Wednesday, January 15, 2025

In the Kitchen with Lily Barrish Levner #InTheKitchen




My book is set during the 1940s at a resort that serves unlimited kosher food to all the guests, and food is a big part of Banquets & Bootleg Bounty. In that vein, I’m sharing a brisket recipe. Brisket is commonly served on Shabbat, special occasions, and holidays. To me, beef brisket symbolizes friends and family coming together over a savory meal.

The recipe I’ve chosen as a favorite is not a family secret passed down by generations, though I wish my family had one of those, nor is it a bit complicated. It’s what I call Grandma’s Brisket Recipe—conveniently, it can be found on the outside of an onion soup packet.

Brisket
Ketchup
1 package of dry onion soup mix (I use the Lipton brand)
Carrots
Potatoes
Onion
Garlic
Salt/Pepper

Brisket must cook for a long time to become tender. My rule of thumb is 1 to 1.5 hours per pound at 325 degrees.

I like to add raw garlic and onions because they are superfoods, good for your health. Some people add root vegetables as well. My mom never used the onion soup mix in her recipe. Once at Rosh Hashanah, I had brisket that someone cooked with tomato sauce, and it was delicious. There are many ways to serve a tasty brisket; my recipe is just one way.

If by chance, there’s leftover brisket, it makes for a good sandwich the next day.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Banquets and Bootleg Bounty 
Catskill Capers 
Book One
Lily Barrish Levner

Genre: Cozy Mystery. Historical. 
Publisher: Neversink Press 
Date of Publication: Nov. 11, 2024
ISBN: 979-8990895201
ASIN: B0DM1JFPQS
Number of pages: 222
Word Count: 50,000
Cover Artist: Jaycee DeLorenzo

Tagline: A 1944 Cozy Mystery with a Dash of Mobster Gold. 

Book Description:

It’s the summer of 1944 as Dotty and Abe arrive at the bustling Concord Hotel in the heart of the Catskill Mountains’ famous Borscht Belt. They are eager to start their new jobs as waitress and busboy but soon discover that serving demanding diners and dealing with unruly guests—including Abe’s impossible-to-please mother—is the least of their worries.

Rumors swirl that a notorious Murder, Inc. gangster has hidden a fortune in cash somewhere in the area. As Dotty and Abe are swept into the race to discover the whereabouts of the legendary loot, they find themselves dodging more than just grumpy guests. With dangerous characters lurking around every corner, the duo must stay one step ahead if they want to keep their future in the mountains from crumbling.

Will Dotty and Abe hit the jackpot, or will they become the next victims of a deadly game?

Fans of Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel will love Banquets and Bootleg Bounty, the first in the Catskills Capers series by Lily Barrish Levner.

Amazon     BN

“Mrs. Maisel meets Agatha Christie in this engaging debut!” ~New York Times bestselling author Wendy Corsi Staub

“This book is such a treat. Banquets and Bootleg Bounty is a fantastically fun romp through the height of the Catskills with spot-on historical accuracy. Author Lily Barrish Levner gives readers a bird’s eye view of the dining rooms at the Concord, with a dash of romance and a side of danger. Grab a bowl of matzo ball soup and enjoy the ride!” ~ Meredith Schorr, author of As Seen on TV

“It’s really great that the golden era of the Catskills is remembered. This book brought back a flood of memories.” ~Steve White, Concord tennis pro/Arthur Winarick’s great-nephew

“Lily Barrish Levner captures the Catskill Mountains of 1944 with love and longing for a by-gone era in this triumphant debut. Banquets and Bootleg Bounty is more delicious than Shabbat dinner at the Concord Hotel.”~ Marilyn Rothstein, author of Crazy to Leave You

“If you want a taste of delicious food the Concord served to its guests while experiencing the thrill of a dining room mystery in the Catskills, it’s time to read Lily Barrish Levner’s debut novel, Banquets & Bootleg Bounty.”~ Patti Posner, author of My View From the Mountains

“Mystery meets History in this engaging debut!” ~ New York Times bestselling author Wendy Corsi Staub


Excerpt - Week 1, Friday

Dotty

“That sure is a fancy ride,” a passerby called and whistled while a black Buick Roadmaster rolled to a stop next to the curb on E. 167th Street.

Dotty fanned herself with one hand and clutched the handle of her large, olive-green bag with the other. She was winded and shvitzing after she schlepped from her family’s third-floor walk-up apartment during a Bronx heat wave.

Cars zipped past, and the elevated Jerome Avenue subway rumbled along the tracks. She said,

“Good riddance” to the concrete and brick buildings she was leaving behind. It was thrilling to escape the city heat for a couple of months.

Just last night, she had been surprised when Papa told her there was a seat available in the taxicab. She planned to take the bus. She waved goodbye to the neighborhood, flashing a sunny smile over her good fortune. A hack was such a decadent way to travel to the mountains.

