Carries Book Reviews

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.*

I don’t know if it’s the first signs of fall weather actually sneaking in here and there or if I just lost a little of my restraint this week but I do have a big old pile of new books to share. Still under my old high goal though so I consider it to be behaving but it’s been a while since I’ve had seven in a week!

As always clicking the covers will take you to the book on Amazon!**

New additions from Netgalley Sept 29th  – Oct 6th

There’s power in a book…
 
They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, to give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.
 
Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who plans to marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.
 
Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid…and it’s usually paid in blood.

In Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, the author of How to Sell a Haunted House and The Final Girl Support Group delivers another searing, completely original novel and further cements his status as a “horror master” (NPR).

A group of siblings captured in an iconic beach photo reunite on a sunny California island, where they’re forced to face the fallout of their unconventional upbringing—and the golden secret that has been simmering ever since…

It’s 1980s California, and everyone’s dreaming of the endless summer: sun-drenched beaches, infinite waves, and most of all, beautiful, beautiful freedom. For the Merrick siblings, this idyllic vision is their reality, as they travel up and down the coast with their parents in a van year-round, surfing and swimming their days away. But when a photographer secretly snaps a stunning photo of the family with their boards in the sand, and the image ripples across the country, the only life they’ve ever known is put at risk.

Decades after, the now-distant siblings gather on a gorgeous, wild island to honor their late father. But their reunion is complicated when a journalist, eager for the truth behind the famous photo, discovers their identity and tracks them down. As the siblings reckon with the possibility that more of their lives could be shared, a revelation about their past forces them to confront long-held heartaches. Together, they’ll have to decide whether to let the same tensions rip them apart again—or if telling their story on their own terms might just be the way to recapture the family magic.

A stolen latte results in a meet-cute for the ages in this brand-new edition, with bonus content, of New York Times bestselling author Lynn Painter’s rom-com Accidentally Amy.

Isabella Shay is usually a very honest person. But when she’s running late for her first day at her dream job and the barista yells for “Amy” three times with no answer, she does the unthinkable.

Izzy takes that PSL.

It’s the exact drink she ordered and paid for, only way further ahead in the queue—and she’ll take whatever bad karma is coming for her; she’s desperate and very late. But when she turns around and runs directly into the most attractive man she’s ever seen, spilling the drink all over his made-for-GQ shirt and tie, she ends up having the ultimate meet-cute. Karma who? Sparks fly and things feel beyond promising, until he says to her: “See you tomorrow, Amy.”

Izzy reasons she can just straighten things out the next day, no biggie. Only when she gets to her new office and meets the VP of her department, it is none other than Blake Phillips—the hottie from Starbucks. And the man might’ve been charming to “Amy,” but he is an arrogant grump to Izzy, an arrogant grump who does not find her explanation funny at all. But day by day, an attraction simmers between them and they’ll have to find a way to work together without ripping each other’s heads—or clothes—off.

New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to Haven’s Rock in Cold as Hell as Casey Duncan hunts down a dangerous killer during a deadly blizzard.

Haven’s Rock is a sanctuary town hidden deep in the Yukon for those who need to disappear from the regular world. Detective Casey Duncan and her husband, Sheriff Eric Dalton, are starting a family now that they’ve settled into their life here. As Casey nears the end of her pregnancy, she lets nothing, including her worried husband, stop her from investigating what happens in the forbidden forest outside the town of Haven’s Rock.

When one of the town’s residents is drugged and wanders too close to the edge of town, she’s dragged into the woods kicking and screaming. She’s saved in the nick of time, but the women of the town are alarmed. Casey and Eric investigate the assault just as a snowstorm hits Haven’s Rock, covering the forest. It’s there they find a frozen body, naked in the snow. With mixed accounts of the woman’s last movements, the two begin to question who they can trust—and who they can’t—in their seemingly safe haven.

After a case of mistaken identity and an almost one-night stand, two stranded wedding guests have to find their way to their final destination together, in this riotously fun debut romance.

Ada’s little sister is getting married. Which should be a happy thought, right? But the once close sisters have been in a year long fight, the wedding is all the way in Ireland, and Ada is so broke that she just barely managed to get a ticket on a budget airline. And as if things couldn’t get worse, said airline just cancelled her connection. Which means Ada is stuck in London with no way to make it to the wedding.

