole is professional level member of SFWA and HWA.

Website: http://www.nicolegivenskurtz.net
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mochamemoirspress
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/mochamemoirspress
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nicolegkurtz
Buy Nicole a coffee at http://www.Ko-fi/nicolegkurtz

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Friday, October 17, 2025

Straight From the Library: Love Ignites Peace by Paige Farrinton



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Paige Farrington will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other tours.

READ THE GUEST POST


Have you ever felt weighed down by the challenges of life, or even by the heaviness of the world itself? You are not alone. So many of us struggle with stress, self-doubt, conflict, or the quiet ache of wondering whether life could feel different. Love Ignites Peace: Our Next Evolution was born from the belief that there is another way forward—and that every change, even global change, begins with you.

At its heart, this book offers hope and an actionable framework. Hope that life doesn’t have to feel like endless strife and struggle. A framework that, if embraced, can free you from the patterns that overwhelm both your individual life and our collective story. It begins with self-awareness and unfolds through Love’s 6 Actions. These actions are not lofty concepts; they are practical, grounded ways, brought to life through storytelling, to see yourself and others with greater clarity, compassion, and understanding.

Even if you believe your life has been built on love, the energies of not-love—the words and actions that don’t support a person’s goodness and block potential—have likely seeped in. Maybe you’ve struggled with self-doubt. Maybe you’ve found yourself people-pleasing, or on the other side, overpowering others. Maybe you’ve carried shame or guilt that someone placed on you. Through Love’s 6 Actions, you are invited to look at your life’s experiences with fresh eyes. From this elevated perspective, life’s dramas and messy cast of characters are revealed for what they truly are: people hurt by not-love. And from this expanded vantage point, a blueprint for healing and healthier relationships begins to emerge.

That is the transformation Love Ignites Peace makes possible. It doesn’t simply inspire—it gives you the tools to act differently, to think differently, and ultimately live differently. It offers the “how-to” for choosing love in your everyday interactions, no matter how big or small. When you choose love, you ignite peace—not only within yourself but in the world around you.

You are the spark. The fuel. The one person who can set in motion a ripple of change that spreads endlessly. Like a single candle lighting thousands without ever losing its flame, your words and actions hold the power to spread far beyond yourself.

Love Ignites Peace: Our Next Evolution is more than a book—it is an invitation. An invitation to awaken to your truest self, to embody unconditional love, and to join a growing movement of change. Because you are the ONE—Our Next Evolution—that you and the world have been waiting for. Choose Love. Ignite Peace.

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Are you ready to move beyond turbulent times into peace?

Nineteen years ago, Paige Farrington received a message that would alter the course of her life: Love Ignites Peace. That message sparked a profound transformation—one that awakened the power of her self-awareness, taught her the essence of unconditional love, and revealed that peace is not only possible, but accessible

Now, she invites you to begin your own journey rooted in the message Love Ignites Peace.

Through heartfelt storytelling, practical tools, and deeply human insights, Love Ignites Peace: Our Next Evolution offers a roadmap to help you identify what’s holding you back, shift the self-beliefs that keep you stuck, and see life through an expanded lens. No matter what you’re navigating, this book provides universal tools to help you reconnect with your true essence.

With vulnerability and compassion, Paige guides readers through personal stories and self-discovery—offering clear, actionable ways to bring Love Ignites Peace to life in their own experience.

This is more than a book—it’s an invitation to align with the energy of your unlimited potential and become an agent of love in a world ready to evolve.

You are the ignition. Love is the way. Peace is the outcome.

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Love, not a specific set of beliefs, is the glue that unites everyone in our collective human experience. Love Ignites Peace is not associated with any religion, but this story kept coming to mind as I was writing this section. As Jesus was hanging from the cross, he famously said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” He was offering those who hurt him and others forgiveness, because he understood the human experience. We are all responsible for our own actions and our soul’s growth, but the ability to take responsibility lies in a person’s self-awareness. We are all at different places on our self-awareness journey. If you are reading this book, then self-awareness is something you are exploring. Not everyone is as self-aware as you are. They don’t understand the complexities of the human experience, empowered by their soul’s choices, nor have they taken the time to discern the whys of their feelings and behaviors. They will get there when we allow them to find their way, in their own timing. In the meantime, we can offer them forgiveness because we understand.

