Friday, May 27, 2022

Cherish the message: Vive la Resistance!



Blurb:

Things are gonna get messy…

An illegal union, a banned birth, a Great Lie, and now, genocide. Vampire lawyer Donovan Trait and his wife, chemically-turned Judge Shirley Magnusen, are battling for their lives and the lives of their children. The Vampire Coalition wants them dead, but now the despots have also decided to expand their net, targeting any vampire whose blood is mixed with human or Were. Half-bloods are already treated like dirt by the Vampire Nation. They have been subjected to centuries of discrimination and cruelty at their hands. As the Coalition embarks on a campaign of terror, destruction, and slaughter, millions of half-bloods emerge from the shadows, ready and willing to reclaim their place in the Vampire Nation. The problem is, war cannot be unleashed out in the open in the human world. Battles must be fought in other ways. Even with an island of highly-skilled vampire nuns and a few Weres and humans at their side, it appears the Traits may be fighting an unwinnable war. Their only option may be to sacrifice their own lives in the hopes of setting all other half-bloods free.

Excerpt:

Clinging to the tree, Donovan watched as the monkey taunted him with the package. How the hell was he supposed to get it back? Slowly, he began to edge down the tree. Suddenly, a ladder hit his feet. Donovan gazed below him and smiled. That was where the worker had gone. To get a ladder. He eased onto it and carefully lowered himself. When he reached the sandy soil, he gazed at the worker and pointed at the devious monkey. “He grabbed the package. How do I get it back?”

The worker chuckled. “He will drop it in exchange for a treat.” He nodded at the monkey. “That one loves berries.” The worker motioned toward a blueberry bush and started pulling the berries from the bush. “These are hard for them to pick. If we pile them at the base of the tree, he will drop the package in order to get to them.”

Donovan cocked an eyebrow. “Really? That’s all it will take?”

The worker dropped a handful of berries by the tree and the monkey began to jump up and down, screeching excitedly. Donovan quickly picked another handful of berries and dumped them onto the growing mound. After a few minutes of berry picking, the worker motioned for Donovan to step back. They waited a moment. With the package in his teeth, the monkey leaped from the tree and landed softly next to the blueberries. He tossed the package away and dug in, consuming the berries with aggressive zeal. When he finished, he leaped back into the tree and swung away.

Donovan grabbed the package. It was a bit slimy, saturated with monkey saliva. “Ye Gods, I hope they didn’t dissolve the pill.” Carefully, he peeled away the packaging. Inside was a small box wrapped in several layers of plastic. He sighed with relief. Donovan removed the box and grasped it tightly in his hand, then he began to run. The faster he got it to the laboratory, the faster they would get some answers.

Consumed with the task at hand, Donovan failed to notice a plane hovering over the island. In a grid-like pattern, it flew back and forth, each time moving closer to the electronic grid. Finally tuning into the sound of the plane’s engines, Donovan looked up, just in time to discover that the plane intended to dive into the net. It was headed straight for him.

Donovan had no time to leap out of the way. The plane hit the net and burst into flames. The vegetation below was caught in the fire’s path. The force of the explosion threw Donovan into the dense jungle, where his head hit a tree. He struggled to remain conscious in what was now a sea of smoke and flames. His last thought before he succumbed to the darkness was that there was one thing they had not planned for—fire…and monkeys.

Book trailers and excerpts—


Coming soon  to all major booksellers!

This week in The Loft: Romance author C. Becker!

Joining me today in The Loft, is C. Becker. A former medical technologist, C. writes romantic thrillers. Currently working on the Euphoria trilogy, Becker also writes children's books under the pen name, Colleen Driscoll. She balances her part-time writing career with a position as a church music director. When not playing the piano, she’s either reading, gardening, or catching up on housework. Becker enjoys hanging out in West Virginia with her husband, four children, and Jack Russell. 

Author C. Becker

S:  Welcome to The Loft! Let's start at the beginning. Why write romance?

C:  Writing romance stories establishes the feeling that all is right in the world, at least for a time. I like creating characters who have their own issues and have to become vulnerable in order to overcome their insecurities and problems. Uniting soulmates by tying in romance, exposing raw emotions, is absolutely satisfying.

