Susan Marlene
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Timeless Significance for Everyday


Short stories and also devotions that mix historical quotes and contemporary musings, as well as
​author interviews and book reviews.
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THE 39 STEPS 1935 Movie by Director Alfred Hitchcock

11/8/2022

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I’ve held a particular movie in my DVD collection for far too long, so I finally watched it. I’m delighted to report that THE 39 STEPS is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock movie—ever!

This fast-paced move offers intrigue, surprise, humor, and all the best this master film director has achieved during his life’s work—in my humble opinion! I admit that I don’t enjoy all old movies. Some drag on, and others lack zing, but the characters in THE 39 STEPS and the thrilling plot they move about in has lured me to return several times in a short period of time. I may watch it again today. 😊

Robert Donat does a wonderful job of portraying his intelligent and clever character, Richard Hanny, and Madeline Carroll is excellent as the witty and determined heroine, Pamela.
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John Buchan’s 1915 novel ’THE 39 STEPS” can still be found, and I, for one, would love to read it. Do you also enjoy comparing novels to the movies inspired by those stories?
Well, there you have it. This is my latest movie obsession, and if you are looking for a fun quality movie, I offer my suggestion to take a look! 
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THE MISTLETOE COUNTESS by Award-Winning Author, Pepper Basham

10/21/2022

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THE MISTLETOE COUNTESS is winsome and moving, adventuresome, and definitely Christmassy! Main character, Gracelynn Ferguson won my heart. Red hair and all. Siblings can be so opposite of one another, and Gracelynn is such an uplifting and clever young woman, while her sister seems to fit into society and know all the rules.  But with a surprising circumstance, she takes her sister’s place as a Christmas bride. And are you not curious as to how that takes place? 😊 What a fresh and invigorating character she displays.

Frederick Percy settled for a financial match to save his historic home, his estate. But his bride-to-be does not work out, and her younger sister somehow becomes his unlikely bride.

They will face danger, rumors, and a murder mystery with intelligence, and imagination and I’m thrilled that I went along for the ride! I invite you to check out this fun and page-turning tale. One you will not soon forget!

Pepper Basham’s talent as an author who swings wide and successfully delivers on every novel that I’ve read that she has written. What a delight!

GOOD NEWS! Book 2 comes out in February 2023  THE CAIRO CURSE!! One I'm sure to read! 

You may find Pepper here:​
https://pepperdbasham.com/

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CONCRETE EVIENCE by Award-Winning Author, DiAnn Mills

10/3/2022

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No wonder DiAnn Mills tag line is “expect an adventure,” for she surely delivers suspense and characters so relatable that they could be my next-door neighbors!

Avery Elliott and Agent Marc Wilkins represent everyday people who are intelligent, talented, brave, and about to become braver. Lives are on the line, and the mysterious killer is on their heels all along. Yet, usually, that villain seems just ahead of their searches. Avery and Elliott are in danger, and those they love are also threatened! What a page-turner! 

DiAnn shared strong characters who do not give up in the face of adversity. All the twists and turns increased excitement and guessing on my part as I read through to the end. (Quickly!) details were covered and those made difficult for the reader to discover!

When all you believe in is suddenly ripped away—a person must choose the right path and the will to overcome challenges. This is a clean Christian Suspense with the FBI involvement!

I wish some company or wealthy person(s) would put DiAnn’s novels into films! I was given CONCRETE EVIDENCE to write an honest review, so I just did! This is a great read, and I am proud to tell others about this book or have them purchase it as a gift! Enjoy!!!

You may find more information about DiAnn and this novel at:
https://diannmills.com/books/concrete-evidence/


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THE LADY’S TRIUMPH: An Alt-history Regency Steampunk Adventure (The Regent’s Devices Book 3)

9/28/2022

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Loveday Penhale and Celeste Blanchard have faced and bonded over previous adventures. THE EMPEROR’S AERONAUT and THE PRINCE’S PILOT were certainly exciting steampunk stories but THE LADY’S TRIUMPH is no less adventurous! No less robust of a story.  Loveday and Celeste are sister-friends in every way, and they face disappointments and challenges with intelligence, spirit, and grace!

Captain Arthur Trevelyan and Emory Thorndyke do not disappoint! They have strong personalities with huge hearts and intelligence; and are very protective of our heroines! Bravo to the authors for their well-rounded and interesting characters!