“The middle seat is open,” said the driver, rearranging luggage in the trunk.

A gentleman stood outside the car so she could crawl into the center of the three-person bench seat. She rested her handbag on her lap and settled in for an adventure. “I can’t believe I’m going to the Concord!”

“Oh, the Concord,” the silver-haired woman sitting to her left said in a dreamy voice. “I’m going to the Heiden Hotel in South Fallsburg.”

“I’m visiting my aunt and uncle at the Hotel Evans in Loch Sheldrake for the weekend,” volunteered the gentleman, who was back inside the car, sitting to her right.

“We’ve got one more stop to fetch a wife staying at Sunny Oaks bungalow colony in South Fallsburg for the next two months. Her husband won’t be in the mountains until next week,” the driver said, speeding off.

“Are we in a vaudeville act?” Dotty asked a few minutes later. She watched the middle-aged woman bringing out suitcases, food, a lamp, an ironing board, dishes, pans, and sheets. It seemed she had packed her entire city apartment.

The driver huffed and puffed as he tied a rope around the roof rack. The lamp wobbled, a casserole dish crashed, and a flock of pigeons hijacked a loaf of bread.

Once everything was loaded and everyone was seated, the driver was chatty. “It’s the first year the Concord has been open year-round.”

“I’ve heard wonderful things about it.” Dotty shimmied her shoulders, gazing at the scenery roll by. “I’m one of the first waitresses under the new maître d’, Irving Cohen.”

The driver removed one hand from the wheel to snap his fingers. “You are going to a happening place. How’d you end up at Arthur Winarick’s masterpiece?”

“My papa said you can make real nice money in the mountains. So, I went to an employment agency down in the Bowery. Since most boys are off at war, they are desperate to hire workers.”

“I’ve stayed at Grossinger’s. Never at the Concord,” said the gentleman heading to Hotel Evans.

“The Grossingers are the reason I have such a thriving business. They attracted the vacationers to the Catskills. People love to stay under Jennie Grossinger’s roof. They don’t call it the ‘Waldorf of the Catskills’ for nothing,” said the driver.

Dozens of people had mentioned Grossinger’s to her after learning she would be waitressing in the mountains. She pictured a stately hotel sitting on sprawling grounds.

The driver snapped his fingers again. “Here’s a little mountain history for you. Grossinger’s was the most lavish resort until your new boss, Arthur Winarick, cropped up with a fortune in hand. One night he couldn’t get a room at the G because the hotel was booked. Right then and there he vowed to build a bigger and better hotel to lure the guests away. After the prior owner of the Ideal House defaulted, he lucked out and acquired it. Renamed it and rebuilt it. That’s how the Concord started. There were thirty guests in the beginning and look at it already—there are three hundred guests now.”

“It’s true. Grossinger’s has the name recognition, but the Concord has the finances,” said the woman heading to Sunny Oaks.

“Every building at the Concord was designed to meet Winarick’s vision of richness,” said the Heiden Hotel guest.

“Bet you didn’t know that Winarick bought concrete and steel structures in their entirety from the 1939 World’s Fair. He also purchased a ferryboat at 125th Street and dismantled it for steel.

He didn’t have to borrow a penny,” the driver said, veering to the left.

“How did he become so wealthy?” Dotty asked.

“Winarick was a barber during Prohibition. He’s one lucky son of a gun. On account of his profession, he had rights to alcohol, and his brother just so happened to be a chemist. They set up a basement barber shop. Sold bootleg liquor on the side and made a killing selling Jeris Hair Tonic—largely consisting of alcohol and perfume.”

“He’s a real clever man,” she said.The driver sang the jingle, “Jeris hits the jackpot for greaseless good grooming and healthier, handsomer hair.”

She had high hopes that her pockets would soon be overflowing with tips and she would be able to buy Papa some of the hair tonic for his birthday.

“It’s hot in here!” shouted the wife in the front, fanning herself with a handkerchief.

“Roll down a window!” shouted the gentleman in the back.

“The wind is blowing on me,” complained the wife.

Dotty raised her hand and caught the silver-haired woman’s pillbox hat before it flew out the window. The woman sighed in relief.

“Have you considered trying out for the Yankees with a catch like that?” asked the driver.

She smiled and leaned her head back. She remembered the one time her family had stayed at the Delano Hotel in Monticello. She loved playing the pinball machine there.

About midway through their trip, coasting on the narrow, two-lane Route 17 highway, the hack turned off and into the crowded parking lot of the Red Apple Rest. Dotty stared at the large red apple that sat on top of the roof as they waited for an overheated car’s engine to spring back to life. Once the parking space opened, she sprinted under the multicolored striped awning.

