Book Corner News & Reviews: Literary Fiction

Showing posts with label Literary Fiction. Show all posts

Monday, May 19, 2025

Literary Fiction Spotlight: To Sing Like a Mockingbird by Jan Notzon

This morning, I have a literary novel in our book blitz spotlight! Learn about To Sing Like a Mockingbird, learn about author Jan Notzon and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway.

Literary Fiction

Date Published: 01-13-2025

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About the Book

In a school/reformatory, a teacher fights his own loss of faith in the power of education and the twin assaults of drug cartels, their hired assassins among his students. and the blind idealism of his principal.

About the Author

Jan Notzon is a novelist and playwright in Charlotte, NC.

His first novel, The Dogs Barking, is a coming-of-age story set in a sleepy backwater Texas border town in the 1950s. And Ye Shall Be As Gods, recounts a brother’s fight to rescue his sister from the clutches of despair and his lost love from catatonia. The Id Paradox, is the story of three friends, assumed betrayal, rescue and healing from the horrors of spiritual annihilation. Song for The Forsaken chronicles the tale of two sisters and the loss of faith that tests the bond between them. Suffer Not the Mole People, is the story of a family's travails as they make their way from Poland to the United States in 1866. ONLY THE DEAD tells the personal stories of three families, one Anglo and two Mexican as they participate in the establishment of the Mexican and Texas Republics. His seventh novel To Sing Like a Mockingbird is now available on Amazon.

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Friday, April 25, 2025

Angela Thompson 9:55 AM 1

Literary Fiction Review: The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Badani

This morning, I have a family drama in our book review spotlight. Learn about The Sun's Shadow and author Sejal Badani, read my thoughts on the book and be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title:  THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 333 pages
Genre:  Literary
Publisher:  Lake Union
Release date:   January 28, 2025
Content Rating:  PG-13. Two-three scenes without description.

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.

About the Book

“A captivating story… richly woven narrative with vivid characters. A perfect story."

From the bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret comes an unflinching exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the healing power of a second chance.

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. How much worse can things get?

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets―that Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been spent playing family with them. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being―and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope. In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families―and their own futures?

My Review

The Sun's Shadow is an Engaging Family Drama. It took me a few chapters to settle into the back-and-forth style narrative and get to know the two storytellers. While the story is predictable as it goes along, it's also interesting and engaging. I didn't love either Celine or Felicity (for different reasons, including my own views on infidelity and trust), but the author grew the story of this entwined family from within the perspectives of these two women as they maneuvered their way through the plot. While I could certainly see where the story was going--I also needed to see how the main characters handled the pieces and parts along the way. You won't find action-packed drama, but the emotional perspectives of each woman gave the story depth and interest that made it a page-turner from start to finish.

Don't Expect to Love Many Characters. In fact, the young Brian and Justin were the only characters that I did like or really root for along the way. While I didn't love the actions of either woman through most of the novel--and didn't find some of them believable or reasonable--their love for their sons came through and strengthened the drama. I found the husband sad and weak throughout--expecting some different outcome to the mess he created.

Would I Recommend The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Badani? I didn't love the characters--but I couldn't put the book down. While the storyline was a little predictable, I had to read the characters' interpretations and actions from their points of view. If you enjoy family dramas, especially those with young characters who have better moral/human characteristics than the adults--this is a well-done novel that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

Buy the Book

Amazon.ca ~ Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble ~ Audible
Books-a-Million ~ Indiebound
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author

Sejal Badani is the Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret and Trail of Broken Wings. She is also a Goodreads Best Fiction award and ABC/Disney Writing Fellowship finalist whose work has been published in over fifteen languages.

Connect with the author: Website ~ X/Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

Instagram ~ TikTok ~ YouTube ~ Goodreads

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Monday, January 20, 2025

Angela Thompson 5:04 AM 0

Literary Fiction Spotlight: Surviving Karma by Mark Nistor

This morning, I am joining the book blitz for "Surviving Karma" by Mark Nistor, the second novel in the Karma series. If you're looking for a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, add this book to your reading list. Stick around as we shine our spotlight on this exciting release and get to know more about the talented author behind it.

The Karma Series, Book 2

Literary Fiction, Mystery

Date Published: November 9, 2024

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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About the Book

Officer Bella Streit's abduction has yet to make headlines. Her captor once again humiliates police by nabbing Captain Stark's protective detail from the precinct parking lot. Her predecessor, the third officer taken, adds to the comedic nature of embarrassing the police. Taken from the scene of an accident, Officer Tauron Sandoval's handling reflects the lengths at which Pin will go to feed his hunger. Now with Bella secured, Pin no longer needing Tauron leaves her to a fast moving hourglass of life. Her minimal sands flow as two other officers succumb.