Surely she’s hit rock bottom?

So, there’s no reason for her not to spill her heart out about the over-the-top wedding, her sister’s worryingly quick engagement, and the womanizing best man she’s dreading meeting to a handsome also-stranded stranger at the bar. Until she realizes the stranger is headed to the same wedding. Oh, and he’s the infamous best man.

Now, Jack and Ada must put their simmering attraction behind them to make it to Belfast before they miss the nuptials. But between flat tires, missed trains, and suspect hostels, Jack and Ada start to question whether their feelings are worth going the distance, or just a distracting detour along the way.

Her mission: find the Lost City of the Moon in the Amazon rainforest.
His mission: protect the holy temple . . . and his heart.

While her mentor may be the world’s most badass archaeologist, the only thing bad about Dr. Miriam Jacobs are her corny jokes. But when Miri is charged with leading an unmapped expedition through the Amazon for the fabled Lost City of the Moon, she finally has her chance to prove to her colleagues that she’s capable—and hopefully prove it to herself, too.

Journalist Rafael Monfils has joined the archaeological team to chronicle their search for the lost city. Or at least, that’s what they think he’s doing. Rafa’s real goal? Make sure the team does not reach the Cidade da Lua, stopping the desecration of the holy city and protecting his mother’s legacy. All he needs to do is keep them on the wrong path.

If only the endearingly quirky Dr. Jacobs wasn’t so damn tenacious—each of Rafa’s tricks and purposeful wrong turns only seem to fuel her determination. Even worse, he’s charmed by her goofy attempts to channel Lara Croft as they traverse the dangerous Brazilian rainforest. But they’re not the only crew hunting for the lost city, and soon the untamed jungle—and their untamed hearts—might be the least of their worries…

The Last Thing He Told Me meets Fleishman Is in Trouble in this page-turning story of a couple who flee winter in the Midwest for Palm Springs, where they find their relationship at a crossroads.

Kim and Grant are at a turning point. A couple for thirty years, their “separate but together” partnership is running up against the realities of late middle age: Grant’s mother has died, the college where he taught philosophy was shuttered, and their twin girls are grown and gone. Escaping the bitter cold of a Midwestern winter for the hot desert sun of Palm Springs seems as good a solution as any to the more intractable problems they face.

When they arrive at Le Desert, a quirky condo community where everyone knows everyone’s business, Kim immediately embraces the opportunity to make new friends and explore a more adventurous side of her personality. Meanwhile, Grant struggles to find his footing in this unfamiliar landscape, leaving Kim to wonder if their relationship can survive the snowbird season. But when Grant goes missing on a hike in the Palm Springs mountains, Kim is forced to consider two terrifying outcomes: either Grant is truly lost, or this time, he’s really left her.

Is it ever too late to become the person we wanted to be—and is there still time to change into someone better? The exhilarating, but often confusing transitions of midlife are pitched against the promise and glamour of Palm Springs in this tender, honest story of what it takes to commit to someone for a lifetime. With compassion and humor, Clancy explores the redemptive power of finding ourselves, and of being found.

**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.*

Spellcaster Wild Card
Nikki Jefford
Publication date: October 1st 2024
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Win the game. Change the world.

Winning the show means living forever. It is the golden ticket to fame, fortune, and a place among the vampire elite.

Being remade isn’t on my wish list. I like being me, and with nearly a million online followers, it’s working. My parents and big sister are the do-gooders in our family who want to make the world a fair and just place for all humans and paranormal creatures. I just want to finish high school and keep doing what I do best—sharing hair and beauty tips while discussing Spellcaster and how the show’s vampire judge Malachi Rayne is the hottest male on the planet.

Then, life as I know it ends. There are evil forces who will stop at nothing to maintain world dominance—indefinitely.

It’s hard to care when I’ve become dead inside and out.

After my family is violently attacked, the host of Spellcaster insists I audition for Season 13. For the first time in the show’s history, they want to represent every species of paranormals. That’s me now. Not human. Not vampire. Not the class of creature anyone EVER cheers for.