Astonished by the impressive roadside eatery, she surveyed the wide selection of hot and cold food. Papa had told her the washrooms here were the nicest public ones anywhere. He had also said Reuben Freed, the owner, showed genuine care for his patrons. The outdoor line for frankfurters and ice cream was long, so she settled on a root beer soda pop from inside. She did not have an appetite anyway. The lively waystation made her even more excited to reach her destination.

They drove through Chester and Goshen. In Middletown, the traffic became bottlenecked on the winding streets. From Middletown, they traveled back roads. At the bottom of the Wurtsboro mountain, the hack was so overloaded she feared they would not clear the hill.

Abe

Riveted by all the billboards lining the country roads directing guests to the Catskill Mountain resorts, Abe kept his nose pressed to the window. As the black Buick Super wound through towns and villages that made up Sullivan County, he saw bungalow renters unloading their jam-packed vehicles and airing out their summer bungalows. They were his first glimpse of summer vacationers in the mountains.

A rectangular-shaped building painted a buttery shade of yellow with brown trim came into view. The Buick skidded to a halt in front of it, and the driver said, “You can make a real comfortable living here. Arthur Winarick created something special.”

Abe jerked forward and his glasses slid down his face. It was a grand version of the architecture he was used to back in Brighton Beach. He counted the windows on the four-story building that could stretch the length of three Brooklyn blocks as he crawled out of the back seat. He ran his eyes over the lush landscape, inhaling fresh mountain air, already filled with respect for this Arthur Winarick fella. Exquisite gardens and dense trees lined the pristine grounds. Crystal-clear Kiamesha Lake, to the left of the main building, faced the perfectly maintained nine holes of the golf course.

Three entertainers were wedged together in the backseat, surrounded by costumes and props that would not fit into the overstuffed trunk. He retrieved his bag from under wigs, cards, and a top hat. “My pockets might not be full yet, but I’m only returning home once they are overflowing,” he vowed, waving goodbye to the fella behind the wheel who’d given him a lift to the mountains. He spent the entire ride memorizing every piece of advice he received, determined to make a success of himself with the fortuitous opportunities in front of him.

He threw his shoulders back and held his head high. He fit right in. Back in New York City, the lack of men on the streets made him ashamed that people believed he was a malingerer not returning to war. The doors to the hotel were pulling him to something special. He followed the bustling bellhops and energized guests into the lobby.

Luggage began to pile up in front of the doorway while he waited for his room assignment in the staff living quarters. An unassuming man wearing a white shirt, suspenders, and faded pants hurried over to haul the suitcases to a corner, so Abe trooped over to help. He stacked suitcases one on top of another, presuming the man must be an older lobby porter and well-liked since everyone who passed by smiled his way.

After they stacked all the suitcases, the man stuck his hand out. “Thank you. I can already tell you’re a hard worker. I’m Arthur Winarick. Welcome to my hotel.”

His heartbeat doubled its normal rhythm. He expected a sharp-dressed gonsa macher, not just an ordinary fella with thinning hair and lackluster clothing.

Already counting his luck, he received his room assignment and trekked the short distance to the staff living quarters, a separate hotel called the Colonial. It sat behind the main hotel where the guests stayed. The white-painted building reminded him of an oversized bungalow. He let out a low whistle as he pushed into the first-floor room.

A boy with wavy brown hair and a polite smile said, “I’m Leon.”

Introducing himself, he took the bed on the left since Leon had already chosen the one on the right.

“Hello, Abe. Where did you travel from?”

“Brighton Beach. And you?” He inspected the empty drawers of the dresser. He omitted that he had grown up in Philadelphia, only moving to Brooklyn once his mother had reappeared.

“I’m from Warsaw. I escaped at the start of the war.”

Speechless, he unzipped his bag. He knew Poland was thousands of miles away and Leon’s journey must have been dangerous. His childhood in foster care had been no picnic, but Leon’s life in Europe had presented greater challenges. He tossed a pair of socks into the drawer.

Leon continued. “I was working at a luncheonette in Manhattan, struggling to make a living, when I heard they needed help in the hotels. Can you believe I was completely unaware that there were hills north of the city?”

He had previously traveled to upstate New York, so he was familiar with the countryside. He pulled more socks from his bag. “As soon as I heard about the high wages and all the luxuries that came with living in the mountains, I signed up on the spot. I prefer this to being cooped up inside my stepfather’s garment factory all day. I didn’t expect such a dandy space to call home for the summer.”

“How come you aren’t enrolled in the army?”

He shifted his eyes to the single window in the middle of the room. “They discharged me.”

Leon remained quiet. His kind eyes encouraged Abe to say more.

“I was a drill sergeant in Miami until a doctor diagnosed my eyesight as too poor to continue to serve.” He returned from duty, at 19 years old, with his brunette hair a shade more golden, his skin tanned, and his muscles bulging from a year of physical activity under the Florida sun.

