Under an African Sky is a historical fiction by Elene Catrakilis. This book explored a setting I knew very little about - South Africa as Mandela was released from prison. We immediately find ourselves entrenched in the lives of two women. Sofia, a wealthy Greek immigrant, and Grace, her black housekeeper. Their friendship is central to the story despite their lives being worlds apart.

Elene did a wonderful job pulling readers into the characters' lives and giving us a feel for what it might have been like during this transformational time. I loved how it centered around mothers. Sofia who wants to keep her children close and safe in a world that no longer feels safe. And Grace who wants to see her son grow up with an education without feeling like a second-class citizen in his own country.

Elene expertly explores difficult concepts like racism, classism, and family dynamics without resorting to stererotypes. This was a beautiful story and one you should definitely at to your TBR.

Purchase a copy of Under an African Sky on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4h5aXhn​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4xaeIqN

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​In the latest episode of Online for Authors, I had the pleasure of chatting with Tanya Joy Morgan, the innovative mind behind Panoptic Foundations. Our discussion revolved around her unique concept of "anti-marketing" and its transformative impact on authors who traditionally dread the marketing aspect of their careers. As both an entrepreneur and a fiction author, Tanya provides enlightening insights that could help many of us move beyond the pressure-filled world of conventional marketing.

Forecast is a speculative thriller by Aaron Ryan. This is a retelling of the fateful day of 9/11. The difference? Roland Bishop.

Roland got struck by lightning and, ever since, he has been able to see the future. He is given visions of people he comes into contact with - and these people are about to die. He ignores the first visions but eventually finds himself trying to change the future based on what he knows. What he doesn't expect is to see airplanes crashing into the Twin Towers and people falling from the sky.

Aaron does a great job with character development. We get to know Roland, but also his therapist, as well as FBI agents, NYC police officers, and even neighbors. And despite having lived through 9/11 as the reader, Roland's visions and what he tried to do about them kept me riveted. I read the book in two days - and I suspect you will, too.

I've never read a speculative, historical fiction thriller before, but I'm glad Forecast was my first! Definitely give this one a try.

Purchase a copy of Forecast:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4fQlVaf​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4woAhnc

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