FOCUS ON BOOKS SERIES: AUTHOR REED STIRLING AND MYSTERY NOVEL: A BOUQUET OF DARTS

 

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

Please welcome accomplished author Reed Stirling. He said,"Intrigue is my primary interest, with romantic entanglement an integral part of the action." 

You will find this in Reed's latest release, A Bouquet of Darts.

A Bouquet of Darts by Reed Stirling
A European Travel Mystery

Reed, thank you for being my guest this month on the Focused on Books series. I love the premise of your mystery novel. What sparked this book filled with intrigue and romance?

Thank you, Janet. The reason I wrote a Bouquet of Darts is because travel inspires. Put a group of people with common interests into a confined space, for instance, a tourist boat plying the canals in the Netherlands, introduce conflicting points of view, and what results is potential for an interesting plot. Add Eros, the mischievous mythological god of love with his gold and lead-tipped arrows, and the plot thickens. Insights into the nature of love from different perspectives could develop thematically. A year ago, I entertained these thoughts over a beer on the outer deck as our boat sailed out of Amsterdam. 

I agree, travel does inspire an interesting plot! This one sounds like a fun, entertaining read.

BACK OF THE BOOK--A Bouquet of Darts

Leaving Amsterdam, twenty engaging personalities begin a seven-day bike and barge excursion through the Netherlands. Allegiances form, love interests develop, conflicts arise, and a cyclist’s lifeless body mars their arrival in Maastricht.

      Who is responsible? The insulted chef? An angry deckhand? The most antagonized among the guests? Everyone onboard, the result of a well-wrought plot?

Eros? Could the culprit be the god of love whose arrows never miss their mark and whose intentions never falter?

Click the link to download A Bouquet of Darts at major online booksellers. 

Also available in Paperback.

 Buy link

ABOUT AUTHOR REED STIRLING

Reed Stirling lives in Cowichan Bay, BC, and writes when not painting landscapes, or travelling, or taking coffee at The Drumroaster, a local café where physics and metaphysics clash daily. Before retiring and taking up writing fiction as a past time, he taught English Literature. Several talented students of his have gone on to become successful writers. He is a member of the Cowichan Writers Association and the B.C. Federation of Writers. Book We Love Inc. has published his novels.

Author Reed Stirling

Shades Of Persephone, published in 2019, is a literary mystery set in Greece.

Lighting The Lamp, a fictional memoir, was published in March 2020.

Séjour Saint-Louis (2021) is set in Montreal and dramatizes family conflicts.

The Palimpsest Murders (2023) is a European travel mystery set in the Lowlands.

A Bouquet of Darts, featuring Eros the god of love, was published in 2024. 

Reed Stirling’s shorter work has appeared over the years in a variety of publications including Hackwriters Magazine, Dis(s)ent, The Danforth Review, Fickle Muses, The Fieldstone Review, Humanist Perspectives, StepAway Magazine, and Mediterranean Poetry. 

 Click here to read Reed's guest blog post in 2020

To all who celebrate, Happy Easter and Joyous Passover from J.Q. Rose!!

BONUS Focus on Books Series Guest S. Cox New Book Release: Reuben Hayes

 

Focus on Books Series

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

BONUS BOOK: Yes, I know it is not the third Wednesday of the month, but I wanted to shout about my guest's latest book release this month, Reuben Hayes. You've just got to know about Sandra Cox's latest Western.

Reuben Hayes by S. Cox

Western action and Romance

The tough middle-aged rancher had only ever loved one woman.

And now her daughter stood on his doorstep.

 🌄🌄🌄

I am delighted to welcome back my honorary cousin, dear friend, Western author and super storyteller, Sandra Cox. Sandra is the record holder for the number of times a guest has visited this blog!. Since 2020, Susan has appeared here seven times always bringing with her great stories of the West filled with action and engaging characters. 

Welcome back, Sandra! 

What inspired you to write this story?

  "I wish I could say I dreamt it and it’s destined to become a bestseller, but unfortunately, I never remember my dreams. Honestly, I have no idea where my stories come from. The only thing I can say with certainty is that my writing revolves around the West, in whatever form it takes. Sometimes classic Westerns. Sometimes Western Time Travel. Sometimes Western ShapeShifters. When I was younger I genre-hopped, but eventually settled into the Western niche.  I only wish I’d done it sooner.

  AND since I failed to answer this question I’m going to lob it back to your readers to ask them, " What do you write and/or read? And, if you write, where do your ideas come from?"