“There is no shame in wearing spectacles.”
He tapped the rim of his glasses. “My eyesight isn’t that terrible.”

Leon reached for his checkered newsboy hat; his voice was friendly. “Ah, a Jewish doctor who didn’t want to see another Jewish boy come home in a coffin.”

He raked his hands through his hair, swallowing hard. Here he was a young man in perfect health, while both of his brothers were still serving in the U.S Army. He never wanted people to think he was less patriotic. His Ma’s words rang in his ears. “Abe-ala, this means I won’t lose all three of my boys.”

That comment had stung.

“The Concord is lucky to have you.”He snapped back to the present. “I have had the pleasure of meeting the owner already.”

Leon’s eyebrows shot toward the ceiling. “Arthur Winarick? Making a good impression right away is smart.” He pointed to his head. “I made sure to use Jeris Hair Tonic today in case I bumped into him. That’s why my hair is so glossy.”

He scratched his ear, not admitting he did not understand the reference. “How come you speak such fluent English?”

“I had a neighbor back in Poland who was a diplomat and a resistance fighter. He taught English classes.” Leon placed the newsboy cap on top of his head.

Sprawled out on his mattress, stretching his legs and wiggling his toes, Abe knew he had made the right decision. And he was glad he had someone like Leon by his side. “I feel like a king.”

“There’s tremendous potential.”

His smile spread from ear to ear. “I think I can pave my own way up here.”

A whole new chapter was beginning.

Dotty

Dotty tried to read every single one of the hotel billboards cramming the landscape. When they approached the sign that said, “Turn Here to Concord Hotel,” she was jiggling her legs.

The Hotel Evans guest hollered, “Can you drop me off first?”

“I have specific directions. She’s number one on the list.” The driver tilted his head toward the woman en route to the Heiden.

At the first drop-off, Dotty could not take her eyes off the Tudor-style building as the driver announced, “The Concord is the next stop.”

Now she could not sit still.

Minutes later, after zooming up the mountain, the driver said, “We’ve arrived. Good luck.” He handed her olive-green bag over.

“The Bronx has no space that compares to this.” She gawked in awe at the size of the building nestled in rich grounds.

The yellow paint on the exterior reminded her of their kitchen’s wallpaper at home. Oh, she could not wait to tell Ma and Papa about this exquisite place. Her parents, Merke and Isaac, expected her to write to them all summer long. She would send a postcard soon.

She took a moment to smell the sweet floral scent from the colorful flower gardens before she schlepped her bag through the entryway. People crowded the lobby, greeting each other as long-lost friends. Some staff were new hires, like herself. Others were returning for another season in the mountains.

A helpful bellhop tapped her on the shoulder. “I’ll carry your bag to the Colonial, where you’ll be staying.” He led her to another building.

She blinked hard. “I get to live here? It’s an entire hotel!”

“Staff living conditions like this certainly aren’t the norm. Nobody sleeps on a cot in a closet around here. Arthur makes sure we have the best.”

“I’m so lucky the Concord hired me.” She watched two fellas stride into the Colonial.

“It’s coed,” said the bellhop, winking.

She raised her eyebrows, never having stayed in co-ed living quarters. She stepped into her new home. The blue and white floral wallpaper caught her eye. Her papa, who worked as a wallpaper hanger, always made sure to do careful work. He would be pleased with the job done here.

Once she reached her assigned room, she straightened her skirt and blouse. A striking girl with chestnut-colored curls appeared in the doorway. “I heard you thumping down the hallway.

Welcome. I’m Eva. I’m a waitress in the main dining room. Do you play cards? How about poker?”

She plopped her bag onto the ground and sat on the empty bed to catch her breath. “I’m a waitress as well. Yes, I love playing cards.” She ran her hands through her dishwater-blonde hair, wishing it had as much volume as Eva’s.

“I’m organizing a Sunday night game, after we collect our tips, of course.” Eva touched the opal heart-shaped stone hanging on a gold chain she wore around her neck.

“I’ll be at the table,” Dotty promised. She would have to ask Ma for some hints since Ma played cards every day on the Grand Concourse back home in the Bronx.

“Very good. We’ll be working hard, but don’t worry, there’s lots of time for socializing.”

She began unpacking as Eva peppered her with questions. “Do you have experience waiting tables?”

“Oh, yes. I learned everything I know at the Lido Beach Hotel on Long Island. I spent a season there before the Navy turned it into an amphibious base and discharge center. I worked at a resort in Far Rockaway and another one out in Lakewood, New Jersey, after that.”

Eva put her hands on her hips. “How old were you when you started waitressing?”

“14,” she admitted. “I told the man I was 17 and he told me to say 18.” She chuckled at the memory. She had worn high heels and bright red lipstick, clomping down Skid Row to the employment agency in the Bowery. Today she was 18 years old and did not have to fib about her age to work at the Concord.