MEET THE AUTHOR


Thirty-three years ago life transplanted Paige from her rural Iowa roots 5,280 feet closer to the bluest skies she’d ever seen. Now calling Castle Rock and Grand Lake, CO, home, she finds inspiration in nature’s peaceful grandeur, which provides the backdrop for both her work and play. Paige’s life took an unexpected turn in 2008 when, out of thin air, the words Love Ignites Peace landed in her conscious mind. This profound moment became a catalyst, shifting her path from successful business owner to student of love—the root of human potential. Mastering the deep meaning and embodying the wisdom in the statement Love Ignites Peace now guides her daily life. Paige’s insights in Love Ignites Peace: Our Next Evolution invite you to return to the love that you truly are – awakening your highest potential and transforming the way you experience life. Paige is also the author of Love Ignites Peace: Our Next Evolution, The Companion Journal. You can listen to Paige and her daughter Ashlyn on their podcast Love Ignites Peace #Bathtub chats. More information can be found at LoveIgnitesPeace.com/podcast.

Love Ignites Peace: Our Next Evolution has won the International Impact Book Award in the Self-Help, Emotional Resilience category.

Website: http://www.LoveIgnitesPeace.com
Social: @LoveIgnitesPeace
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Ignites-Peace-Next-Evolution/dp/B0CLMXTCCP/ref=sr_1_1

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Wednesday, October 15, 2025

Straight Browsing from the Library: Playing Rough by Beth Pellino-Dudzic



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Beth Pellino-Dudzic will be awarding one set of the three books in the series - Playing Hard, Playing High and Playing Rough (international giveaway). Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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Love. Lies. And the Road to Redemption.

After five months in rehab, Trevor McNaughton is finally sober—and ready to rebuild his life with Gina, the woman who never stopped believing in him. A road trip is meant to be their fresh start, but their plans are quickly derailed when their former publicist, Paul Ryan, emerges with explosive claims: an affair with Gina, dark secrets about their band Perfection, and vicious speculation about their marriage.

As the couple races to contain the fallout, the pressure mounts. Trevor must protect his fragile sobriety while defending the truth. Gina, fierce and unshakable, refuses to let their love be hijacked by lies. All the while, Gina’s cousin and bandmate Rio begs them to return home and help shape the next album—while wannabe rock star Brian Mayfield looms as another potential threat to the narrow threshold they already straddle.

With careers and reputations on the line, Trevor and Gina must confront the ghosts of their past and the chaos of their present. Can love outlast betrayal, and can anything silence a man set on destruction?

READ AN EXCERPT


Trevor and Gina McNaughton weathered the storm in their marriage. Their life was back on track. Gina understood Trevor’s desire to get away, recognizing that he was still frail after months of intensive rehab. She would follow his lead. His stay at Turquoise Skye brought up deep emotions that Trevor buried after his mother died. Whatever lay ahead, Gina was determined to help Trevor with his demons.

Rio let himself into the McNaughtons’ Montecito house. Gina and Trevor were on their outside deck taking in the view of the Pacific Ocean. Rio knew he was intruding on a quiet moment. Rio said, “Hey, how are you, family? I have been trying to give you two space, I know you need your alone time. We miss you at the studio. We have been listening to the music we have in the vault. Trev, your guitar work is killer. I was wondering if you two would be interested in coming down and just listening to the music? No recording, no rewriting, getting reacquainted with music we already wrote. What do you think, Trevor, Gina? Any attention you could give to Perfection?”

Gina looked at Trevor, she wanted him to voice his opinion first. Trevor stared into space, then looked at Rio, “Rio, I got the message you want to get Perfection moving. I actually agree, music needs to be worked on. Gina and I could give you a few hours a day. I won’t promise anything more. I still have some rough edges, bro. Adjusting being back home with my wife. Gina, what are you thinking, babe?”