I like Sandra's questions. Please leave a comment below.

Reuben Hayes by S. Cox

BACK OF THE BOOK

A young woman shows up at the Hayes’ ranch, bringing bad news and danger.

Sage Baylor is the daughter of the only woman Reuben ever loved. Now she’s on his doorstep, bringing with her the news her mother is dead. Shortly after her arrival, her father, the Honorable Senator Baylor from Missouri, arrives. That’s when bullets start flying.
Both the senator and Sage are in danger from an unknown source. When the senator leaves, he tasks Reuben with keeping his daughter safe. Help comes from an unexpected source in the form of an engaging young gunslinger named Hawk. Between the two men, and Reuben’s crusty ole cook, they’ll keep the Senator’s daughter safe. No matter the peril. No matter the cost.

Character Facts About Hawk

Young gunslinger.

Has saved Sage’s life on more than one occasion.

Doesn’t know who his parents are. Was raised in a mission orphanage. Took off at fifteen.

🌄🌄🌄

 Click here to purchase the eBook now:

Click here to order the paperback

🌄🌄🌄

 ABOUT SANDRA COX

Sandra, who writes as both S. Cox and Sandra Cox, is an animal lover and avid gardener. She spent a number of years in the Midwest chasing down good Southern BBQ. By the time she moved to North Carolina where Southern BBQ is practically a staple, she’d become a vegetarian.

She and her husband are ruled by four cats and a dog. An award-winning author, her stories consist of all things Western and more.

Sandra can be found at http://www.sandracoxwriter.com

OR http://www.cowboytrivia.blogspot.com

OR https://sandracox.blogspot.com

OR https://www.pinterest.com/scoxauthor/ 

OR https://www.bsky.app @scoxauthor

OR Amazon.com: Sandra Cox: books, biography, latest update

🌄🌄🌄

UPDATE: 

I have updated and released Your Life with Jesus: How to Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir in paperback and hardcover in color.

Your Life with Jesus
Learn how to write your spiritual memoir.

“Your Life with Jesus: Spark Memories and Write Your Spiritual Memoir” offers a thoughtful pathway for capturing your faith journey. This book combines carefully selected Bible verses with insightful writing prompts to inspire you as you share the moments that have shaped your spiritual life.

In Part One, you'll find tips on igniting your memories and crafting compelling stories that keep readers engaged. Part Two presents over 40 journaling topics, each paired with a relevant Bible verse and writing prompt to deepen your reflection. Embrace this opportunity to document your unique story and uncover new insights into the transformative power of faith.

The hardcover in color is available now for Easter gifting to someone you love and as a gift to yourself.

            

                 🌄🌄🌄

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Email: jqrose02 @ gmail dot com

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Focus on Books Guest Rosemary Morris Historic Fiction Author Shares Her Novel, The Nabob's Daughter #focusonbooks #historicalfiction

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, a series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.'

I am delighted to host my friend and super storyteller, Rosemary Morris, once again on the Focused on Story blog. Rosemary is sharing her intriguing novel, The Nabob's Daughter which is Set in Madras in the Early 19^th Century. Madras is a former name for Chennai, a city in India.

Rosemary, thank you for being my guest this week. I have two questions for you. 

What is a nabob? Why did you write the story of Nabob's daughter? 

J. Q., Thank you very much for allowing me to feature my novel on your blog.

Nabob is a generic term for a very wealthy man who made his fortune in India.

The Inspiration for the Novel
The inspiration for this novel is derived from English translations of The Bhagavad Gita, As It Is by A.C.Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, and Krishna Dharma’s The Mahabharat and The Ramayana, two important epics transcribed in English.Visits to a temple where Vaisnavas, who believe Krishna is God, deepened my understanding of their philosophy and religion.

 The seeds of my ideas for The Nabob’s Daughter were sown when I read non-fiction and fiction in which there is emphasis on arrogant government officials and expatriates who exploited and mistreated people in India. However, that is not the entire truth. 

There were many men, women and children from the United Kingdom who loved the country and respected its people and never wanted to leave their adopted home. I decided to show this through the principal characters in The Nabob’s Daughter. 

For example, when Joyce, the heroine is a young child, her ayah tells her tales from classic Indian literature, encourages her to prefer a vegetarian diet, and takes her to give food to a sadhu, a holy man, who lives under a tree on her father’s estate. Throughout her life she will never forget him.