“You’re an old pro,” Eva said, sweeping her hand through the air.

“How long have you been waitressing?” Dotty, too, had questions.

“After I traveled over from Germany, Arthur Winarick hired me. That was Pesach (Passover) two seasons ago.”

“Are you a refugee?” She placed her hand over her heart.

“Yes. I’m very lucky to be here. My German mom and British dad raised me in Southern

Germany. I’m an English citizen. My parents wanted me out of Europe. They felt it was safest for me to come over to the States. Arthur has a soft spot in his heart for refugees. I landed at the right hotel.”

Glad about that, Dotty rested her head on the pillow, enjoying the comfort of her own bed for the first time. She stretched out her legs and closed her eyes. “I’ve shared the sleeper sofa with my sister and listened to the Jerome Avenue train my entire life.”

“You’ve spent the day traveling; a snooze before Shabbat dinner might set you right.”

She jumped back up and parted the curtains to gaze at the greenery. “I hope Irving Cohen isn’t too strict.”

Eva flung her wrist in the air. “People call him ‘King Cupid.’ How harsh do you think a man with that nickname can be?”

“What if, since it’s his first summer in charge of the dining room, he’s extra tough?” She took a deep breath.

“Bet you didn’t know he was recently married. Consider him still in the honeymoon phase. Act confident and you’ll do fine.”

“I’ve always received compliments from my bosses. I’m not worried.” She bit her bottom lip and watched Eva study her reflection in a handheld mirror.

Eva had a twinkle in her eye. “Stay away from Hershel. He’s my bashert.”

Suddenly, Dotty cared a lot more about her appearance as she slipped into her white waitressing uniform. For breakfast and lunch, the two dairy meals of the day, the required dress code was yellow dresses and white aprons. The meat dinner was served wearing white dresses and white aprons.

Eva wiggled into her uniform. “Don’t forget the trick is to stay ahead of everything and not lose control of your station. What are the three important terms to measure success?”

“‘A breeze’ means the meal ran smoothly, a ‘good meal’ needs no explanation, and a ‘bomb’ means everything went terribly.” She spritzed Chantilly perfume onto her right wrist. The fruity notes of orange blossom mixed with jasmine and other citruses filled their room.

“Very good. What’s the worst thing you can do?”

“Anger the chef. I must wait until several guests ask for things from the kitchen. I want to avoid making too many trips back there.”

“What’s the second-worst thing?”

“I can’t get hung up, or I’ll never meet all the guests’ demands, and I’ll fall behind the kitchen’s schedule.”

“I don’t have to tell you tips depend on how pleasant we are to guests and how quickly we feed them.”

Thankful for all she learned that first summer on Lido Beach, and confident in her food-serving abilities, Dotty swung the door open. The same two fellas she had seen earlier were now exiting their room a couple of doors down. They wore stark white jackets. I have a feeling this is going to be a very good summer.


About the Author:

Lily Barrish Levner comes from a family that cherished books and learning—her mother was a schoolteacher, and her father was the director of the Monticello library, so it’s no surprise that storytelling has always been a part of her life. Growing up in Kiamesha Lake, New York, Lily spent her childhood sleuthing around the iconic Catskills resorts with friends and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. Her grandparents worked in the resort industry, a connection that inspires her stories.

As a fourth-generation Jewish American, Lily deeply connects to the Catskill Mountains and the Borscht Belt, where her heritage and childhood memories blend. Her fondest recollections are tied to places like the Concord, Kutsher’s, the Pines, the Raleigh, and Sunny Oaks bungalow colony—sites that have left an indelible mark on her writing.

With a BA in Creative Writing and a Master’s in Library and Information Science, Lily has spent the past decade as a copy desk researcher at Bloomberg Businessweek while working on her novel and contributing monthly articles to the Hurleyville Sentinel. She currently lives in the Catskills with her husband and their dog, Gus, where the magic of the mountains still influences her work. 

Stay tuned for the further adventures of Dotty and Abe when Book 2 of the Catskills Capers series is published in the summer of 2025.


Hurleyville Sentinel: https://hurleyvillesentinel.com/ 






Friday, January 10, 2025

A House with Bad Bones by Adeline Tatum #Poetry


A House with Bad Bones
Adeline Tatum
 
Genre: Poetry
Publisher: Quillkeepers Press
Date of Publication: 11/23/2024
ISBN: 979-8-9891532-8-3
Number of pages: 85
Word Count: 4,555
Cover Artist: Quillkeepers Press
 
Tagline: A poetry collection that focuses on themes of childhood and religious trauma, love and loss.

A House With Bad Bones is an eloquently penned poetry collection that focuses on themes of love, loss, childhood and religious trauma, and self-discovery. 

Reflecting on past experiences, relationships, and mental health, to seek solace and understanding in the midst of turmoil and confusion. 