S:  I sometimes think writing romance does as much for the author as the reader. Spreading hope is powerful.

Do you write in other genres? 

C:  I’ve written 10 children’s stories, but the Euphoria stories are the first of any adult novels I’ve written. The Euphoria books are all romantic thrillers. I’ve plotted out a contemporary romance, but stopped when The Wild Rose Press offered me a contract on the first Euphoria book. The past few years, I’ve focused on completing this trilogy.

S:  As a writer, did the pandemic work to your benefit or detriment? 

C:  The pandemic had a variety of pros and cons. I took on a full-time job and a part-time job during the pandemic. That limited my writing time, but I had a paycheck coming in. This past year, I cut out one job to finish writing the third book in the trilogy, and now at least the rough draft is complete. During the pandemic, I couldn’t go into the public to market my books. The schools where I normally conducted author visits for my children’s books weren’t open for outside activities. With book fairs and shows cancelling, getting books out to the public was difficult. Social media was the only avenue, but not every busy person is hooked up to social media. Half of my family doesn’t even use it. In fact, I think I’m the only one out of my family of nine kids who tweets! I did participate in zoom interviews and interviewed for a podcast, but those engagements were limited, too. Last year, events began to pick up. Thankfully, I’m booked at a few places this spring, and book clubs are interested in using "Saving Euphoria."

S:  Social media does take up  a lot of time, especially when no alternatives are available. It will be nice to get back to more face-to-face reader interactions.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books?

C:  Definitely! Though I would’ve started earlier in my life. I only began writing 12 years ago when an idea came to me for my first children’s book. I focused on children’s books for a few years and then decided to try adult novels. Having written in both age groups, I can’t say I prefer writing one over the other, but writing a novel is definitely more time-consuming. It’s daunting to look at a blank screen and begin a new book that you know will be at least 300 pages. A 32-page children’s picture book is much easier.

S:  What’s the best advice you have ever been given? 

C:  To join a writer’s group. No joke. When I first began to send out queries on my first novel, one publishing company liked the story, but said it needed a lot of work and recommended joining a writer’s group to help edit it. So I joined a local group and kept returning because I saw how much they were helping me. I’ve grown a lot as a writer. I now facilitate the writer’s group, and we meet every two weeks. You could say we are die-hards. Every member is working on a book. Even during COVID, we met with Zoom meetings. Some members have moved away so we continue meeting virtually. Book 2 of my series, "Saving Euphoria," progressed faster because I utilized what I had learned.

S:  What inspired "Saving Euphoria?"

C:   The Euphoria trilogy was designed for three parts because of the plant it centers around, Bixa aparra. "Finding Euphoria" focused on the plant’s leaves and bark to create a deadly drug. "Saving Euphoria" deals with a mind-altering chemical found in the roots. The third book will concentrate on the shrub’s flowers. Each book parallels the protagonist’s life. "Finding Euphoria" was about the protagonist finding happiness and coming to terms with her life after she put her baby up for adoption. "Saving Euphoria" connects with the protagonist as she copes with her husband’s death and tries to salvage her life. The third book will concentrate on rediscovering the happiness she had with her husband. I used a plant from the Amazon Rainforest to show the many drugs derived from the Amazon plants and how deforestation is ruining many medicines, some unrealized yet today.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Saving Euphoria?"

C:  "Saving Euphoria" is a special book on many levels. The protagonist loses her husband in a fire and has to move on with life, mustering what happiness she can. This is difficult for so many people who grieve the loss of a spouse. The protagonist’s husband actually is not dead, but severely burnt from a fire. His rehabilitation and sacrifice are an important portion in the story. The reader sees both characters’ sacrifices as the couple struggles to achieve their goals.

Here's the blurb--

Hailey Langley and her children struggle to cope with the shocking and mysterious death of her husband Mark. Her teenaged son is rebelling, and Hailey is dealing with physical and mental challenges as well.

Tom Parker, Hailey's former partner from the Special Crimes Agency, comes back into her life. He warns her to trust no one even as he tries to rekindle the flame that connects them.