This season’s prize is power beyond anyone’s imagination. It is the kind of reward that contestants and their sponsors would kill to possess.

Let the other contestants and judges underestimate me. They can gossip all they want about the hotshot wizard and the alpha werewolf behaving as though I’m another prize to be won. And if Coach Malachi can’t handle a bold influencer with abilities, then he can suck it. I preferred watching him from the other side of the screen. He’s about to discover that Haylee Hutchins is a force to be reckoned with. The whole world will.

Someone thought they could silence my family for good. Instead, they created a monster. I’m still here, and I am much harder to kill.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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EXCERPT:

Everything is spinning. My body. My vision. My brain. I clamp my mouth shut to keep from vomiting. The cleaning crew just got the stage cleaned. Then there’s the second reason I keep my lips pressed tight. I refuse to beg Malachi for mercy.

My hands flail and grasp for something to hold on to, but the wind rushing between my fingers is no help. If this is what flying feels like, then it’s highly overrated. I lean forward in an attempt to go vertical, which has the ill effect of pitching me forward so I catch a brief view of how far I am from the stage. My body flips around another time. I don’t want to land on my feet and crush my ankles. I certainly don’t want to land on my head and shatter my skull. I don’t want to break anything on my body!

If I won this season’s prize, I could defend myself instead of swirling helplessly like the roof of a house caught in a tornado.

The wind rips out my hair tie and blows my braid out in an instant. Blond hair whips me in the eyes. My body begins to descend slowly, while the spinning continues in full force. The tornado fades little by little into the stage until I am set down gently and it disappears altogether. I try to remain standing while the theater seats and stage continue to spin, but I tilt to one side and misstep. Thump. I fall to the stage, sprawled out on my side. It could have been worse, though. Way, way worse.

It’s a little hard to feel grateful as partially digested lunch rushes up my throat. I swallow it down.

Malachi stomps over. “What the hell was that, Hutchins?”

Great. He’s using my last name. The coaches never use contestants ’last names. I must be in trouble.

It’s a serious effort to get to my feet, which takes outstretched arms to keep my balance, but I’m not about to listen to this lecture in a crumpled heap on the stage.

My loose hair tickles my cheeks. I swallow again and cover my mouth with my hand. Malachi’s not in my face, but I don’t want him scenting my vomit breath. Well, not technically breath, but whatever foul waft might originate from the leftover taste on my tongue.

Malachi doesn’t wait for me to answer his question before drilling into me. “First rule of magical combat—never lose hold of your wand.”

“You lost yours,” I mutter, which is the wrong thing to say.

Author Bio:

Nikki Jefford is a third-generation Alaskan nomad married to an amazing Frenchman. She loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt! Books, travel, TV series, hiking, writing, and motorcycle riding are her favorite escapes. The dark side of human nature fascinates her, so long as it’s balanced by humor and romance.

To get in on the fun and adventure, visit Nikki at her website for release alerts, updates, exclusive giveaways, and a free story when you subscribe to her newsletter: https://nikkijefford.com/newsletter/

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

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**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.*

Trophy Wife
Kiru Taye
(Yadili, #6)
Publication date: September 30th 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance

He needs her to elevate his status.

But she will be his downfall.

Finally, Ifeoma is ready to fully embrace the freedom of singlehood. Her ex-husband has moved on and remarried, and her son has flown the nest. With the intention of self-discovery, she embarks on a worldwide adventure, determined to fulfil three items on her wish-list: to experience pure joy, to find laughter in every corner, and to revel in her own sensuality.

Then she meets Nero, a mysterious Black Italian whose charm captivates her instantly. And for twenty-four hours he fulfils every item on her wish-list. But he wants more, more than she’s willing to give. So, she ends it and goes home.

Months later, Nero turns up in Nigeria, more detached and ruthless than the man she remembers, intent on destroying her family business and legacy. And only one thing will quench his bloody feud—Ifeoma as his trophy wife.

Still Ifeoma is a titled woman who isn’t easy to control, if she can keep Nero out of her bed—the one place his passion burns hotter than a forge at dawn, consuming her restraint.