The writing captures moments of vulnerability, longing, and resilience, painting a vivid picture of inner turmoil and the search for love and acceptance.




Excerpt:

I was born in a house with bad bones. I was seven when I saw him push her through the door, breaking her arm in a cocaine-fueled rage. I was dismantled at a young age.

He was never really around, you know he's gotta be a man. He had gone out to get himself a brand new life with no room for me or his past. She wasn't ready for the flood that would hit our home, drowning herself in bottles of rum. 

Perhaps nostalgia had began spilling secrets of the angry war vet she could never please as a little girl. I just don't know. I don't think I can blame her, though. Maybe she didn't know any better. 

But in the end, it was these two who gave me life; who sealed my fate. Who made me think that love feels like a punch in the face, Begging and going after people who just don't care. It was they, who left me to wonder if I was invisible. A deprived little girl with self-esteem issues.

Was it worth it? I know when you die, you'll know finally know who I am. I know you'll swim in a sea of my tears. Maybe then you'll know I was real.


About the Author:
 
Adeline is a poet who grew up in a small town in Illinois. She attended Kankakee Community College, pursuing a degree in Psychology, and is currently studying Creative Writing. She was first published in the 2022 winter issue of the literary magazine Sequoia Speaks. She since had been featured in several poetry anthologies including, Because I F*cking Said So, Harvest, and Sapling.
 







Monday, December 30, 2024

The Harlequin's Legacy by Andrés Rosas Hott


Guest Blog- Juggling Family Life and Writing

My profession isn’t as a full-time writer; I work as a live-action/animation Director and a creative producer. However, since my work is mostly project-based, I do have time to focus on my book in between jobs. 

While my wife is busy with her full-time job, I’m at home managing the house and the kids. 

Balancing being a “house-man” and writing can be tough, but it works for me. 

I don’t have a deadline to worry about, and writing is a fun way to express my creativity between projects. 

It’s all about finding that rhythm!

The Harlequin's Legacy
Book One
Andrés Rosas Hott

Genre: YA fantasy
Publisher: Red Moon Publishing 
Date of Publication: Oct 20, 2024
ISBN-10: ‎9198971506
ISBN-13: 978-9198971507
ASIN: 9198971506
Number of pages: ‎ 338 pages
Cover Artist: Ary Fajriyanto

Book Description:

Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to embrace your legacy. 

In the enchanting land of The Vale, the grand city of Pivot stands as a beacon of innovation where scientific progress clashes with the now-dwindling beliefs in magic the place once held.

Just outside of Pivot, 17-year-old Pascal has spent his life at The Skystead Home for Orphaned Children. Life outside of the orphanage seems ceaselessly interesting, and shielded from the rest of the world, he wants nothing more than to explore. Already puzzled by unanswered questions about his past, Pascal’s concern deepens as he learns about a grim mystery of local children’s disappearances.

In pursuit of finding his place in life, Pascal is joined by Paloma—a street-savvy girl and former gang leader with a tragic past—and Pierrot—a silent, enigmatic companion. Together, the unlikely trio begins to sneak out of the orphanage to experience the one place that still embraces magic: the welcoming carnival.

As secrets come to light and begin to unravel, the truth unveils hidden strengths within each of the three young companions. Their fates become entangled with the lost souls, leading them to a terrifying truth that threatens the very foundation of their world. Their friendships are put to the test as they confront demons both within and outside themselves, drawing them closer to a sinister plot that can tear at the very fabric of their reality. 

Before they know it, their paths become profoundly intertwined with the fate of the missing children.

The Harlequin’s Legacy is a gripping tale of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery. Pascal, Paloma, and Pierrot trust in their inner courage and resilience in order to reach their true potential despite trials and tribulations. This story encourages everyone to dare to dream, to believe in themself, and embrace the legacy that awaits them.

Amazon      BN

Excerpt:

Pascal was late. Again. He stepped quickly over fallen logs and ducked low beneath swooping evergreen branches.   Though the wilderness was dense in this part of the forest, he navigated it with remarkable ease. His footsteps as light as a whisper over treacherous mossy rocks. With each exhale, misty clouds formed in the shake of his breath, the biting cold of winter creeping all the way through the thickness of his coat. He pulled his collar tighter to forbid the chill from entering even more.

Yet, as he walked, his mind strayed from his course, far from the natural beauty surrounding him.

He muttered under his breath as he walked over the gnarled roots, every step a cautious dance. He slipped and slid in his frequent eff orts to stoop under even more pointy twigs of evergreen that sought to block his path, to grab him as he passed. Pascal had taken this route countless times before, and today, that thought was a frustrating one.

After spending the majority of his life at the orphanage, he wanted nothing more than to leave, to see the world, to taste all that lay unseen and undiscovered. He would soon have that opportunity. Yet, knowing that he’d soon be graduating also left him uneasy.