Everyone has secrets, even Parker, and some of those from the past threaten to destroy the present. Hailey fights to move forward after losing Mark, but she needs to figure out if she can trust Parker and risk taking another chance on love.


S:  That sounds like an intense, suspenseful tale. Where can reader's buy your book?

C:  It's available at--

The Wild Rose Press:  https://www.thewildrosepress.com/bookauthor/c-becker

S:  C., thanks so much for joining me today. If you would like to learn more about C. Becker and her books, please visit--

Monday, May 23, 2022

Coming Friday: Vive la Resistance!

 


Excerpt:

Donovan shifted on the lounger and muttered incomprehensively, then he emitted a rumbling snore.

“Hey, y’all. So yeah, vampires are real and they’re not above doing the dirty to those who share their blood. Take a look at this.” The Tik-Tokker grinned. “You are not gonna believe it. It’s so shady.”

Video of the Coalition camps rolled across the screen. Occasionally, the camera zeroed in a dirty or bruised Millennial, or a guard pushing a group of people into a building, their ankles locked together with some sort of rope. They were seen eating off of metal plates and lined up to fill a metal cup with something from a barrel. It wasn’t water. The liquid was rust-colored and thick, like blood.


“And the dudes running the place have a Marie Antoinette fetish. You know—” The woman mimicked a knife across her throat. “Off with their heads?” She giggled.

A guillotine appeared on camera. About ten people were in line, each with a black hood over their heads and their arms bound behind them. One at a time, they were pushed onto a stage and forced to their knees, their necks positioned directly under the blade. With manic efficiency, a guard released the blade. Most heads flew into a barrel in front of the platform. The ones that rolled off onto the stage were kicked to their final destination. The headless bodies were tossed onto a pile on the ground.

“Oh, gross,” the woman complained. She leaned toward the camera. “Kind of like a bad zombie movie, isn’t it?” She sat back in her chair and made a face. “Whatever. I mean, like, are we supposed to believe that’s really happening? Isn’t that against the law or something?” She cackled. “As if.” She leisurely stretched her body, her crop top exposing a belly button ring. “I’m so shook.”

The woman tossed her hair over her shoulder and smiled. “Now, I’m not sharing this for the views. It is kind of sus. But if this shit is real, someone needs to get off the pot and do something about it. Aren’t there any woke cops out there who can play the James Bond card? Before anymore—” She swiped her finger across her throat and giggled. Then the screen went black.

Donovan shot up in his chair and blinked. Once. Twice. He shook his head and attempted to gather himself. What the hell? Sure, he had needed the sleep, even if it was only a thirty-minute nap, but the dreams he could do without. It had been less than forty-eight hours since the worldwide kidnappings. Donovan knew preparations for rescue were underway. But he also knew Bengotten and Hannigan were capable of even greater cruelty. He could only imagine the terror and the torture the victims were being subjected to.

It was difficult to understand how the vampire world was capable of this. He had long prided himself on their natural superiority, their ability to rise up above the petty politics and unjustified violence in the human and Were worlds. Yet overnight, vampires had become the monsters, the tyrants capable of such evil. That astonished him. For the first time in his long existence, Donovan was ashamed of being a vampire. If it was possible, he might very well submit to being turned into a human or a Were. He buried his face in his hands. Yes, he could live as a human. Perhaps he could ask Dr. Alvarez to find a way to turn off his vampirism, maybe using the gene-editing Marilyn could not stop talking about.

Book Trailer—https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fss8Vvhkh8Q

Buy link--

Extasy Books: https://www.extasybooks.com/Vive-la-Resistance




Thursday, May 19, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Bernadette Jones!

Joining me today in The Loft is Bernadette Jones. Bernadette writes tales of romantic suspense and mystery. Her books are filled with strong heroes and heroines who are looking for an equal partner in their search for answers, justice, and love. She is currently participating in the Aspen Gold Series, where as one of six authors, her stories revolve around the main character, the town patriarch. Bernadette currently resides in New York City with her canine companion.

Author Bernadette Jones

S:  Good morning, Bernadette. Welcome to The Loft!

Why write romance?

