Online For Authors Podcast

Fathers, Silence, and Second Chances: Journey Through Loss and Forgiveness with Author Steven Scott Eichenblatt

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Steven Scott Eichenblatt, author of the book Pretend They are Dead. Steven is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law. A practicing attorney and father of five, he has spent over thirty years advocating for children as a pro bono guardian ad litem and representing families of first responders killed on 9/11. As a founding partner of Page & Eichenblatt, he has received multiple awards for legal excellence and community work supporting children. He lives with his wife in Orlando, Florida.
 
In my book review, I stated Pretend They Are Dead is heartbreaking memoir. Steven's father had issues - enough that his parents divorced. She remarried a man who was verbally and physically abusive. Although, technically, Steven had two fathers, he felt abandoned by both. By the time he graduated high school, he called no one dad.
 
The trauma from his youth made it impossible to have lasting relationships, though he tried, failing at two marriages. But something he didn't want to fail at was being a father. So, he loved his children with everything he had and worked hard to figure out the truth of his past.
 
I like Steven's style of writing. I felt like I was in his head - which spins from one topic to the next. I could see why he exasperated his parents at a young age! He is also honest - about his own actions as well as the actions of others. Despite the circumstances, in the end, he doesn't really cast blame. Instead, he figures out how to forgive, let the past go, and find joy in today.
 
If you like a good memoir, you'll like this book!
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Steven Scott Eichenblatt
Website: https://www.stevenscotteichenblatt.com/
FB: @seichenblatt
IG: @seichenblatt
X: @SSEichenblatt
LinkedIn: @Steven Eichenblatt
 
Purchase Pretend They are Dead on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NGK72R
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4qQtzE4
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#stevenscotteichenblatt #pretendtheyaredead #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Four Women, One War: Friendship and Secrets in a Hidden WWII World with Author Dorothea N Buckingham

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Dorothea N Buckingham, author of the book Code Name Rascal. Dorothea “Dee” Buckingham is a seasoned author, retired librarian, and dedicated historian who has called Hawaiʻi home for over 30 years. Her profound interest in the daily lives of women during World War II in Hawaiʻi has been the cornerstone of her literary work. Dee’s commitment to uncovering and narrating these often-overlooked stories has established her as a respected voice in historical fiction.
 
Her notable publications include My Name is Loa, a historical novel set on Molokaʻi, and Who Murdered Jane Stanford?: An Answer Imagined, which delves into the mysterious death of Stanford University’s co-founder in 1905 Hawaiʻi. Additionally, she co-authored World War II Hawaiʻi with her husband, retired Lieutenant Colonel John Buckingham, offering a pictorial history that captures the transformative impact of the war on the islands.
 
Dee’s passion for storytelling extends beyond writing; she is an Author Accelerator certified book coach, providing guidance to aspiring writers. Her engaging talks and workshops have been featured on west coast radio and television in Hawaiʻi, and she has presented to diverse audiences, sharing her insights on writing and historical research.
 
Her latest work, Code Name Rascal, continues her mission to illuminate the vital roles women played during wartime, weaving a narrative that is both historically rich and emotionally resonant.
 
Dee enjoys connecting with readers and is available to meet with book clubs and reading groups, both in person and via Zoom, to discuss her work and share insights into her writing process.
 
In my book review, I stated Code Name Rascal is a wonderful historical fiction. This story takes place in Hawaii immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor. We quickly meet four women, all very different from one another, who join a classified radar operation known as WARD, with the code name Rascal.
 
One of the things I loved best about this story is that I was completely unaware of WARD or even the issues in Hawaii after the initial bombing. I'm not sure where I was during school, but there is a lot more to what happened than I realized! Code Name Rascal helped fill in so many of the blanks.
 