Can I even handle surviving on my own? He wondered. I´ve always had the comfort of Mistress Alma and the orphanage to look after me.

 

The bittersweet longing left him conflicted and a little in secure, truth be told. How would he know when he was ready? What threshold would he finally cross?

The forest, usually a great source of comfort and solace, felt somehow different on this day. It seemed to be echoing his inner turmoil, causing him to lose all sense of time.

The sun stretched over the tree line of the Quiet Wilds, reminding him that his walk should have ended about fifteen minutes ago. He picked up his pace.

Great. The last thing I wanted to do was disappoint Mistress Alma. And miss dinner.

The final approach was quick, as he nearly ran the remaining half-mile. Once he spotted the entrance, he slipped in with stealth. The mess hall was already full. He’d have to wait for the perfect moment to sneak inside.

“Have you seen Pascal?”

Whispers spread through the orphanage’s mess hall like wildfire as the children ate their typical meal for a Wednesday night: potatoes and vegetable stew. A classic, one that Pascal didn’t want to miss.

When he peered around the corner, he spotted his friends Clarion and Danton exchanging a knowing glance. Surely, they were assuming he’d been caught up in his exploration outside the orphanage grounds. Which he had. In fact, that was exactly what he had done.

His eyes wandered down the table to Tania, one of the older girls at the orphanage, just as she was motioning for Mistress Alma. Damn. Of course, Tania would notice his absence. She never knew how to keep quiet about these sorts of things.

Removing her pince-nez glasses, Mistress Alma scanned over the mess hall. She rubbed at her eyes, which seemed to be sore at the day´s end, a fact that proved fortunate for Pascal. In her scan, she’d somehow managed to Miss Tania’s raised hand. She circled the room slowly and met children along the wall, all beaming in her presence.

Then, she turned on her heel to stride toward the kitchen, her simple brown dress and jacket flowing behind her.

Poor Tania was stretching her arm ever-higher, looking fit to burst from her efforts, but still, Mistress Alma did not see. That was a relief. Though, the win was short-lived; it was just a matter of time before she realized Pascal wasn´t present and that he was late again.

 

Once she disappeared into the kitchen, Pascal exhaled, his eyes glinting. This was the perfect opportunity. Yet, when he glanced around the mess hall at the tame expressions the children wore, he couldn’t suppress the urge to liven up their evening a bit more. After all, he’d been working on a few tricks that he could hardly wait to show them. Why not come in with a bang? He’d probably get in some amount of trouble anyway…

He walked around to the main mess hall entrance and burst through the doors with as much dramatic flair as he could muster. He flipped into a handstand, pressing his palms against the floor, and then strutted through the mess hall on his hands.

The room erupted in laughter. Pascal could never do things quietly.


About the Author:

Meet Andrés Rosas Hott, a fresh voice in the literary scene whose debut novel is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse experiences. With a master's degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from Konstfack - University of Arts, Crafts and Design, and a background as a commercial director focused on creating animated and live-action commercials, Andrés emerges not only as an author but as a passionate storyteller devoted to whisking readers away on captivating journeys.

In his much-anticipated first book, "The Harlequin's Legacy," Andrés draws inspiration from his favorite character, The Harlequin, spinning a unique mythology around this mysterious figure. The tagline, "Dare to dream, Dare to believe, Dare to embrace your Legacy," sets the stage for a transformative adventure with his characters.

Beyond the fantastical realm, Andrés skillfully weaves conceptual storytelling with a deep understanding of personal growth, relationships, and emotions. Themes of courage, identity, and embracing one's true potential resonate with readers on a profound level, making his work more than just an escape into fantasy.

Andrés, grounded in diverse creative experiences, values his role as a family man. In the heart of Stockholm, Sweden, he adeptly juggles the realms of fantasy and family life, carving out precious moments with his wife and two sons. His story reflects the simple truth that creativity thrives not only in the world of imagination but also within the embrace of family.

As readers embark on a remarkable journey into fantasy YA literature with Andrés, they can expect not only an adventure filled with imagination and wonder but also a tale of self-discovery. "The Harlequin's Legacy" marks the beginning of an exciting series, and Andrés extends a warm invitation for readers to join him on this extraordinary literary expedition

Website: https://www.redmoonpublishing.com/

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

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218594098

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565516144086




Thursday, December 19, 2024

The Hunter's Daughter by Nicola Solvinic - Deck the Halls with Books Holiday Extravaganza



Winter Solstice
By Nicola Solvinic

The sun god is gone
He stripped the leaves when he went
Trampled the grasses 
And swept into the bronze sunset

The winter god is here
The stag-horned watcher
Known only by cloven tracks in the snow
And the weight of his gaze under snow-spangled lashes

Heavy twitching branches of green
Once obscured the moon in summer
That seething night
Of cicadas, crickets, bullfrogs singing 

Night’s perfectly still now
Except for the crunch of snow 
And the moon burns through skeletons of bare trees
With the thousand flickers of dead stars

Underground, curled in thick earth
Prey dreams of summer days, 
He will dig it up, drag it, bellowing and twitching
To the surface

In the red and white field
Prey races across the snows
He will overtake it, felling it
In a tangle of broken legs and sinew

He is the hunter in both seasons, king of these woods
Seething and silent
Searching out his precious sacrifices
Sunless, in shadow, he reigns.



