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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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:
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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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OPERATION JOKTAN BY AMIR TSARFATI & STEVE YOHN (A Nir Tavor Mossad Thriller)

7/9/2022

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​Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn join forces to write a thrilling suspense that will bring you right into the tensions of the Middle East. I’ve never shared a novel like this with you, but if you take a chance on reading OPERATION JOKTAN, I’m sure you will not be sorry. 

This intense story plot has skillful heroes and heroines who equal those of Mission Impossible and 007. Israelites, South Africans, Iranians, Iraqis, Kurds, and Palestinians are among those who make this story exciting and unique. Travel, high stakes, and national security make this a re-read for me. Tensions are high throughout and kept me on the edge of my seat as Nir Tavor and Nicole le Roux face challenges and personal struggles that would make lesser men and women crumble. 

Well done, Amir Tsarfati and Steve Yohn, for you held my interest and concern for the characters while they burrowed their way into my heart. I had to keep reading to find out what would happen next! 

If you like stories of courage and sacrifice that make you think on more than one level--OPERATION JOKTAN is the story for you!
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Never Romance a Rogue (Fortune's Brides: The Wedding Vow, book 3) by Regina Scott

6/18/2022

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Wey Castle, Surrey England, 1825

Winsome, spirited Abelona Dryden, or Belle for short, has concocted a plan to connect two uncooperative friends, Petunia and Owen Canady. Her creativity and determination to get those two together is delightful. I admire her tenacious and persuasive nature.

House guest, Owen Canady, doesn’t really feel that he fits with high society. Yet because of his deceased parent’s former connections, he is allowed into social circles, which also sets him up for a demand that he can’t find a way to decline. His parents passed away when he was young so he was raised by his uncle in very unfavorable circumstances. Regina dives into the early years of this character just enough to use his experiences to create a loner who fits perfectly in this historical romance.

Underneath Belle’s very nose, scandalous secrets hide. Such bold spying will affect her family and her soon-to-be family—the Leopolds of the Batavarian court if something isn’t done. There is so much more to this story, including a hint of romance in a future novel!
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If you enjoy romance, tough choices with high stakes, and clever personalities, then this will be a novel you don’t want to miss. I was given this novel to read so that I could place an honest review online. I have enjoyed revisiting some characters from previous novels such as Aunt Meredith and Fortune, the cat. If you enjoy reading a series that follows a particular family and incorporates previous characters in the newer releases, then I can’t wait to hear back from you about your reading experience with NEVER ROMANCE A ROGUE!
 
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SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY, Book 2 & DRAWN BY THE CURRENT, Book 3, The Windy City Saga by Christy Award-Winning Author, Jocelyn Green

6/7/2022

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Okay! I’m writing about two books from The Windy City Saga in one review post. Busy just gets in the way of my letting writing/reading friends know about all of the really, really good novels that I’ve read! Well, this is a catch-up review. Now, less about me and more about Jocelyn Green. She is a favorite author of mine, and I’m going to give a review about why!

I reviewed the novel and interviewed Jocelyn Green for VEILED IN SMOKE, book 1, on 8/31/2020 if you want to learn about the beginning of this series.

SHADOWS OF THE WHITE CITY, Book 2

Chicago December 1880 – August 1893

Sylvie Townsend’s story opens up a very different Chicago than what Jocelyn Green’s VEILED IN SMOKE, book 1, shares about the Chicago Fire in 1871.

In 1880 Sylvie took in a young Polish immigrant girl named Rozalia Dabrowski, though Sylvie had never married. The girl’s grief is fresh and raw, but Sylvie’s compassionate heart and ability to provide pave the way for this new relationship.

Later in 1893, the Chicago Fair drew people from all over the United States and the world. Later in 1893, the Chicago Fair drew people from all over the United States and the world. In Jocelyn’s gifted way, she plops the reader into the characters' honest anxiety and conflicting desires while accurately inserting historical situations. Mothers and daughters can have fissions, and difficulties and though Sylvie isn’t Rozalia’s natural or adopted mother, they struggle with and against each other while the plot thickens. I loved Sylvie’s loyalty in the face of rejection. Her determination to love in the middle of pain and adversity. This novel encompasses the beauty and danger of Chicago and very relatable struggles and triumphs.
 
DRAWN BY THE CURRENT, Book 3

Chicago 1915

Insurance agent, Olive Pierce, and her best friend board the Luxury ship, SS Eastland, for a birthday celebration. Many passengers perish in the icy Chicago River when the boat rolls on its side. Olive survives and begins the painful investigations to confirm those who perished in this tragedy. Also, she tries to discover what happened to her friend after they were separated when the boat took on water.

Who is sabotaging Olive’s investigation? And why? When Erik Magnussen, a newspaper photographer, helps Olivia out of a scary situation, he offers more assistance. He is inspiring and a natural, leading her to more success. Yet, this story is not without twists and turns. Jocelyn leads the reader through pain and intrigue while danger lurks and secrets abound. This fabulous multi-layered plot will pull you in and cause you to appreciate the courage and determination of real-life people and the fictional ones in this tale. This story is based on the actual SS Eastland disaster of July 1915.  Well done, Jocelyn! I highly recommend Windy City Saga series!

You may find Jocelyn Green at:

https://www.facebook.com/jocelyngreenauthor
https://www.jocelyngreen.com/

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The INN on HANGING HILL, The Beach House Mystery Series by Christy Barritt

5/31/2022

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This is a tale that has enough creepy-old-house, unmet resolutions, judgments, deception, revenge, and secrets lurking in the darkest of corners that will keep an eager creepy-mystery reader focused. 

The main character, Lindsey Waters, suffered trauma in her childhood, and circumstances compel her to meet old memories and questions head-on. The hired handyman introduces himself to be her childhood and long-heard from friend Benjamin Newsom. Nearly immediately after meeting at the Inn on Hanging Hill, they hear footsteps on the upstairs floor. This intruder triggers the angst and mystery of who he or she is and what this person is after. 

There are a host of interesting characters that play a vital part in unfolding this story. Old friends, memories, and threats make this a page-turning favorite of mine. Christy Barritt is a USA TODAY Bestselling author, and in my opinion, she has earned that title.

​This story entertained me while I listened on Kindle during my battle with Covid. Light hurt my eyes which were so sensitive when reading or watching television, and exhaustion hindered me from doing what I wanted. 

I will always view this story as one of those novels that spared me from dull, endless days during my healing and recovery. I highly recommend Christy Barritt’s THE INN ON HANGING HILL. Let me know what you think of her novel! 
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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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  • GLIMPSING HISTORICAL TIMES