MEET THE AUTHOR


Beth Pellino-Dudzic was born in the Bronx and grew up in Westchester County, New York. She earned a BA in Business Administration and worked at IBM. She has three adult daughters and a new Granddaughter. She currently lives in Alabama with her husband and their miniature dachshund, Truffle. Although The Perfection Saga is fictional, many of the stories hark back to Beth’s time in the Rock ‘n’ Roll world. Beth’s favorite pastime is football, everything football. She also is an excellent cook and baker.

Website: https://perfectionsaga.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558439816678
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bpellinodudzic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bethandperfection1

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FP9H6LQQ

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Thursday, October 2, 2025

Straight Browsing from the Library: A Gilded City Trilogy by Jane Loeb Rubin



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jane Loeb Rubin will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ THE BLURB




In the Hands of Women, (June 2023) takes the reader on an electrifying ride through the dawn of the 20th century, delving into the restrictive state of women’s rights, backroom abortions, the plight of immigrants to the Lower East Side of NYC and the prison system at Blackwell’s Island, all through the voice of a young OB/Gyn, Tillie’s younger sister, Hannah.

Threadbare, (June 2024) is a historical novel written as a tribute to Jane Rubin’s great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who died from a ‘woman’s disease’ in the early years of the twentieth century. It explores the ultra-conservative late Victorian era through a Jewish female character living among the poor, struggling to build a garment company and pushing back against antisemitic and misogynistic values dominating the time. She acquired wealth, only to have life upended by a cruel, unexpected challenge.

Over There (June 2025) brings four family members of Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all doctors and nurses, into The Great War, each facing down authentic challenges of the period. Meticulously researched and crafted on four stages, the reader experiences the jarring reality of trench warfare, magnificent rise of the American Hospital in Paris, unimagined medical innovations owed to the dedication of healthcare workers, and the universal, frightening impact war has on children.

READ AN EXCERPT FROM IN THE HANDS OF WOMEN


I glanced at Nurse Hammond. Her head was bent to the wood floor, hands squeezed so tightly, I could see the white in her knuckles. The navy muslin dress worn beneath her white apron matched the dark circles under her eyes. I held back from the pack of students as they left the ward. Nurse Hammond was at the end of her night shift, little time left to hear the full story.

“Nurse, were you in delivery during the twins’ births?” I whispered.

“I was.” She straightened her back, darting her eyes to the nursery.

I took a step closer to her. “Did anything unusual happen?”

After a lengthy pause, she rubbed her fingers, eyes downcast.

“Nurse Hammond, what happened?” I persisted.

“You know Adams, always impatient.” She turned her eyes from the floor then to mine. “He couldn’t stand the mother’s screaming and knocked her out cold with ether. Then he went in deep with the forceps, taking forever. I think he would have had more luck if he kept her awake and changed her position.” She took in a sharp breath. “But who am I to say? You can’t utter a word. I need my job. I’ve four children at home.”

I nodded, understanding. “You can trust me. Go home and get some rest.” I scurried down the hall to the nursery.

“Where’ve you been, Isaacson?” Dr. Adams barked as I walked through the doorway.

“My apology doctor, lavatory.”

Dr. Adams crossed his arms on his chest, haughtily shaking his head at the ring of men standing around the twins’ bassinettes. “See there, gentlemen? That’s what happens when women are allowed into the profession. Always needing to fix their hair.”

Blood shot to my face. How long would he get away with his negligence? I stifled my annoyance, while studying the infants. The smaller baby’s hand began to tremor.

MEET THE AUTHOR


Jane Loeb Rubin has won numerous awards including the Historical Novel Society's First Chapters short list for Over There, released May, 2025 by Level Best Books. She will be speaking at numerous Florida events as listed on her website.

With an extensive healthcare background Ms. Rubin began writing in 2009 after a serious cancer diagnosis. She now has a four-book deal with Level Best Books (Threadbare-2024, In the Hands of Women-2023, Over There-2025, The Hat Trick-2026), following the fictional life of her great-grandmother’s family.

In the Hands of Women, (June 2023) takes the reader on an electrifying ride through the dawn of the 20th century, delving into the restrictive state of women’s rights, backroom abortions, the plight of immigrants to the Lower East Side of NYC and the prison system at Blackwell’s Island, all through the voice of a young OB/Gyn, Tillie’s younger sister, Hannah.