The Hunter's Daughter 
Nicola Solvinic 

Genre: Supernatural Mystery, Serial Killer Thriller
Publisher: ‎Berkley 
Release Date: May 14, 2024
Hardcover: ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10: ‎0593639723
ISBN-13: ‎978-0593639726

Book Description:

A hypnotic, sinister debut mystery about a seemingly good cop who is secretly the daughter of a notorious serial killer.

Anna Koray escaped her father’s darkness long ago. When she was a girl, her childhood memories were sealed away from her conscious mind by a controversial hypnosis treatment. She’s now a decorated sheriff’s lieutenant serving a rural county, conducting an ordinary life far from her father’s shadow. 

When Anna kills a man in the line of duty, her suppressed memories return. She dreams of her beloved father, his hands red with blood, surrounded by flower-decked corpses he had sacrificed to the god of the forest. 

To Anna’s horror, a serial killer emerges who is copying her father – and who knows who she really is. Is her father still alive, or is this the work of another? Will the killer expose her, destroying everything she has built for herself? Does she want him to?

But as she haunts the forest, using her father’s tricks to the hunt the killer, will she find what she needs most…or lose herself in the gathering darkness? 

Penguin     Amazon


Excerpt:

“I didn’t mean for you to find out like this, Elena.”

A soft voice echoed from the other side of the house. I turned my gaze to a pile of rotted fallen beams. My dad sat there quietly in the dark, perched as he would in a tree stand in the forest. His hat was low over his head, and his rifle was slung over his shoulder.

“I didn’t mean for you to find out at all.”

I whimpered.

He sighed.

“Are you a monster?” I demanded. The word didn’t seem adequate. “Monster” sounded like a word for fairy tales. Not my beloved dad.

He looked at the bodies arranged around the room. “Maybe.”

He stretched his legs and slid down the pile. I backed up against the rusted stove. Liquid sloshed, and something cold and wet splashed down my side. I recognized the smell immediately: curdled blood. A metal bucket turned over and crashed on the floor, spilling the rest of the blood over my sneakers.

I was frozen. I saw the outline of the door, and I should’ve run. But I was rooted in place, as motionless and helpless as any of these women.

My dad loomed over me. His face was strange, his eyes too dark and still. This man who stood over me was not my dad. He was some changeling who had come to take him, leaving an evil shell in his place. A monster.

“What have you done with my dad?” I croaked.

He reached out to touch my cheek. I flinched.

“Your dad is gone.” His voice was a low hiss, like rain in a gutter.

And I knew then what I saw. It was my dad’s Forest God, the one he called Veles, dark and terrible and devouring everything under this roof. He wanted me. I didn’t know if he meant to consume me like those other women or if the Forest God was wanting to do to me as he was doing to my dad, wearing my skin like his own . . .

The door crashed open. The Forest God spun, reaching for his rifle, but he was tackled by a snarling dog. Percival.

An armed shadow stood in the doorway. Agent Parkes. “Freeze,” he ordered.

The Forest God had no intention of obeying anyone’s orders. He wrestled with the dog, and the rifle went off. A new hole was blown in the roof, and I was partially blinded by muzzle flash and deafened by a gunshot in a closed space.

“Drop it!” Parkes commanded. His voice was faint and tinny over the ringing in my ears.

The Forest God scrambled away from the dog, kicking Percival in the chest. He sighted his rifle on the dog.

I screamed.

The Forest God hesitated for an instant—only an instant.

It was enough.

More gunfire, muzzle flashes. The Forest God tumbled across the floor. Parkes advanced on him, shouting, his shoes slipping in the blood. Percival was growling, clamping my dad’s right hand in his jaws. The rifle spun out on the floor, the barrel skidding up against my sneakers. It was hot, and it singed the rubber of my shoe.

“Put it down!” Parkes yelled. The man who had once been my father had gotten his hunting knife loose from his belt and was slashing at Percival. He’d pulled himself up into a half crouch, dripping on the floor, snarling like a cornered animal.

“Put it down now!”

I knew Parkes was going to kill my dad.

Trembling, I reached down for the gun at my feet.

 

About the Author:

Nicola Solvinic has a master’s degree in criminology and has worked in and around criminal justice for more than a decade. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and cats, where she is surrounded by a secret garden full of beehives.










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