B:  Romance is about hope. Hope for a better life, hope for love and support, hope for a better future for the next generation. That hope is built on the interpersonal connections we make with others--family, friends, lovers. Romance is all about relationships. Romance is one of the few genres that are primarily written for women by women. It’s our special place where we can subtly help each other. When I was young, I learned about date rape drugs from romances. I learned that abuse was verbal as well as physical. “If you don’t like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.” Marian Wright Edelman.

S:  When it comes to romance, do you consider yourself a dreamer or a realist?

B:  Both. My father worked construction and my family moved a lot when I was growing up. I was exposed to some really opulent communities and poverty-stricken towns. I learned that life wasn’t fair and you had to work hard for what you wanted. Dreams kept you going when reality was harsh. My characters are based on real life and struggles that they overcome.

S:  Are there any characteristics your lead characters share?

B:  My heroes are protectors. Either because of the way they were raised or a military or public service background, they will always take care of those who need help or consider family. My heroines are smart, strong, independent and confident in their own abilities. My characters believe in honest communication. They don’t go to the basement out of spite when the scary music starts.

S:  That's an important message for everyone on what makes or breaks a relationship. 

Do you adhere to tropes when writing romance? Which ones do you enjoy writing? Are there any tropes that make you squirm?

B:  I write romantic suspense. There are certain tropes that are inherent to that subgenre-- close proximity, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, fake relationship, best friend's brother/sister. My favorites are probably close proximity and enemies to lovers. But honestly, I get the idea for a book and plot the story first. I do not worry about a trope that might fit. When the book is done, I look to see if I hit any tropes. Getting the story right is most important to me.

S:  I'm the same way. Tropes aren't a consideration when I write. 

What inspires your stories?

B:  Music. I mentioned earlier that we moved a lot. My dad drove everywhere, so the radio was our constant companion. I’ve started out in Nebraska then, lived in the north, south, east, and west of the country. The type of music was significantly influenced by where we were. Listening to the songs, stories would pop into my head. Sometimes based on the song, or sometimes just a phrase. I’ve had whole ideas come from a single word. I also get inspiration in coffee shops and restaurants. Yes, I eavesdrop on conversations. If you catch me typing on my phone, you know what just happened.

S:  What inspired "A Better Man?"

B:  I should explain that I am a plotter/planner who is character-driven. As I wrote my first Aspen Gold book, "Sleepin’ Alone," I already knew that secondary characters, Gage, Ivy, Owen, Deke, would have the next books. As I wrote those books, Breezy, Sage, Levi, Keane, Chauncey and Fletch have been added to the list. My two main characters in "A Better Man," were not originally planned for each other. They both came to me independently while I was working on other books. JackDaniels Vaughn was the long-lost brother of a character in "Stay A Little Longer." He had a harder edge. Breezy Richards was a survivor who was willing to thumb her nose at the world. Her shop, Intimate Whimzy, actually came to me before her character. As I got to know both of them over four other books, I realized they were a perfect match.

S:  One of the things I love about writing a series is the ability to develop multiple characters and give them their own stories.

Is there anything special you would like people to know about "A Better Man?"

B:  My heroine is a pole sport performer, also known as a pole dancer. Pole work is a sport, soon to be added to the Olympics just like other gymnastic sports. Most people would be shocked at the physical strength required. I immersed myself in videos, documentaries, written descriptions and reports. I am excited to see that people are finally seeing it as an artistic expression. The heroine--Breezy--is loosely based on a young woman I met several years ago. She worked in a gentlemen’s club while putting herself through college. Her family was unable to help with her education and she didn’t want the horrific debt many of her friends were left with after graduation. She had a very specific game plan and goal. Which I’m proud to say she achieved.

Here's the blurb--

Stripped of everything, her life threatened, she’s forced to trust a stranger. 

Kicked out of her home as a teenager, Breezy Richards made a life for herself. Never asking permission or explaining her choices. Always in control of her destiny. Now she’s hiding from a stalker, trying to stay alive back in the one place she never thought she’d call home again: Spencer, Colorado.

The military had been the only escape for JackDaniels Vaughn. He quickly embraced the loner lifestyle, committed only to the next mission and his comrades. He’d sworn never to settle down moving from job to job, city to city, always searching for the elusive sense of purpose. Until he’s asked to protect Breezy Richards.  

