What Hidden Pictures Reveals

Hidden Pictures

By Johanna Flynn

Desperation and regret are a volatile basis for a friendship, or a relationship. Yet these powerful emotions draw together two unlikely souls who are each at very different, pivotal forks in the road of their lives. Gordon's ancestors illustrate a glowing history of celebrated life tales as one of the founding families of the town. Gordon owned a hardware store for many years, but when he lost it due to hard times he took a job with the conglomerate that took it over. He lives in the Victorian family home and is a bit of a recluse since his wife died years ago. Ahead of himself he views only a creeping journey toward imminent retirement. Literally running into Gordon's life and home is Olivia, a struggling high school student and nearby neighbor. The troubles in her life are overwhelming and force her into relentless situations where good choices are hard to find. She's isolated, lonely, and misunderstood.

Have you viewed the Hidden Pictures of your life? These are not the happy selfies, or beloved portraits, or happy times, or special places. These are the truths that are hidden away because they are so hard to face. Some are literally photos, and some are shots within a person's soul. This book is a view of a small community of people struggling with what they hide from others, and from themselves. Can facing these hard truths ultimately bring some happiness? And how can compassion soften that blow? As this awkward friendship has its starts and stops between Gordon and Olivia, it's revealed how very critical this time in their lives is for each of them.

Around them neighbors and coworkers are playing out the drama in their own lives, and keeping hidden what they want to be private. There are people in this community who have literally kept hidden real photographs that tell a hideous, true, criminal story. These gruesome photos are the evidence that can stop the malicious assaults that are occurring in their town. But who are the people who are hiding this evidence? It's not just the attacker. What are their motives? And will the photos and the truth be found before any other innocents are brutally hurt?

Hidden Pictures is an examination of how the generations can help each other. They can learn from each other. The author, Johanna Flynn, has crafted fascinating characters and their situations are all too realistic, and very human. We are what we have allowed ourselves to become. If we face what is hidden, could we be more? Maybe, with a little help from friends.

Author Johanna Flynn has spent many years working with adolescents and seniors in schools, clinics and community settings. She lives in Olympia, with her husband and dog. 

The Jossing Affair - Love In War Time

The Jossing Affair

By J L Oakley

A historical thriller about a time in Norway that tested every aspect and emotion of human nature, it's The Jossing Affair. Despite the dire circumstances of this time, the story of the World War II Nazi occupation of Norway. This fictional spy story is steeped in the true and fascinating historical facts of that period. The touching stories of these characters will hold you spellbound.

To be a Jossing, a patriot, could be a deadly cause in Norway at that time in history. The author skillfully paints the picture of what life was like at that time, not only the dangers but also glimpses into how human nature tries desperately to find optimism, and also to make life better. It's a portrait of the fight to breath freedom. One dedicated spy assigned on his mission is ever vigilant against the unexpected on his tasks. Despite his cautious nature, he surprises himself by falling in love with a beautiful German widow who has a mysterious tie to his past. Love during war time is its own minefield. Everyone has innocent secrets, but during war time keeping secrets becomes a necessity in order to survive and people live in distrust of each other. Love cannot bloom without trust. Can these characters truly let down their own barriers and trust each other enough to give their love a chance? And in a world where life is so cruelly snuffed out, do they want to let down their guard enough to care that much about another person again?

The courage of people during the cruelest of times is humbling. Hopeful optimism can come from unexpected moments of kindness. After struggling to go on and finding no help from the town's people, the widowed, single mother Anna is overcome by the kindness of a moment. “Anna's face crumpled. She turned her face away trying to get a grip on herself. Just one small gesture of friendliness . . . she cleared her throat, and brushed back a telltale tear.” The author is talented at showing such everyday gestures in a way that surfaces the touching emotion hidden below the surface.

Author Janet Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19^th century to WW II with inspiring characters standing up for what's right, and timeless examples of the courage of individuals in different periods and places. Her writing has been recognized with several prestigious awards. Visit her website at https://www.jloakleyauthor.com/ to see her many impressive books, including mystery novellas set in Hawaii. When not writing, she enjoys outdoor activities and demonstrates 19th-century folkways in schools and at San Juan Island National Park.

Katy's Song - A Love Story

Katy's Song

By Alison Reese

Sing a song of love with all your heart. Sing about what could be. But how do you keep a romantic melody playing if a sour note is hit? Katy's Song is a fun duet between two endearing characters. A duet differs from a harmony. The performers take turns performing a solo section each. In this case the primo is an adored and celebrated rock star. He feels trapped in the confines of a lifestyle that had long ago lost its luster. The secondo is a strong, Texas woman who has a cherished dream for her future and is struggling to find a way to make it happen. She's also struggling to see how her current boyfriend could possibly fit into her dream. Can these two distinct personalities find a way to harmonize together?

A chance meeting for the right two people, at just the right time is unpredictable. It becomes enchanting when it develops into a conversation, then an interest, and the possibility of a spark between them. It can happen anywhere. For Katy and Noe it's an online chat room where they meet. People are discussing a vegan lifestyle. The discussion turns from a group to just the two of them. They become intrigued with their perspectives on the topic, and with each other. Noe wants to convert to this new, healthier lifestyle and invites Katy to Seattle to help him. He hires her as his vegan consultant for a week.