Trophy Wife is book 6 in the Yadili series. In this enemies-to-lovers romance, the air crackles with tension and the chemistry between the characters is scorching hot, creating a story that will leave you breathless. Themes include unrequited love, touch her and die, forced proximity, and the intoxicating darkness of a mafia romance. A full-length novel. No cliffhanger.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Apple / Kobo / Google / Selar

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EXCERPT:

Nero sat immobilised as he watched Ifeoma approach him. Today she was in a V-neck knee-length multi-print wraparound dress with ties around the side. She’d worn it with a grey blazer which now hung over the chair she’d been sitting on.

Walking away from a woman had never been difficult for him. And it shouldn’t be with Ifeoma. Yet a heavy weight had crushed his chest when he’d told her he was no longer interested in marrying her.

She leaned her hips against the table beside him and caught his wrist in her soft hand.

His flesh burned at the contact, sparks shooting down his arm. It annoyed him.

This unwavering attraction he held for her had to be because it had been months since he fucked any woman. Months since he fucked her. She was the last woman he’d touched intimately.

She’d run away after their night together, blocked him from contacting her. Yet here he was burning from her simple touch.

“Don’t.” The one word was filled with the emotions she roused. A growl rumbled from his chest as he pulled his hand away from her.

Author Bio:

Kiru is the award winning author of His Treasure. She writes sensual and passionate multicultural romance stories set mostly in Africa. When she’s not writing you can find her either immersed in a good book or catching up with friends and family. She currently lives in the South of England with her husband and three children.

Subscribe to her newsletter for book news and giveaways: http://www.kirutaye.com

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GIVEAWAY!

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**This post contains Amazon affiliate links which will allow me as an associate to earn a small commission on any purchase made through the link of the products I share. This commission in no way changes the pricing of any items for the buyer.*

Sea of Scars
Frances Paul
Publication date: October 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Romance

I lost everything. My job. My family. My life…my sanity.

In Frances Paul’s poignant and gripping novel, Sea of Scars, we are introduced to a protagonist who has hit rock bottom. His story is one of loss and despair, but also of hope and redemption. As we gear up for the much-anticipated relaunch of this compelling tale, let’s delve into the heart-wrenching journey that awaits readers.

A Story of Loss and Redemption

Sea of Scars tells the story of Zachary Reid, a man who has lost everything: his wife, his kids, and his honor, suffering a dishonorable discharge from the Marines. In his quest to prove his strength and resilience, he only managed to dig a deeper hole of despair, leading to devastating consequences for those he loved most. His refusal to seek the help he so desperately needed caused irreparable damage, leaving him in a sea of regret and guilt.

A Glimmer of Hope

Just as he starts to believe that life has abandoned him, he encounters Courtney Peterson—a stunning woman with a tumultuous history and scars that reflect his own. Their shared damage is profound, prompting him to question whether their bond represents true hope or mutual downfall. Yet, amidst these doubts, Courtney infuses his spirit with fresh vitality, sparking a faint hope that perhaps, he has received a second opportunity to amend his life.

Themes of Strength and Vulnerability

Frances Paul masterfully weaves themes of strength and vulnerability throughout Sea of Scars. The protagonist’s journey is a powerful reminder that acknowledging our weaknesses and seeking help is a true sign of strength. Courtney’s character serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even the most broken among us can find healing and redemption.

Why You Should Read Sea of Scars

The upcoming relaunch of Sea of Scars is more than just a second release; it’s an opportunity for new readers to discover a deeply moving story and for previous readers to reconnect with its powerful themes. This novel is perfect for anyone who has faced their own battles with loss and pain, and for those who believe in the power of second chances.

In addition to the relaunch of the print and digital versions, Sea of Scars will now be available as an audiobook, performed by the talented James Leitch. Leitch’s voice brings a new dimension to the story, capturing the raw emotions and complexities of each character with remarkable dedication. His performance is sure to enhance the reader’s experience, making the journey through “Sea of Scars” even more immersive and impactful.

Frances Paul’s Sea of Scars is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to overcome their own personal demons.

Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the transformative journey of Sea of Scars. This is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, and with James Leitch’s captivating narration, the audiobook promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

CHAPTER ONE

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.