I also really loved Dorothea's characters. CJ is a strong, newly-married journalist. Ruth is a quiet Navy officer wife. Jane is a pilot going through divorce. And Eve is a Honolulu socialite. Imagine all these women thrust into tiny quarters, working grueling hours, keeping war secrets, and still trying to figure out their own lives. It's like a historical soap opera, full of determination, grief, danger, and disappearing dreams - and it's one you won't want to miss!
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Dorothea N Buckingham
Website: https://dorotheabuckingham.com/
Substack: https://dorotheanbuckingham.substack.com/
 
Purchase Code Name Rascal on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3LrHJMU
Ebook: https://amzn.to/49sTwUx
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#dorotheanbuckingham #codenamerascal #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Two Lives, One Car, and a Country in Crisis: A Journey Toward Understanding with Author Eric F Goldstein

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Eric F Goldstein, author of the book Taught. As a middle and high school teacher, Eric Goldstein founded the Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization, One World Education. Through programs that teach writing skills through social justice, the organization has transformed more than 65,000 students into writers with voice, knowledge, and purpose. Inspired by two decades of listening to students tell their stories, Eric’s debut novel, TAUGHT, released in January 2026.
 
In my book review, I stated Taught is a contemporary literary fiction that follows a teacher and a former student on a week-long journey. However, this journey is not something either one planned.
 
Jerry Brown's life is a mess. He's likely to lose his job as a teacher. He and his wife are having issues. And Malik, a former student, is beat by police during a protest. He decides to go camping and write graduation letters to his students. But before he gets out of town, Malik shows up. So, they leave together.
 
This is not a fast-paced story, but one where the back stories leak out slowly and deliberately. We see Jerry doubting himself as a teacher and husband. We see Malik doubt himself as a student and friend. Both doubt whether they can live up to the title of 'man'. And, as the reader, we feel the pain.
 
Race plays a huge role in the story, allowing us to glimpse lives we might not otherwise experience - and allowing us to ask the hard questions. Is racism real? Is it everywhere? Do people experience a stop in a backwoods gas station differently depending on their skin? And, more importantly, what can - or should - we do about it?
 
I definitely suggest this one for your TBR.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Eric F Goldstein
Website: www.onelongroad.com
IG: @ericfgoldstein
 
Purchase Taught on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NilBFl
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#ericfgoldstein #taught #contemporaryfiction #literaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Twelve Months, Twelve Lessons: What It Really Means to Live Love with Author Kim Sorrelle

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Kim Sorrelle, author of the book Love Is. Kim Sorrelle is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and director of a humanitarian organization. She is the author of two books, "Cry Until You Laugh" which details her journey through cancer, and "Love Is" which chronicles her year-long experiment to discover the true meaning of love. Kim is passionate about people and loves to travel to new places and meet new faces. She has five children and eleven grandchildren whom she adores and believes will one day make a positive impact on the world. Kim is committed to living a life of love and is determined to make a difference in the lives of those around her.
 
In my book review, I stated Love Is is a beautiful memoir exploring the concept of Christ-like love. She uses 1 Corinthians 13 as a guide and spends an entire year trying to love as Jesus would love. What a gift she's given all who read her words - a way to think about loving others that goes beyond words and hits squarely on actions. And not just any actions, but actions that truly depict love for another.
 
Love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, does not keep a record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres - it never fails. Kim learned that such love isn't easy to live - even when your focus is on just one phrase. I loved how honest she was - sometimes that she believed it would be easy and was wrong, and often that she knew it would be hard and it was harder than she imagined.
 
Without a doubt, this book has me thinking - and re-thinking - about love, how I show it to others, and how I can make changes to live more fully the love described in 1 Corinthians 13.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Kim Sorrelle
Website: https://www.kimsorrelle.com/
FB: @Kim Sorrelle
IG: @kimsorrelle
LinkedIn: @Kim Sorrelle
 
Purchase Love Is on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4q1IStf
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4iOeJev
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#kimsorrelle #loveis #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

AI Meets Networking: How Authors Can Stand Out on LinkedIn with Author Al Kushner

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Al Kushner, author of the book The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage. We will be discussing LinkedIn for authors. Al Kushner is a LinkedIn authority, an AI strategist, and an enterprise sales veteran with 30+ years of experience closing deals at Fortune 500 companies. The best-selling author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage and host of The AI Authority Edge podcast, Al transforms how executives leverage LinkedIn for revenue generation. Through his LinkedVantage™ system, keynote presentations, and executive workshops, he teaches professionals to build digital authority, master AI-powered networking, and convert connections into measurable business growth.
 