I see this as a story of standing up for who you are in the face of possible rejection. Dealing with betrayal and synergy. I just didn’t want to put this story down. I enjoy the twists and turns, and they keep me guessing who did this or that and how the main characters will press through these qualities of this story. (Can you tell that I don’t wish to give away the details the authors worked so hard to deliver? I want you to experience the full enjoyment of discovering Loveday, Celeste, Arthur, and Emory’s journey!)

The authors Shelley Adina and R. E. Scott flow as though they have one mind! I had to ask R.E. Scott how they wrote these tales and how they planned and wrote with such excellence and flow. Shelley writes Celest and Emory’s story chapters, and R.E. (Regina) writes Loveday and Arthur’s chapters! But seriously, the blending of their minds on how the characters interact and develop is so remarkable!

I was given THE LADY’S TRIUMPH to review, and I’m sharing my honest observations and feelings about this steampunk series and this story. I highly rate and appreciate these authors and their talent for gluing me to their pages for an excellent story and encouragement!

I just shot an email to Regina and asked if there could possibly be aditional THE REGENT'S DEVICES stories and here is what she replied:

Shelley and I are looking to release a couple of novellas next year set in the Regent’s Devices world. That’s about all I can say at this point. 

If you would like to find out more about these authors and their novels visit them on their websites! 

Shelley Adina  www.shelleyadina.com
R.E. Scott    www.reginascott.com
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CARVED IN STONE, THE BLACKSTONE LEGACY Book 1,  by Rita Award-Winning Author Elizabeth Camden

9/19/2022

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1908

Doctor Rosalind Werner takes being a biochemist with passionate sincerity, especially when women were not considered widely or fairly in such professional fields. Her very past and present losses and difficulties—though weighty—offer her the opportunity to become stronger or give up altogether. 

Nicholas Drake is the newly appointed Commissioner of Water for New York, and his mindset is a huge obstacle hindering progress, as far as Doctor Rosalind Werner and Doctor Leal are concerned. Motivations are key in decisions that are made to protect the people of New York and beyond. 

This is such a worthy read. Elizabeth Camden weaves a rich story that draws out her characters' strength, cleverness, and courage against such worthy opponents that it was hard to break away from the pages. Love, loyalties, lies, and deception moved me further into the time and the energy these characters exerted to find their way to achieve their lofty goals. 

I enjoy the technical careers and the balance of research that Elizabeth Camden accomplishes on the pages of her novels. I heavily suggest this excellent read for you and yours! A DARING VENTURE, THE BLACKSTONE LEGACY, Book 1 by Award-Winning Author Elizabeth Camden offers relatable characters, a thrilling plot, and heart-stopping issues that do not disappoint! 

​Find out more about Elizabeth Camden at:  http://elizabethcamden.com/

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CONCRETE EVIDENCE by DiAnn Mills PreOrder

8/13/2022

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​My writer friend DiAnn Mills has a new release of CONCRETE EVIDENCE, a romantic suspense novel. A FAULTY CONSTRUCTION JOB - THE DISCOVERY OF A DEAD BODY - A SINISTER PLOT As they search for answers, Avery Elliott and FBI Special Agent Marc Wilkins must decide if they can trust each other or if trust is the most dangerous choice they can make. Read more and pre-order your copy today!

https:// diannmills.com/books/concrete-evidence

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STRONG IN BATTLE, Why the Humble Will Prevail,  by Susie Larson

8/11/2022

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Are you considering reading STRONG IN BATTLE, Why the Humble Will Prevail?

Susie Larson has written the most amazing book on being strong in battle. From the introduction to the last word, the power of humility and the preciousness of intimacy with God is present. Susie is transparent and familiar with prayer and yielding to the Lord. And with those trials and tribulations that make praying with intention necessary. 

This book touched my heart and refocused my aim for intercession, and fired up my passion for moving closer to the Lord.

Susie’s down-to-earth appeal for us think deeply and move closer to God and Jesus holds strength that I believe will make a difference—not just for the reader but for those the reader prays for and interacts with. Truly, this is a life-sharpening book that has redirected this disciple of Jesus onto a clearer path studded with purpose and joy.

I was given STRONG IN BATTLE, Why the Humble Will Prevail for an honest review, so I have written my thoughts and observations. I find the gems that Susie writes to be filled with wisdom and inspiration. If you seek closeness with the Lord and insight into praying with knowledge, authority, and victory—this is the book for you.
 