~ Norman Cousins

Silence filled the room, lingering for several minutes— longer than in their previous sessions. Dr. Bailey Clark glanced at the wall clock across from her seat. This was their fifth session, and nothing had changed since their first. His reluctance to open up wasn’t surprising, given her experience with severe cases like his. These therapy sessions weren’t his choice; they were court- ordered. Though she could report him as uncooperative, that wouldn’t heal his illness or solve any problems. His panic attacks and extreme anxiety could escalate into something more dangerous, and it was her responsibility to prevent that if possible.

“Zachary, this is our fifth session, and we haven’t made any headway. At some point, you’ll need to trust me. I am not here to simply report your progress to the court. I am truly alarmed and worried about you,” Dr. Clark expressed as cautiously as she could to avoid him walking out, as he did on his last visit.

She closed her notepad, removed the glasses that sat at the bridge of her pointy nose, and set them aside, hoping the gesture would create some level of comfort and trust between them.

“We can start small, as I suggested on your last visit. Let’s talk about Alison. How did you meet her?” Her voice was now measured, almost a whisper.

Her gestures loosened her client’s tense demeanor. He sighed and took his focus off the blank wall he’d been gawking at for the past fifteen minutes.

In an uncanny way, the soft gray wall brought him a sense of solace. “College, right before I enlisted.” He eyed his hands, now clasped together. “We dated for a year before we eloped. She was pregnant with our first kid. I was deployed to Western Asia on a peaceful mission before Amelia was born.”

“That’s interesting,” Dr. Clark said. “What was the motivation behind your enlistment?”

“My grandfather was a SEAL, a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy. So was my great- grandfather. My father was a Marine, Brigadier General. Both served our great nation well. It was tough growing up in a family with such high expectations. From the day I was born, I was groomed to serve my country. I guess that was all the motivation I needed. Their life’s mission was accomplished when I enlisted after my eighteenth birthday.”

“Are you in contact with them?”

“That would be hard to do since they both passed away before I was deployed on my first mission.”

“Sorry to hear that. Your mother, any siblings?”

Zachary shook his head, recalling his lonely childhood being an awkward little boy who spent most of his days trapped in a treehouse playing with his military soldier toy kit. Having a

fear of rejection by both sexes, making friends wasn’t his forte. He was safer trapped in his own world of seclusion. His father wasn’t an easy man to love or please, and Zachary lived in fear of disappointing him, hence his decision to enlist, hoping to please the old man. His father suffered from alcoholism and constantly ridiculed him no matter how hard he worked to appease him. When he was home, he indulged in activities that initiated violence against both Zachary and his mother. It was a story that was too painful for him to relive or communicate.

Observing his hesitation to discuss his childhood, Dr. Clark smartly took another approach. “Tell me about your first mission. Your time in Western Asia.”

Zachary slouched onto the couch and continued to eye his hands. “It only lasted a year. It was exactly as the name conveyed, peaceful. We spent days and nights patrolling small villages and protecting them from their own, the local rebels. We had an agreement with these insurgents to stay away from innocent civilians. A few of us were left behind to ensure that they kept their end of the deal. I remember thinking how tedious the mission was. I was prepared for combat, a more active operation. That dangerous duty I had dreamed of partaking in since I was a little boy playing with my military playset. So, I thought…” His expression turned somber once more.

“I don’t want to push you too hard…”

“I’d like to get this over with. You want to know about my last mission?”

“If you are up for it.” Dr. Clark picked up her notepad and clicked the back of her pen.

“It was exactly what I asked for. I served two tours before I got my other-than-honorable discharge. It was a difficult time for my family. After my first tour, I could barely sleep at night without visualizing the men I killed in combat. The vicious, ungodly, gory crimes I witnessed. The cries of women that’d lost their husbands and sons.