The back cover blurb:The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage is revolutionizing how professionals and businesses approach LinkedIn, giving them a potent edge in today's digital networking landscape. By harnessing artificial intelligence's potential, it simplifies and optimizes everything from profile enhancement to engagement strategies, making LinkedIn a goldmine for meaningful connections and professional growth.
 
This innovative solution empowers users to create standout profiles immediately grabbing attention, ensuring they shine in LinkedIn's competitive ecosystem. With advanced AI tools, users can craft personalized content, tailor their outreach, and position themselves as thought leaders within their industries. The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage deepens into data-driven insights, offering actionable recommendations that help expand networks and engage with the right audience effectively.
 
This tool is a game-changer for both individuals and enterprises. It is designed to maximize LinkedIn's opportunities. Whether you're looking to attract top talent, discover new partnerships, or grow your brand, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage provides the solutions you need to stay ahead. It saves time by automating repetitive tasks like connection requests and content scheduling, allowing users to focus on building real relationships that matter.
 
From growing networks exponentially to driving meaningful engagement, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage transforms LinkedIn into a dynamic hub for achieving professional goals. Whether you're a job seeker, a business leader, or a marketer, this AI-powered system unlocks LinkedIn's full potential, ensuring you stay visible, relevant, and impactful in an endlessly evolving world of connections.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Al Kushner
Website: https://alkushnerspeaks.com
LinkedIn: @al-kushner
FB: @AI Authority Edge
IG: @authorityedge
X: @AIAuthorityEdge
 
Purchase The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4rG6JAa
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4q0hNX8
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#alkushner #theailinkedinadvantage #linkedin #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Weight of What We Saw: A Veteran’s Reckoning with the Past with Author Joseph J Fontenot

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Joseph J Fontenot, author of the book Sons of the Arghandab. Joseph “Fonty” Fontenot is a combat veteran who served 20 years in the US Army and retired as a First Sergeant, with combat deployments to Abu Ghraib, Iraq, and the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan. Before enlisting in the army, he was a successful musician who gave up his career to serve during the global war on terror. After his year in Afghanistan, he was a Drill Sergeant and won Soldier of the year in 2015. He subsequently suffered multiple career-ending injuries and, despite several years in the warrior transition unit, chose to return to the 101st airborne division. Fontenot earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from Purdue Global University, and recently earned a certification as a Veteran Service Officer or VSO, to be able to continue helping veterans potentially with the VA.
 
In my book review, I stated Sons of the Arghandab is a memoir about his time in Afghanistan. This was not an easy read because conditions in the Arghandab Valley during 2010-2011 were anything but easy. From the temperatures, to the living quarters, to enemy fire, to losing buddies day in and day out ... I can't begin to comprehend what Joseph and his team went through. However, his book will help you get a better understanding of what our military endured and what they continue to endure now that they are back home.
 
By the end of the narrative, you will feel like you know the men Joseph knew, which will have you smiling when things go well and crying when they do not. My husband used to quote "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I am beyond grateful that there are men like Joseph J Fontenot. What would our world be like without them?
 