Loving her made him a better man. Can he keep her alive long enough to tell her?

S:  I wasn't aware that pole dancing was a sport, but I know it's beyond my skill set. This sounds like a suspenseful tale--stalkers always give me chills. Where can readers buy your book?

B:  It's available at all major booksellers, including--

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09YS786D6

Barnes & Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-better-man-bernadette-jones/1141346387

Apple:  https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1618814744

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-better-man-28

 Universal link:  https://books2read.com/u/4jgwQY

 S:  Bernadette, thanks so much for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Bernadette and her books, please visit--

Website:  https://www.bernadettejones.com/newsletters

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BernadetteJonesAuthor/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/RomanceBJones

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/bernadettejonesauthor

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/BernadetteJonesAuthor

Newsletter signup:  https://www.bernadettejones.com/

Friday, May 13, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Alana Lorens!

Joining me today in The Loft is author Alana Lorens. Alana, who writes under a nom de plume, writes romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and suspense. The award-winning author of the Pittsburgh Lady Lawyer series, she has been a published writer for more than 40 years. A former attorney, journalist, editor, and professional pizza maker, Alana has proclaimed herself "an aging hippie." She currently lives Ashville, North Carolina with her daughter, the youngest of seven children, and is ruled by three crotchety old cats, and six kittens of various ages.

Author Alana Lorens

S:  Welcome, Alana. Thanks for joining me today. 

Let's start with the basics--Why write romance?

A:  I believe the world needs the opportunity to experience happy endings, especially these days, when life has been really hard for a lot of people. Even if our characters have to overcome some obstacles, they can show their fortitude and lead the way for folks who may have lost their way.

S:  As others have said, most romance stories offer hope.

Are there any characteristics your lead characters share?

A:  Often my heroines are not socially popular, and a little awkward, especially in the dating world. My heroes tend to be broken in some way, or at least not super alpha male types. I want these characters to grow together.

S:  Have you ever tried online dating? 

A:  I have tried several different services, one Trek- based, and one local to North Carolina, and mostly found spammy bots. I jumped in to eHarmony about 10 years ago, and even with their stringent questions and all, never connected with anyone. I’m afraid my romance will have to live through my characters.

S:  As a writer, did the pandemic and the subsequent isolation work to your benefit or detriment?

A:  It actually was a benefit for me. I had already retired from the law, and tend to be somewhat hermitty for other reasons. I was able to reconnect with my old Erie critique group at Fellowship of the Quill over ZOOM—they helped kick my faltering writing back on track, and I’ve completed four novels since then.

S:  Wow. You've been really productive. 

Complete this sentence: “When one of my books is released, I….”

A:  Panic like hell. (Laughs.) 

S:  I think that's how many of us feel. 

What inspired "Prophecies and Promises?"

A:  I loved living in south Florida even during hurricane season, since I’ve always been a fan of big weather. The family often took weekend trips down the Keys, and I really found so much interesting history in all the places. Key West has a number of museums devoted to the maritime history of local waters. The Spanish-American War is also an era that hasn’t been written about very often, as well, so all the pieces came happily together.

S:  Is there anything special you would like people to know about "Prophecies and Promises?"

A:  I love this love story, at least as much because it is not a bare-breasted romp across the waves, as for its sweetness. Tamsyn begins as an innocent, and learns much through the tale, while Drake is a hero who is not out to conquer as many hearts as he can. Every once in a long while, one meets the person they are destined to meet—and how else can it end but happily ever after?

Here's the blurb--

Tamsyn McKiernan thinks her dreams have come true. She’s engaged to a dashing Key West bachelor and finally in her widowed father’s good graces. But in her heart, she knows something’s wrong. She loves the ocean and the quiet pleasures of nature—so what does the aristocratic life she’ll lead truly hold for her?

Mercenary captain Drake Ashton is neck deep in preparations for the Spanish-American War, running guns and other supplies to Cuban natives who want out from under their Spanish masters. He and his brother Freddie risk their lives daily, focused on saving his friends on the island. Nothing else matters but his mission.

A chance encounter with a spiny sea urchin brings the two together, and neither of their lives will ever be the same again.