I suffered from severe PTSD, yet nobody cared. They only cared about defending the borders, destroying the rebels, sending you out to kill, kill, and kill. I knew I couldn’t complain because it was exactly what I wanted. I soon realized otherwise. This couldn’t possibly be the life my father and grandfather expected me to live. My mind was sick after my first kill. It was a man you could probably say deserved it. He was a member of a group that terrorized the villagers. Killed men, children, and raped their women, though killing him didn’t bring me solace but rather triggered my first stage of depression. On my second tour, I saw my colleagues being blown into pieces. Do you know what the burning of human flesh smells like? Their screams, the squeals, like wounded animals, the horror in their voices. Why was I so lucky to be alive? Is it even luck to live with such disturbing images in my mind daily?” He hunched forward and grimaced, looking utterly disheartened.

“One night, my dear friend and colleague Sgt. Pierce and I were patrolling the borders a few miles from our base. After an hour on duty, we heard gunshots coming from the base. We abandoned the post and rushed to investigate.” Zachary paused, swallowing a lump of grief. He heaved a sigh, then rubbed the back of his neck in a frantic motion. He gazed at his trembling hands and continued without meeting Dr. Clark’s eyes. “The base was ablaze, and we could hear the screams of our men as bombs detonated from all sides. I saw one of our corporals running in hysterical circles, his body engulfed in flames. I rushed to help him, but by the time I reached his side, a bullet had already pierced his head. I had to drop for cover. That was the moment I got separated from Pierce. The chaos was overwhelming, and I couldn’t see what was happening. I took down a couple of enemies as I searched for the rest of my comrades…but what I saw…” His voice trembled.

The anguish in Zachary’s voice was something Dr. Clark hadn’t encountered before. Though she’d counseled many returnees and veterans in the past, there was something

uniquely haunting about his pain. It stirred a deep resolve within her to go beyond her usual efforts and truly help him through his suffering.

“What I saw will live with me for the rest of my miserable life. Scorching bodies of my colleagues, heads blown off, some decapitated. No one survived the ambush. I was obviously outnumbered, couldn’t do anything except hide like a coward. The rogues dismantled our properties and celebrated their accomplishment. They piled up the corpses of my men, bodies on bodies. Some relieved themselves on the corpses while others spat on them. A while later, a man yelled a few words in their local dialect, and the rest cheered while firing shots in the air. They dragged my friend Sgt. Pierce on the ground while he pleaded for his life.

There was nothing I could do other than whimper in the dark like the weakling I was. He was executed seconds later, beheaded while he pled.”

Zachary paused and exhaled sharply. “The executioner just tossed his head on top of the pile of bodies they had collected.”

Dr. Clark cleared her throat as she absorbed Zachary’s horrifying experience. “Do you want to take a break? We can continue in your next session. I don’t want to overwhelm you.” In truth, she needed a break from the gory details herself.

“Do you not understand what I’m saying to you, Dr. Clark? Overwhelming is when your command sergeant tells you the day after witnessing something so barbaric to get back on the field and do your job like nothing happened. It’s just another day. No time to mourn the fallen or receive proper counseling. I was sick, weak, not physically but mentally and spiritually after that ordeal. I snuck out to bars and drank every single night, even while on duty. My judgment was impaired. I didn’t know the difference between an ally and a foe. I blamed every person that crossed my path. I once strangled a man to near death because all I saw were the faces of the animals that killed my comrades. After getting into fights with my team members and the locals on a regular basis and ignoring all the warnings that were issued out to me, I was sent home. Tossed to the side like garbage. I was unmanageable, and for justifiable reasons. That’s it. They throw you back into the world, damaged or not. I couldn’t sleep, eat, or make love to my wife. My kids became strangers. My anger escalated, and yelling became a norm in my home. Everyone tiptoed around me, even my own kids. They are the enemies now. When I get my episodes, which are regularly, Alison becomes the target, and she’s been the target for the past six months. She does it well. Conceals the pain, bruises, and makes all kinds of excuses for my shameful behavior. Until recently. She couldn’t take it anymore. Now she’s seeking a divorce and, no doubt, sole custody of the kids. She is taking the one good thing I have left in this cruel world. I’m drowning, and there’s no coming back from this. So, I don’t care what you tell the courts. I’m not your charity case, so quit trying to fix something that is beyond repair. I see what you are doing, and it’s senseless.”