Pin seeks revenge through torturing those he deems as old police. Detectives Rix and Jain work the case. They find a roadmap offering clues to the serial killer's endgame. The roadmap given to them by informants. However, unknown by the detectives is Pin also has informants feeding him information. Double agent informants play their roles as if trained spies. Both parties question the loyalties while traversing to the ultimate showdown.

Surviving Karma will require finding the common ingredient to their sandwiches of life.

Buy the Series

The Karma Series

Available on Amazon

Challenging Karma

The Karma Series, Book One

Surviving Karma

The Karma Series, Book Two

About the Author

Well, Mark’s just a guy who made a life-changing promise.

Mark prides himself on being a family man, entrepreneur and now, author. Trained to be a certified logistics professional, Mark got a certificate in video and television production. Script writing class helped expand a love for transforming ideas into stories. One of those first scripts would become a first novel, Challenging Karma.

The published author experience has always placed high on a list of dreams.

Mark’s late mother would be the one to give the push needed to make the dream a reality. After reading a first draft; she offered encouragement toward finishing a yet to be named story. The self-published Karma series is how he is keeping a promise to her.

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Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Angela Thompson 5:48 AM 1

Literary Fiction Spotlight: The Sun's Shadow by Sejal Badani

This morning, I am featuring a literary fiction novel in our book spotlight! Check out The Sun's Shadow, learn about author Sejal Badani, & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title:  THE SUN'S SHADOW by Sejal Badani
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 331 pages
Genre:  Literary
Publisher:  Lake Union
Release date:   January 28, 2025

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.

About the Book

“A captivating story… richly woven narrative with vivid characters. A perfect story."

From the bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret comes an unflinching exploration of betrayal, forgiveness, and the healing power of a second chance.

Celine’s life is spiraling out of control. She’s in danger of losing the beloved equestrian farm that was her childhood home. Her distant husband, Eric, is devoting a suspicious amount of time to a stunning new colleague. Then her young son, Brian, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis. How much worse can things get?

Felicity has uprooted her career and her teenage son, Justin, to get closer to Eric. She’s tired of keeping his secrets―that Eric’s frequent “business trips” have been spent playing family with them. Felicity is determined to get her happily ever after, even if it means confronting Celine at a delicate time.

But when Brian’s prognosis worsens, and a transplant from Justin becomes his best chance at survival, Felicity must make a wrenching decision about her son’s well-being―and Celine must accept that the “other woman” is her only hope. In another life Celine and Felicity might have been friends. Can they put aside the pain between them to do what’s best for their families―and their own futures?

Buy the Book

(now available for pre-order)
Barnes & Noble ~ Amazon.com
Books-a-Million ~ Indiebound
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author

Sejal Badani is the Amazon Charts, USA Today, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Storyteller’s Secret and Trail of Broken Wings. She is also a Goodreads Best Fiction award and ABC/Disney Writing Fellowship finalist whose work has been published in over fifteen languages.

Connect with the Author

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Enter the Giveaway

Readers Read more

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Angela Thompson 10:59 AM 0

Book Review: The Black Leopard's Kiss & The Writer Remembers by Laury Egan

This morning, I have a literary piece to share! Check out The Black Leopard's Kiss & The Writer Remembers, read my thoughts on the novellas and learn about author Laury Egan.

Book Title: The Black Leopard's Kiss & The Writer Remembers by Laury A. Egan
Category: Adult Fiction (18+), 306 pages
Genre:  Literary, with magical realism
Publisher:  Spectrum Books
Release Date: Dec 16, 2023
Content Rating:  PG + M.  Language is moderate; scenes of attempted incest and lesbian encounter.

Readers Read more

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Angela Thompson 8:19 AM 1

Literary Fiction Review: Mortal Weather by KP McCarthy

Today, I have a unique novel to share with readers! Check out Mortal Weather, read my thoughts on the book, learn about the author & enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title:  Mortal Weather by KP McCarthy
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 310 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction, Novel
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date: September 26 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M rating. There is bad language, no explicit sex scenes, but there is a lot of death and some references to suicide.

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.

About the Book

Stanhope Ellis finds himself absorbing the stories of quirky characters who have one thing in common: closeness to death. As he struggles with whether he’s Death Man or a cosmic witness, he meets a wise nurse, Gayathri Das, who helps him navigate the emotional minefield. But will she die, like the others? The unforgettable characters, including several dogs, will captivate you from the first page.