Threadbare, (June 2024) is a historical novel written as a tribute to Jane Rubin’s great-grandmother, Mathilda (Tillie), who died from a ‘woman’s disease’ in the early years of the twentieth century. It explores the ultra-conservative late Victorian era through a Jewish female character living among the poor, struggling to build a garment company and pushing back against antisemitic and misogynistic values dominating the time. She acquired wealth, only to have life upended by a cruel, unexpected challenge.

Over There (June 2025) brings four family members of Threadbare and In the Hands of Women, all doctors and nurses, into The Great War, each facing down authentic challenges of the period. Meticulously researched and crafted on four stages, the reader experiences the jarring reality of trench warfare, magnificent rise of the American Hospital in Paris, unimagined medical innovations owed to the dedication of healthcare workers, and the universal, frightening impact war has on children.

The Hat Trick, Ms. Rubin’s work in process (May 2026) transports her family characters into the mid-1920’s in the years before the Borscht Belt in Sullivan County, NY.

Ms. Rubin, a graduate of the University of Michigan (BS, MS) and Washington University (MBA), retired from a 30-year career as a healthcare executive to begin writing full-time. She lives with her husband, David, an attorney, in Northern New Jersey. Between them, they have five adult children and seven grandchildren. Ms. Rubin’s work is available at all on-line retailers, Indigo Books, select Barnes and Noble Book stores and upon request from Level Best Books.

Readers Favorite Review: http://www.readersfavorite.com/book-review/over-there
Website: http://www.janeloebrubin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeloebrubinauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeloebrubin

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Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Straight Browsing from the Library: Dogged Determination by Chris Redding



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Chris Redding will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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A vegetarian veterinarian needs cash for a no-kill shelter, which is her life’s passion. But her efforts to fundraiser have been stymied, because she doesn’t know anyone rich.

The heir to a hot dog fortune must give away money before he gains his inheritance. Having been raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, he doesn’t know anyone needy enough.

Sounds like a match made in Heaven, but when a stray mutt brings them together, will they recognize what the other can provide?

READ AN EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT

Paul found Jeeves in the kitchen of the large house after looking everywhere else. Jeeves was his butler, a tall man with olive skin and an aquiline nose.

The mansion had twelve rooms just on this floor alone. This room had the best of every kitchen appliance on the market. The room was a monument to stainless steel.

He dropped his keys in a bowl by the door to the garage. “Jeeves, I’m in love,” Paul said, the emotion filling him with a sense of purpose. He had a name and a face, and he could find the address with Jeeves’ help. Paul had floated home after dropping off Carmela. Now he danced into the kitchen. He paused with the garlic from his dinner still on his clothing.

Jeeves peered over his half-glasses at his employer, his green eyes sparkling. He sat at the giant island in the giant kitchen, a glass of wine and an open book in front of him. “Third time this week.”

Paul undid his bowtie and dropped the paisley accessory onto the kitchen counter. He removed his gold cufflinks. They landed on the granite with a clink. Paul’s mouth dried with the thought of the woman he’d sort of met.

Jeeves just didn’t understand.

As if the heavens had shone a light just on her, her hair had glowed under the chandelier. He couldn’t have stopped staring if he’d gone blind. “No. I met the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

Jeeves put down his newspaper to sip from a glass of white wine. “I’ll bite. Who is she? A Greek heiress slumming in New Jersey? No.” Jeeves rolled his eyes. “A starlet on sabbatical.”

Paul shook his head. He understood Jeeves’s reluctance to believe him. Women had always been a salad bar, and Paul wanted to taste them all. This woman was different. “Jeeves, I’m serious. Her name is Daria Jacks.” He liked the feel of her name in his mouth. Daria. He rolled her moniker over in his mind. What an interesting name.

MEED THE AUTHOR


Chris Redding has been writing romance and suspense for more than 2 decades. She’d written more than 60 novels and novellas over her career as a ghostwriter.

Website: http://www.chrisreddingauthor.com/
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