“You are not my charity case, and I apologize if I gave you that impression. You cannot give up and run from your problems. I get it, you might never recover from that experience, but you could try. At least for the sake of your kids.” Dr. Clark rose to her feet and treaded toward her desk. She drew a card from the Rolodex and turned back to him.

Zachary wore a permanent frown, lost in his obscure thoughts. His posture suggested defeat, and his demeanor advocated violence. He had potential to cause more havoc, and not only to his wife and kids, but to the public. There had been many cases in the news about lone gunmen, conspiracy theorists, militias, and people with depression and mental illness who caused so much grief in the world. She didn’t want to wake up one day to see the face of her patient on the news. The blood of innocent souls would be on her hands. This was a curse she couldn’t live with. She refused to give the court a reason to lock him away when there was hope. A lot of work, nonetheless she was confident.

Am I overreaching? She often questioned her sanity when faced with such complex cases. “Zachary, how would you feel about participating in a group treatment program with other servicemen with similar issues as yours? Before you say no, hear me out. The program provides a safe environment for patients to become more socially associated with others, and it offers the opportunity to build trust. Before any change can occur, we must restore your lack of faith. It wouldn’t take your pain away, I know that. As humans, we have moments when we lose all hope and are unable to believe in second chances. Relationships turn sour, people die, and we lose courage. Life is about breaking barriers and pushing through uncertainties. My words might seem trivial now, but we must begin somewhere, believing you’ll overcome this. From similar cases, I’ve learned that one-on-one treatment isn’t as effective as people often think. In group programs, you’ll interact with others who truly understand what you’re going through because they’ve lived it. I’d be lying if I said I knew exactly how you feel—despite all my degrees, I lack that personal experience. If you choose to participate, I’ll continue working with you throughout the program.”

Zachary was quiet, contemplating her proposal. The doctor was right; he was lost, living in extreme paranoia and unable to love and protect his family. He witnessed violence way before he enlisted. He felt destitute and deserted, and that needed to change. Alison was the best thing that had ever happened to him, and now she detested his very existence. While he might not be able to win her back, he could at least try. He stood and nodded at Dr. Clark.

Relieved, she passed the group counselor’s contact information to him. “You won’t regret this, Zachary.”

“Let’s hope not.”

Author Bio:

Born and raised in Accra, Ghana and now living in Cincinnati, Ohio. A banker, wife and mother of two amazing kids. She finds writing to be a great passion of hers and a path she was born to follow. She began by writing short stories at a young age. Now, she has four published books and working on a few more projects. She’s a crazy tea lover, loves to travel, eat, and enjoys learning about different cultures. Authors she is inspired by are Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts and Jeffrey Archer. Hope you enjoy her books as greatly as she enjoyed producing them.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane
E.D. Hackett
Publication date: October 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

A wedding, a snowstorm, and a road trip with your ex…what could possibly go wrong?

Cassidy McCarthy, a single woman from Tampa, is on her way back to Boston for the first time in years to attend her best friend’s wedding. While guilt has kept her away from her home and family, she simply can’t turn her best friend down.

At the airport, Cassidy becomes stranded by a freak snowstorm and is unexpectedly thrust into the path of her ex, Dusty. Forced to share the last rental car and a journey up the Eastern seaboard together, they are confronted with the shared past and buried emotions they both presumed long gone.

Cassidy can’t help but wonder if their story isn’t over yet…

When Dusty arrives at the wedding with another woman on his arm, Cassidy is thrown for a loop and reminded yet again of the destructive behaviors of her past. Will she find the strength to fix her mistakes and preserve the relationships she holds closest to her heart, or will she return to Florida alone?

If you enjoy closed-door romance, personal growth, and second chances, you’ll love E.D. Hackett’s A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.

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Author Bio:

E.D Hackett is a Speech-language pathologist by day and a writer by night. She writes novels that investigate layers of self-expectations, family dynamics, self-love and self-acceptance. She hopes that her novels create a safe and cozy environment for her readers to fall into and explore.

She writes women’s fiction with one foot in romance.

She lives in New England but in her heart, she feels that she belongs in Ireland. She reads women’s fiction and romantic comedies, prefers books to movies, loves ice cream over cake, and thrives in fall and spring.

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