Against this background I developed the novel. The feedback and five out of five star reviews have justified my writing this romantic, multi-cultural literary novel.

The Nabob's Daughter by Rosemary Morris
Historical Fiction, Romance

 Back of the Book: The Nabob’s Daughter

 

When Joyce is born in the East India Company’s Madras Presidency, her mother rejects her, but her father, an earl’s youngest son, adores her. As a child Joyce is afraid of her mother. Only time will tell if her stepbrother, Sylvester, and his friend, Vivian de Lancy can keep their promises to protect her. She loves them, her father, her ayah, and Vivian’s mother, Mistress de Lancy, a widow. 

Joyce dreads the day when, according to custom, she must follow Sylvester and Vivian to England to be educated. 

Nine year old Joyce is sent to her grandfather’s ancient castle in Cornwall. Heartbroken, surrounded by strangers, she never changes her opinion that England is a dull, gloomy, grey country. At just seventeen she is a reluctant debutante still longing for her happy life in Hindustan, a dazzling land with exceptional beauty to which she is determined to return. To comfort herself during dreary years, whenever Joyce is homesick, she clutches her most precious treasure, a  heart-shaped pendant Vivian gave her.

Sylvester, who abhors the climate, fatal diseases, insects and snakes in India, settles in England. Vivian, heir to his mother’s emporium, the largest in Madras, returns to India which he loves.

While betrayed by those Joyce loves most, can she come to terms with it and triumph over many unavoidable, painful twists and turns in her life? Is it impossible for her to marry a suitable gentleman she loves and enjoy the happy life she craves?

Click the links below to download the eBook or order the print book.

Available from these book retailers: https://books2read.com/The-Nabobs-Daughter

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJWKV493

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.com/Nabobs-Daughter.../dp/B0DJWKV493

About Rosemary Morris:

I am a multi-published historical novelist whose novels are set in the reign of Charles II’s niece, Queen Anne Stuart, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and the ever popular Regency era. I have also written a mediaeval novel set in in the reign of Edward II.

Author Rosemary Morris

 

My characters, are of their time, not men, women and children dressed in costume who behave like 21st century people.

I was born in Kent. As a child, when I was not making up stories, my head was ‘always in a book.'

Apart from writing, I enjoy classical Indian literature, reading, visiting places of historical interest, vegetarian cooking, growing organic fruit, herbs and vegetables and creative crafts.

Click here to connect online with Rosemary

* * *

 Thank you for stopping in today. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What era do you prefer? Lately, I have enjoyed the WWII settings. Please leave a comment below.

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Let's Celebrate the Peaceful Passage of Power in the U.S. A. This Week

 

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. 

Every third Wednesday of the month, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

January 20 was the inauguration ceremony for our 47th president of the United States, Donald J. Trump. I am celebrating this peaceful passage of power with you by sharing a book I read this summer about our 20th president. Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and Murder of a President by Candice Millard, is the story behind the assassination of  President James A Garfield. He had only served four months of the four-year term when he was cut down by a maniac's bullet. 

Read the book's blurb below. My review explaining why I recommend it to those who love US history and for widening your reading horizons.

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard

BACK OF THE BOOK:

DESTINY OF THE REPUBLIC: A TALE OF MADNESS, MEDICINE, AND THE MURDER OF A PRESIDENT by Candice Millard

"Nominated for president against his will, he engaged in a fierce battle with the corrupt political establishment. But four months after his inauguration, a deranged office seeker tracked Garfield down and shot him in the back.

But the shot didn’t kill Garfield. The drama of what hap­pened subsequently is a powerful story of a nation in tur­moil. The unhinged assassin’s half-delivered strike shattered the fragile national mood of a country so recently fractured by civil war and left the wounded president as the object of a bitter behind-the-scenes struggle for power—over his administration, over the nation’s future, and, hauntingly, over his medical care. A team of physicians administered shockingly archaic treatments, to disastrous effect. As his con­dition worsened, Garfield received help: Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, worked around the clock to invent a new device capable of finding the bullet." Photo and excerpt from book description at Amazon

MY REVIEW: Destiny of the Republic is the story of President Garfield's assassination in September 1881. I was surprised to learn that he did not die instantly from the gunshot wound; instead, he suffered for two and a half months before succumbing to the damage inflicted by the elusive bullet. Within those months he was treated by his doctor who insisted on being in charge of his care and allowed no one to usurp his position. His doctor dismissed the new notions like handwashing that could have reduced the risk of infection. 