As a nation, we need to do better by our returned soldiers, offering them the mental health care they need after seeing such violence and always working on the edge of certain death. Thank you, Joseph, for writing your memoir and helping the world understand what you did.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Joseph J Fontenot
FB: @Sons of the Arghandab Top Guns in the Devil’s Playground Book Group
IG: @SonsoftheArghandabbook
 
Purchase Sons of the Arghandab on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4iHUJtQ
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4oLo4VV
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#josephjfontenot #sonsofthearghandab #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Between Duty and Desire: A Woman’s Life Inside America’s Most Secret Town with Author Leslie R Schover

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leslie R Schover, author of the book Fission. Leslie is a clinical psychologist and brings her knowledge of people and relationships to her fiction writing. She spent most of her career at the Cleveland Clinic and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. She published three self-help books and created a digital health company to educate people with cancer about sex and fertility. Will2Love.com won a 2019 Innovation Prize in the Astellas C 3 Changing Cancer Care contest. Her first published novel, Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak draws on her parents’ stories of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project and on revelations of Soviet spies there. She lives in Houston, Texas with her faithful dog, Luc.
 
In my book review, I stated that Fission is a wonderful historical fiction. Although set during WWII, this book takes place completely within the United States as we follow Doris and her husband Rob to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Doris' husband is tapped to work on the Manhattan Project, a top-secret program to create the first atomic bomb.
 
As a reluctant young mother and bride, Doris first has to decide if she will move to Oak Ridge or continue her education. When she finally moves to Oak Ridge, she has to figure out her place in a world very different from Chicago. Will being Jewish be something to overcome? Will her husband's lack of education stop him from advancing? Will Doris figure out her role as wife and mother? What will she do when romance comes knocking - and not from her husband?
 
I was excited to learn this story is based loosely on Leslie's parents, which gives an emotional edge to the characters - and you know how I love a good character! This is a must-read book that will give you an insider's look at The Manhattan Project and how it affected not just the scientists, but all who lived and worked in Oak Ridge.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Leslie R Schover
Website: https://www.leslieschoverauthor.com/
IG: @leslieschover
FB: @leslie.schover.9
 
Purchase Fission on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4rRR3dp
Ebook: https://amzn.to/48Cb92k
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#leslierschover #fission #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Love, Loss, and Gym-Class Chaos: A Midlife Journey Redefined with Author Ruth F Stevens

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Ruth F Stevens, author of the book My Year of Casual Acquaintances. Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make readers laugh and cry. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, she is a produced playwright and award-winning author of three novels: Stage Seven, My Year of Casual Acquaintances, and The Unexpected Guests. Ruth is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Dramatists Guild of America and serves as a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors.
 
Ruth lives in Torrance, California with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, hiking, hip-hop and fitness classes, yoga, Broadway musicals, wine tasting, leading a book club, and visiting her grandsons in NYC.
 
In my book review, I stated My Year of Casual Acquaintances by Ruth F Stevens is a wonderful contemporary women's fiction. We meet Mar, a recently divorced woman who drops everything from her past and tries to start over. However, she has zero intention of becoming serious with anyone - neighbors, friends, or dates!
 
We follow Mar for a year as she finds and meets different people on her journey of rediscovery. Some relationships last and others fall to the wayside. But in each, Mar learns something about herself. However, she isn't truly happy because she isn't allowing real connection. The question is - can she? Will she?
 
I laughed and cheered and sighed over Mar. She has a big heart but is afraid to let anyone see it. As someone who has had to start over (on more than one occasion), I understand her reluctance. But like Mar, I've learned it is worth putting yourself on the line.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Ruth F Stevens
Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/
IG: @ruthfstevensauthor/
FB: @rfsauthor
 
Purchase My Year of Casual Acquaintances on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ppTZfs
Ebook: https://amzn.to/48LKnEN
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#ruthfstevens #myyearofcasualacquaintances #contemporaryfiction #womensfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Exploring a Divided World: A Literary Fantasy That Asks What Really Matters with Author JD Rasch

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is JD Rasch, author of the book Quasi-Crystal. Jody “J.D.” Rasch is a writer, artist, social activist, and author. His debut fantasy series, The Wanderer, incorporates social issues including politics, religion and how we are influenced in our lives.
 