Katy's flight to Seattle does not go as planned, and that's just the beginning of unexpected events. The people she meets in Washington are fascinating characters including a busy Ballard bar owner. And then there is Rebecca, who Noe describes as “a meddlesome person who also happens to be my best friend.” The adventures in Seattle are funny, and sweet, and sometimes amorous. But there is a force of nature that is acting against Katy and Noe, working to tear them apart. They are both unaware of it's persistence until finally they find themselves at a turning point. Is it possible for them to keep the music playing, together? Can they share a future dream?

Along with the memorable characters, the beautiful settings of Seattle and Fort Worth are shown in the pages so very well by the author. The contrasts of the two cities enhance the contrasts of Katy and Noe. Yet, there is also an underlying connection between the two locations, skillfully painted by the author. The descriptions of the vegan lifestyle are a highlight. As the characters learn more about being vegan, so does the reader. As is true with a loving relationship, there is more to vegan than seen on the surface. At the end of the book enjoy an added treat – vegan recipes to try yourself.

The author Alison Reese has created a captivating love story that delights. She is a graduate of Central Washington University and considers herself a hopeful romantic. Having lived in many places such as Utah, Alaska, Nevada, Texas, and Washington, she's gathered rich material over the years. She is vegan, and found the learning process quite fascinating. Now Katy's Song shares romance and the vegan lifestyle with readers too.

Loving the Enemy Brings Hope

Loving the Enemy

By Catherine Fransson

“Hang in there. We'll make it.” Author Catherine Fransson shares a touching memoir about a time in her life that so many people struggle through. It's a time as an adult, when you are juggling your own life responsibilities, and at the same time the need to care for people you once depended on for so much, your aging parents. Often at this stage a family relationship can be laced not only with concerning health problems, but also accumulated personality dysfunctions. Loving the Enemy provides touching insights from one family's story, and hope that a troubled starting point does not define how a journey together ends.

The author shares times overwhelmed with questions that won't go away, decisions that have to be faced, and especially emotions that surface, sometimes from unknown depths within. She offers sweet and telling meditations and faith as methods for carrying on. She brings special meaning to what so many mistakenly overlook as unimportant details. Most of all, there is a hope about how people continue to learn and gain perspective, all through life, all the way to the end of it. And while there may be times you cannot be happy, that sometimes you can be reconciled. Even then there can be memorable moments that at an earlier point in time may never have even been imaginable.

Who is prepared for endings? Even when expected, they rock your foundation. This memoir raises some very interesting philosophical points. Helping someone else toward their ending can also bubble up feelings about how everyone's time will come, even our own. What helps us through endings? Who helps us? Not just family, friends, and there's a gentle reminder in this memoir of the sweet care and understanding of so many of the health and assisted living workers who are an essential aid and comfort to so many.

The author, Catherine Frannson was ordained to the ministry at Seattle First Baptist Church in 2000. As staff pastor she also served as adjunct faculty teaching Pastoral Counseling Skills with a colleague at the School of Theology and ministry at Seattle University. She's had a lifelong faith and commitment to empower others. You can find her blogs at at www.spiritstones.net

The author lives in the Seattle area, in Edmonds and her parents lived in Everett. The history, sites, and lifestyle references of this area add to the nostalgia of the flashbacks to her family as she grew up. As an adult, she was surprised to learn things about her parents that she never knew. And she also learned about a courage within each of them, and within herself so they could all “hang in there. We'll make it,” as her father was reconciled to say. All the way to the end where there is meaning, if you make it meaningful. Reading this memoir may give you ideas of how you can brighten that time for yourself and others.

Defender of the Texas Frontier

Defender of the Texas Frontier

By David R. Gross

Looking for a book that emphasizes the story in the word history? A fascinating read that brings the personalities of the people who made history spring to life? Enjoy a novel about the American frontier in the state of Texas and learn about a larger than life leader named John Coffee Hays. This Defender of the Texas Frontier, and the brave men he led, played a major role in shaping the events of their times. This book is a description of these adventures. The historical details are intricately researched and presented in a very entertaining way. Almost all the characters in the book were real people and their true actions, sprinkled with an enjoyable and clever fictional literary license.

Readers are fortunate to witness the life and times of John Hays through the perspective of his fictional , close friend John Caperton. We begin with young John Hays as he fervently wishes to join the army in the state of Texas. He has to prove his value, as does his friend. It doesn't take long for them to show their great capacity for learning and open minds to new ways. It's fascinating to see the creative ways they learn how to survive in the elements and against their challenging combatants, first Native American tribes and later the Mexicans.

At the height of his effectiveness, John Hays commanded a skilled band of Texas Rangers. It was a group of men who remembered grievous, recent times at the Alamo, and the massacre  at Goliad. They were determined to defend their families and homes. They trained continually together and became feared by those who opposed them and called them Los Diablos Tejanos – The Texas Devils. Their leader, John Hays' reputation preceded him as he became known as Devil Jack.