S:  I love pirate romances! Where can readers buy "Prophecies and Promises?"

A:  It's available at--





S:  Alana, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Alana and her books, please visit--

Friday, May 6, 2022

This week in The Loft: Author Amara Dey!

Joining me today in The Loft is Amara Dey. A paranormal romance author, Amara writes novels with a mortal/immortal love connection, served with a massive dose of sensuous other-worldly desire and magic. She focuses on stories that are multi-racial and multi-cultural, highlighting female characters who work hard to overcome adversities in pursuit of their goals. When not writing, Amara enjoys reading, movies, Salsa dancing, and travel. Born in Guyana, South America, Amara now lives in London, England.

Author Amara Dey

S:  Good morning, Amara! Thanks for joining me today. 

Why write romance?

A:  It makes me happy. Romance is a feel-good, positive, and optimistic genre. And it is also about the woman. I adore a hot sexy man in a good romance and dedicate at least 40 percent of the story to my heroes. But it is mainly about the heroines, their desires, conflicts, and journeys. And I think many readers read romance for these reasons.

S:  I think you're right. We offer an escape from reality and sometimes, readers need that. 

Do you write in other genres? 

A:  So far, I have only written paranormal romance. It is the genre that interests me the most. The sheer escapism of it appeals to me. However, I do have some ideas about a children’s adventure story and also something Scifi that I’ve made notes on.

S:  When it comes to writing romance, do you consider yourself a dreamer or a realist?

A:  Definitely a dreamer. My romance stories are all about everlasting love. It is a dream of mine as I have never experienced love eternal. It has always been in and out for me. But I remain hopeful.

S:  Are there any characteristics your lead characters share?

A:  Oh, yes. My lead male is always an Alpha. Strong, courageous, handsome men who complete the love of their lives. The same goes for the ladies. And a trend, in the Decagon novels at least, is that they are all fabulous dancers.

S:  Gotta love a man who can dance. There is nothing better than literally being swept off your feet. I am a big fan of "the dip."

Do you adhere to tropes when writing romance? Which ones do you enjoy writing? Are there any that make you squirm?

A:  Opposites attract is what I aim for and enjoy writing about. I can’t think of any that make me squirm.

S:  What inspires your stories?

A:  On a deep level, two people finding their one true love. Their soul mate. That’s what inspires the romance side of my stories. The fantasy adventures my characters have is me letting rip with my imagination. And enjoying the adventure right alongside my characters.

S:  What inspired "No Mere Mortal?"

A:  I’ve always been fascinated by myths and magic. I loved hearing the stories about the Latino pantheon of Gods, known as the Orishas, told to me by a Cuban friend. The legends associated with these deities are all about their passionate love affairs and adventures, which gave me the idea for "No Mere Mortal." And with their distinct personalities, wide variety of strengths, weaknesses, and interests, the divinities helped inspire my characters, too.

Here's the blurb--

A mortal fights against the odds to save her lover and his magical world from destruction.

Venus Myles, orphaned at birth, is a London-based dance teacher and unaware of her divine lineage – that is, until a strange encounter thrusts her into a world of Gods and magic.

She learns from Bolt, a disgraced deity from the planet Decagon, that she is his realm’s savior, and a passionate connection sizzles between them. But when Bolt unexpectedly disappears, a determined Venus travels to Decagon to find him and learn more about her destiny.

Assuming, of course, she can escape the powerful and deadly witch Ansa, who wants her dead, find Bolt, and tap into her dormant magical abilities.

And do it in time to stop an apocalypse that will destroy her, Bolt, his world, and his kind.

S:  That sounds like an engrossing tale. Where can readers buy "No Mere Mortal?"

A:  It's available at--

Publisher:  https://www.extasybooks.com/amara-dey

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/No-Mere-Mortal-Decagon-Book-ebook/dp/B07MLMQYYJ\

Amazon UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/No-Mere-Mortal-Decagon-Book-ebook/dp/B07MLMQYYJ/

Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-mere-mortal-amara-dey/1130327026?ean=2940156307777

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/gb/en/ebook/no-mere-mortal

S:  Amara, thanks for joining me today. If you'd like to learn more about Amara and her books, please visit--