My Review

KP McCarthy Brings Readers a Must-Read Page Turner. I honestly think this is the best book I've read this year. I was undoubtedly daunted a bit when I found the massive character list at the front of the book--and I would be lying if I said that I immediately fell into sync with the author's writing style and Stanhope's story. After re-reading the first chapter a couple of times, however, I settled into Stanhope's emotional journey. I learned along with the main character as he encountered a nonstop flow of life, death, grief, doubt (and even love). The novel is driven by the eclectic cast of characters and a spiritual/philosophical journey to find meaning, hope, and healing through challenges and pain.

Mortal Weather Isn't a Light Read. Mortal Weather is a novel that requires you to read every word and character's story. Every single character adds something to the plot and flow of Standhope's story. While there are many characters, you don't need to memorize or worry about keeping them placed--the author sets them for you perfectly and grows his story around them. However, you must pay attention to the individual stories and their contributions, as each one is important. This story isn't a novel to skim or read without focus. Mortal Weather is a thought-provoking story that will hold the reader's interest through every single word from beginning to end. Expect to read with attention, focus, and an open mind.

Would I Recommend Mortal Weather by KP McCarthy? Initially, I wasn't sure what I was reading. I had to change my perception, read the author's words, and see his story. The novel feels like a memoir and is loaded with life stories, tragedies, loss, life, love, and inklings of hope and wisdom. Readers who enjoy spiritual or philosophical looks at life documented wonderfully with elements of religion, poetry, mythology, history, animals, nature--and the honest realities of grief, darkness, and hope--will enjoy this novel from beginning to end. If you are looking for a light, easy read--this is not that book. If you want a thought-provoking literary fiction that you can't put down--add this one to your reading list.

Buy the Book

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop
add to goodreads

Meet the Author

Among other things, Kevin Patrick McCarthy has been a geothermal geologist, a technical writer, a critic, and a screenwriter. His humor, essays, poetry, and fiction have been widely recognized. “Enough Sky,” the epigraph for Mortal Weather, was Commended by The Poetry Society (UK) in 2014. He is a fourth-generation Coloradoan who now lives in the Pacific with his wife Tricia, and their dog, Nani.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway

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Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Angela Thompson 8:44 AM 0

Literary Fiction Spotlight: A Plague of Mercies by Adam Pelzman

Today, I have a literary fiction novel in our book spotlight. Check out A Plague of Mercies, learn about author Adam Pelzman and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Literary Fiction, Novel in Verse

Date Published: June 7th, 2023

Publisher: Jackson Heights Press

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Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.

about the book

A lethal plague sweeps the globe. Millions have died. Survivors are confined to their homes.

Gabriel passes his time in a small New York apartment on the city's Upper West Side. During the plodding solitude of the lockdown, he observes several strangers in their nearby apartments. As he watches them struggle to survive a world at risk of extinction, he wonders about their lives—where they're from, what they value, how they're coping with a deadly contagion. All alone, he develops a vague yet important connection to these people, an affection for those who are struggling to survive isolation, fear and looming death.

Told in powerful, spellbinding free verse, Gabriel's observations grow deeper and more elaborate as the endless days pass. But when he and a woman from across the street begin to watch each other from afar, his imagination begins to collide with the bleak reality of the times.

Praise for A Plague of Mercies

"... a captivatingly unconventional love story ... brilliantly observant poetry that captures a dark moment in our recent history." —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

Praise for Adam Pelzman's The Boy and the Lake

"Pelzman excels at creating an intensely atmospheric setting and revealing how it shapes his characters' identities and worldviews … The narrative is full of rich, descriptive language … a well-developed vintage setting and classic but thought-provoking coming-of-age theme." —Kirkus Reviews

Runner up for 2021 Selfies Book Awards U.S.

Praise for Adam Pelzman's Troika (A Cuban Russian American Love Story)

"Riveting drama and sensuous prose make for an unforgettable love story … [a] beautifully rendered debut." —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"Pelzman's talent and vision are formidable …" —Publishers Weekly

"… transcendent, magnetic, intoxicating …" —Bookreporter

about the author

Adam Pelzman was born in Seattle, raised in northern New Jersey, and has spent most of his life in New York City. He studied Russian literature at the University of Pennsylvania and went to law school at UCLA. His first novel, Troika, was published by Penguin (Amy Einhorn Books) and later republished by Jackson Heights Press as A Cuban Russian American Love Story. He is also the author of The Papaya King (which Kirkus Reviews described as "entrancing" and "deeply memorable") and The Boy and the Lake (which is set in New Jersey during the late 1960s). His newest novel, A Plague of Mercies, is available for pre-order now.

about the book

Website

GoodReads Book Page

Goodreads Author Page

buy the book

enter the giveaway