In contrast to his disciplined army life and battles, there is also a tender description of his family life and wedding. This comprehensive story tells all of his life accomplishments , including a surprising turn after his time in the army.

Author David R. Gross is a retired Veterinarian, who also taught and did research at Texas A & M University; College of Veterinary Medicine for sixteen years . From his several , diverse books readers quickly realize his absolute love of telling a great story. You can find out more about the author and his other books and writings as well on his website - https://docdavesvoice.com/

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Recommended Reads: ‘Kat Out of the Bag’ a sophisticated page turner

Posted: April 26, 2020 226

Kat Out of the Bag—the In Purse-Suit Mystery Series by Wendy Kendall

I’m delighted to be guest columnist this week for the “Recommended Reads” column, because your regular columnist, Wendy Kendall, has published her first cozy mystery.  And it’s no wonder that Wild Rose Press published Kat Out of the Bag. This mystery is a sophisticated page-turner in the tradition of Laura Child’s novels and exudes the small-town charm of Louise Penney mysteries.

I’m a huge fan of gutsy female protagonists, and this is one of my favorites of the year. Meet auburn-haired Katherine “Kat” Watson, celebrated international purse designer with a handbag for every occasion. Kat reluctantly returns to her hometown of Bayside to host a gala for her Purse-onality Museum. The dignitaries of the town attend along with many former high school friends, including her best friend, Brenda Dirling, the mayor of Bayside.

The celebration should be an uplifting, major event for the town. Instead, Brenda Dirling ends up dead, the Chanel-style chain of her purse wrapped around her throat and caught at the top of the building’s waterwheel. Kat is not only devastated but full of guilt. Before the gala, she received a death threat and showed it to the mayor, who told her to report it to the police after the event. Kat decides to hunt down the person who murdered her friend. Everyone at the gala is suspect.

Police detective Jason Holmes, a former Afghan war veteran, and his K-9 Hobbes work the case while Kat follows her own leads. They are often at odds. They fight. Yet a tense, romantic relationship builds. When Kat finds an old love letter hiding in one of the museum’s vintage bags, she tracks its history and discovers who the killer is. But bringing this person to justice won’t be easy. Will Kat become the next victim? Will Watson and Holmes bag the criminal together?

Wendy Kendall has not only fashioned an expertly crafted plot, but also a protagonist for our age — and for history buffs. Before reading Kat Out of the Bag, I never thought about purses being so indelibly woven into the fabric of women and men’s history. Now I watch for any mention of them, how they’ve influenced history and how sought after they are by collectors. So you think guns are fascinating? Wait until you read about our favorite carryall. I can’t wait for the next in this series!

Wendy Kendall is an author, a co-host with Carl Lee on the podcast A Novel Talk, a project manager, and a volunteer at the Friends of the Edmonds Library. You can find out more about her at wendywrites.org. And you can hear from her on YouTube on A Novel Talk with Wendy Kendall.

— By Valerie J. Brooks

Valerie J. Brooks is an arts activist, fiction reviewer, lover of noir film and fiction, and author of Revenge in 3 Parts, a femmes-noir, psychological thriller. www.valeriejbrooks.com

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Lavender Blue Murder Hits The Spot

Lavender Blue Murder

By Laura Childs

Get ready mystery enthusiasts and amateur sleuths, because Laura Childs' latest Tea Shop Mystery starts off with a bang. It's a Lavender Blue Murder in the fields of the low country of South Carolina. When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley attend an invitation only English shooting party, with all the trappings, they had no idea that anyone other than the birds were in danger. When shots ring out too close for comfort, the partiers scatter and run for safety. Theodosia ends up wandering into a lavender field, where she discovers their host, Reginald Doyle, bleeding to death. Now there is a party full of suspects, but who among them has a motive that would drive a person to carry out such a dire act?

This expertly crafted plot is a challenging puzzler. Theodosia is put to the test as she looks for clues, talks with witnesses, and analyzes suspects. The reader is immersed in the adventure from beginning to end. The descriptions of settings are vivid and detailed. Characters are unique and so interesting. Those who are recurring in the series are fresh and daring, yet they feel familiar like a favorite earl grey tea that has been blended with unexpected highlights that complement, delight, and yet taste new. Oh and there are some skiillfully planted surprises in store.

There's more than one reason to read to the end. Not only do you want to find out if you have named the right suspect as the killer. You want to try the tantalizing recipes from the Indigo Tea Shop that are printed in full at the back, along with Tea Time Tips, and for tea connoisseurs there are also Tea Resources.

Laura Childs is such an adventurous and prolific writer. She’s growing three different mystery series, that all have crowds of ardent fans. And this author is not slowing down anytime soon. The Tea Shop, Scrapbook, and Cackleberry Club, all three Mystery Series are each well-established and artfully crafted. And as if that’s not enough, she also writes the Afton Tangler Thrillers, authored as Gerry Schmitt. So sit back with a cup of your favorite tea blend because you’re in for a tea-rrific time with this mystery. And hear more from the author herself when co-hosts Carl Lee and Wendy Kendall share A Novel Talk with Laura Childs. Then, visit her website to see her many other mysteries at http://www.laurachilds.com/