Jody is also a painter, whose art explores the mysteries of our world. Jody worked in finance for many years but managed to use it for good by helping banks that gave loans to the poor. Jody now serves on not-for-profit boards that seek to make the world a better place.
 
A native New Yorker who was forced to move to the burbs, Jody now lives just outside New York City.
 
In my book review, I stated The Quasi-Crystal is part 3 of a fantasy series, The Wanderer. Despite being the third book of which I didn't read the first two, I found this fantasy quite fascinating. I particularly liked Pom, an ex-thief who soon realizes she has immense powers of empathy and calm, as well as Theb, a gemstone cutter who insists the rock he has found is more than a rock. Both find themselves drawn into a quest despite having no real appetite for one.
 
JD does a great job getting readers to think about politics and religion, asking questions like what do you want? And why? In one instance, he shows two groups who worship differently, and face in opposite directions to pray. The question is asked - does the direction matter? And it made me think about ways people worship and whether the differences are significant or superficial.
 
Throughout the book, readers learn tidbits of JDs beliefs - humans are humans, people can create excuses for anything they do, we always have a choice, and more. Throw these in with great characters and a fantasy world complete with a quest to save humankind - and you have a great story. As someone who isn't usually interested in fantasy, I still enjoyed this story.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author JD Rasch
Website: https://jdrasch.com/
LinkedIn: @jodyrasch
IG: @jodyrasch
FB: @jody.rasch.35
 
Purchase The Quasi-Crystal on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hUtLin
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4qRuxke
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#jdrasch #thequasicrystal #fantasy #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Romance and Recklessness: Chasing the American Dream at Gunpoint with Author Maryka Biaggio

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Maryka Biaggio, author of the book Gun Girl and the Tall Guy. Maryka Biaggio is a psychology professor turned novelist who specializes in historical fiction based on real people. She loves unearthing the stories of people overlooked by history and bringing them back to life—portraying their challenges and foibles and rekindling their emotional world. Previous novels include The Model Spy, The Point of Vanishing, Eden Waits, and Parlor Games. Her fiction has won several accolades, including Willamette Writers Award, Oregon Writers Colony Award, Historical Novel Society Review Editors’ Choice, La Belle Lettre Award, an Upper Peninsula of Michigan Notable Books Award, and a Regional Arts & Council grant. She served on the Board of the Historical Novel Society North America Conference from 2015-2025. She has mentored other writers in AWP's Writer-to-Writer Mentorship Program since 2020. She’s an avid opera fan and enjoys gardening, art films, and, of course, great fiction. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
 
In my book review, I stated Gun Girl and the Tall Guy is a historical fiction by Maryka Biaggio. It is based on a true story of a crime duo, Celia and Ed Cooney, in 1920s Brooklyn. And quite frankly, I loved everything about this book! The characters are vivid. I could see the Brooklyn from 100 years ago. And the story is amazing.
 
Celia grew up in a tough environment. She escapes her family and marries Ed, a young man just home from the war. He is kind, gentle, and loves her completely. But, like most young couples, they are broke. When she learns she is pregnant, she doesn't want to raise her child with nothing. So, they hatch a plan to rob a store - just to get enough to start them on their way. But the thrill and the fame, as well as an ever-increasing need for more things, keeps them in the game long after it makes sense.
 
Although it makes no sense, I was routing for Celia and Ed to evade the police! Maryka did a great job getting me to pull for the bad guy rather than the Brooklyn police, which is what started happening as the pair became more infamous. I won't spoil it for you - it's a must read.
 
Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1
 
Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290
 
You can follow Author Maryka Biaggio
Website: https://marykabiaggio.com/
IG: @authormaryka
FB: @maryka.biaggio
 
Purchase a copy of Gun Girl and the Tall Guy on Amazon:
Paperback: ​https://amzn.to/3N7slpa​
Kindle: ​https://amzn.to/49fR43f
 
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
 
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
 
#marykabiaggio #gungirlandthetallguy #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.