 
You may find Susie at:

https://www.susielarson.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susie-larson-17569251/
https://www.facebook.com/susielarsonauthor
https://www.instagram.com/susielarsonauthor/


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THE PRINCE AND HIS PILOT, THE REGENT’S DEVICES, Book 2, by Shelley Adina & R.E. Scott, A Regency Steampunk

7/28/2022

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1819 Truo, Cornwall & France!

Adventure, adventure, and more adventure. Lovejoy Penhale and Celeste La Blanchard can’t seem to get a break—and neither can Captain Arthur Trevelyan of Gwynn Place or his friend Emory Thorndyke of Trevithick Steam Works. This second novel in THE REGENT’S DEVICES series is difficult to put down! I love the strength and intelligence they all show when handling what I deem impossible situations!

Wintzen, La Croix, and Toussaint keep the tension high as they make Celeste and Loveday’s goals more difficult—if not edging on impossible! I enjoyed the glimpses of the Emperor, for Napoleon Bonaparte is a wild card for sure! The mix of actual history, fiction, and interesting characters is thrilling to me!

THE PRINCE'S PILOT was given to me for an honest review. It is my second Steampunk adventure to read. What a well-written and finely plotted story, sweetly romantic, and engaging to read. Shelley Adina and R.E. Scott absolutely shine brightly on the pages. Keep inventing such unforgettable characters and plots! This kind of story is the stuff that writers dream of writing and readers love to read!

These authors gave an excellent interview for book 1, THE EMPEROR’S AERONAUT, which I posted on 5/15/2022. I ask you to take a glimpse!

Regina & Shelley
We have a Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/reginascottpins/the-regents-devices-steampunk-adventure/ where readers can see some inventions, clothing, and other pictures that inspired our stories.

 
Where do you want to meet your readers concerning social media?

Website: https://www.reginascott.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorreginascott
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Website: www.shelleyadina.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magnificentdevices/
Twitter: @shelleyadina

 
 
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THE LETTER FROM BRIARTON PARK by Sarah E. Ladd

7/27/2022

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Autumn 1811, England

A mysterious letter from Mr. Clark, the master of Briarton Park, given to Cassandra Hale after the death of a beloved headmistress, sends the young woman away from her comfortable position and into a search for her family’s secret identity.

As usual, Sarah E. Ladd kept me thinking and guessing and, for goodness sakes—hoping for the well-being of the main character, Cassandra Hale.
 
Mr. Clark had passed away, and the new owner of Briarton Park, James Warrington, is a widower with two young daughters. After Cassandra unexpectedly assists his family, James’s sense of honor and kindness places him in the search for her family origins.  

This tale is weaved with danger, mystery, and secrets—just the kind of summer read that I was looking for. My sister also read Sarah’s THE LETTER FROM BRIARTON PARK and absolutely loved it! 

You may find out more about this author on:
​

https://sarahladd.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SarahLaddAuthor
https://twitter.com/SarahLaddAuthor
https://www.goodreads.com/sarah_ladd
​https://www.pinterest@SarahLaddAuthor
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THE WILLIAMSBURG COOKBOOK, Traditional and contemporary recipes adapted from the taverns and inns of Colonial Williamsburg

7/11/2022

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My husband and I were looking for ideas for dinner tonight. I perused this cookbook and memories flooded in. My husband treated my sister and myself to a wonderful research vacation! Pat bought this book for my husband as a thank you! As I paged through the book, delightful recollections of excellent meals and laughter made tonight even more special!
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    Susan Marlene is the author of Sisters & Friends, HEARTS FOREVER FAITHFUL and SHORT STORIES, Some Fanciful, Some True, A Collection from Various Time Periods & Adventurous Tales, as well as ​Splashes of Hope, A Trio of Short Stories.

    She has published in these venues also. 

    www.ChristianDevotions.us and in Splickety Love Magazine, The Novice, and  newspapers. She writes devotions, fiction, and nonfiction. She is a member and co-founder of Pens of Praise Christian Writers 
    Group.  She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

    ​She speaks at writers' groups and prepares devotions and teachings often for Pens of Praise Christian Writers,  and was a former member of Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and Alternative Education Teacher’s Aide. She loves  antiques and misses  her Leonberger, but loves her Boxer who fills their lives with love and laughter. Her cat was the queen of the household and is also dearly missed. 

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"Hope" is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all,​  by Emily Dickinson


susan@susanmarlene.com

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