Ms. Millard burns the scenes of sickness and death into the reader's brain. Her powerful descriptions open our eyes to the sight of a run-down White House and the view of the polluted Potomac River at this time in its history. She brings us into the scenes so we can imagine smelling the stink from the open sewer that ran under the White House and feeling the oppressive heat in the room where Garfield suffered draconian measures to search for the caustic bullet lodged in the President's body. 

Besides the doctor, Ms.Millard includes the story of the assassin, Charles J. Guiteau, and Alexander Graham Bell who frantically tries to develop the x-ray machine to find the bullet.

I love reading history and learning about the stories of the presidents of the United States of America. I highly recommend this compelling book to U.S. history aficionados and anyone looking to expand their reading horizons.

Have you read this book? Please suggest books about U.S. Presidents in the comment section below.

J.Q. Rose

Thank you for stopping in!

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FOCUS ON BOOKS GUEST NANCY BELL with a Romantic Christmas Story--CHRISTMAS STORM #focusonbooks

FOCUS ON BOOKS--Join us every third Wednesday of the Month

Hello and welcome to FOCUS on BOOKS, the latest series sparked by my love of reading. We explore fascinating, familiar, and new worlds created by authors. Every third Wednesday, join us for a celebration of storytelling—spotlighting books, conversing with guest authors, and sharing my personal reading recommendations.  Giveaways, surprises, and games will add to the fun.

While the purpose of the series is to offer an opportunity for author friends to shout about their books, I am delighted to meet new-to-me authors and discover their books. The best part is introducing writers and sharing their stories with you!

This month I am delighted to have multi-genre and award-winning author in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, Nancy Bell, as my guest. Nancy and I are in the same publishing house, BWL Publishing. She is quite a force within BWL and I consider her my mentor to me in storytelling. 

I invited Nancy to share this Christmas story for the December blog because I loved this story and the series, A Longview Romance. I read it in 2016 and still list it as one of my favorite Christmas stories. Such warm characters and a beautiful location for a story taking place during the Christmas season.

I asked Nancy, who lives in Canada, why she wrote Christmas Storm. She replied, "I wrote Christmas Storm for a couple of reasons. One is that I love Christmas and snow storms. Two, is I have a passion for animal rescue. Three, I love the Alberta prairies and ranch life. So, Christmas Storm takes place just before and during Christmas, on a ranch and of course there is a dog that needs rescuing and of course there is a good old Alberta blizzard."

Continue reading to learn more about the book.

CHRISTMAS STORM
Romance

BACK OF THE BOOK:

The only thing bigger than the storm in Michelle's heart is the blizzard raging across the Alberta prairie outside her window. Finding an injured stray dog is the last thing she needs. Add to the mix the handsome new vet who is taking over her beloved Doc’s practice and peace of mind is not in the picture. Cale Benjamin is too nice to be for real. Michelle is still smarting from being jilted by her high school sweetheart fiancé and not in the mood to trust any man, let alone one as drop dead gorgeous as Dr. Cale Benjamin DVM. 

The injured stray, Storm, keeps putting Michelle in Cale’s path whether she likes it or not. She is distressed to find that the handsome young vet is sliding past her carefully erected defenses and into her heart. A few well-placed nudges from Doc’s matchmaker wife, Mary, help the young doctor’s cause, but will it be enough to make the lady rancher allow him into her life? 

Christmas Storm won fourth place in the 2013 Oklahoma Romance Writers of America International Digital Awards in the Contemporary Novel category.

 Christmas Storm is available to purchase in kindle, paperback, and audio formats. 

Click here to download or order now. 

PLEASE NOTE--eBooks released by BWL Publishing are 50% off during the Smashwords Sale through December 26!! Click here to download Christmas Storm.

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ABOUT NANCY BELL

Nancy lives in Castor, Alberta. She has publishing credits in poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Nancy has 23 novels to her credit. Her poetry is

Author Nancy Bell

included in Tamaracks  Canadian Poetry for the 21^st Century, Vistas of the West Anthology and by the University of Holguin Cuba in their Canada Cuba Literary Alliance (CCLA) program. 

Connect online with Nancy:

Website: http://www.nancymbell.ca
Twitter: @emilypikkasso
Facebook: Facebook profile
Blog: http://nancymariebell.blogspot.ca/

eBook 50% off sale at Smashwords!!
Click here to download books released by BWL Publishing

Click here  to download books 50% off by JQ Rose

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