January rings in a new year, celebrates hopes, and evokes memories. Some memories are of loved ones passed, work lost, and friends gone astray. The entertainment industry steps in to help us cope with a film so memorable, so iconic, we watch it over and over again. One such classic is Casablanca, now 81 years since its premiere.
Pablo often bursts into song from the movie, “A Kiss is Just a Kiss…” or imitates Humphrey Bogart speaking one of his famous lines, “Of all the gin joints in all the towns….” He has loved Casablanca ever since he first watched it on the big screen.
A few years ago, he embarked on what would seem to be impossible: writing a sequel to Casablanca. The title, Brazzaville, comes from one of the closing lines in the film, and Elio adopted it for the name of the French resistance forces in North Africa.
5 Star Reviews From Our Readers
Where would published authors be without readers? We’ve been blessed to receive 5-star reviews from readers, both friend and stranger. We are most grateful that they took time to give us their thoughts. Here are a few reviews, abbreviated for space allocation:
Brazzaville – “It is the hallmark of a great movie to daydream about what would happen to those beloved characters after the credits roll. Well I found this little gem to be the answer.” – Joe S.
Casi Di Nova – “A breezy read, a light romantic comedy well worth the read.” – Amazon reader
Protect the Guilty – “Could not put this book down.” – Amazon reader
An Infectious Game – “This infectious thriller is fast paced, riveting, and original.” – Lorraine E.
The Lilium – “An irresistible brew of adventure sprinkled with thought-provoking moments.” – David R.
The Reluctant Nazi – “Balanced and detailed, a heartrending work of art by Zaragoza.” – Amado V.
The Kokomo Railroad – “This book restored my faith in the human spirit, awed by the author’s tenacity and selflessness, a modern-day female David fighting the Goliath, racism. An important book.” – Carmen J.
GUEST AUTHOR: STEPHEN GRIMBLE
FOR LOVE & LIBERTY
Stephen Grimble’s historical novel, For Love & Liberty, is a gripping story that tackles myriad issues of the United States in turmoil, of three states at the brink of secession, and of one man’s drive to preserve liberty for future generations.
At the same time, Stephen devotes a significant portion of For Love & Liberty to the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, a serious tutorial for those who may have forgotten the significant contributions of our Founding Fathers.
Stephen skillfully interweaves early American history with a poignant love story.
He pays homage to the Founding Fathers’ sacred trust – to secure the blessings of liberty for posterity – through the actions of six distinguished citizens who, out of concern for America’s future, form the Madison Committee, named for the Father of the Constitution.
“…a timely and cautionary tale, full of drama, romance, and a perspective on history rarely found anywhere.”
Five-star review: “Every college student should be required to read For Love & Liberty before they can graduate.” – Michael B.
No popcorn. Just previews of coming attractions…
Gypsy Heroine – A young American woman journeys to England to meet her gypsy grandmother, a heroine in World War II, and broaden her understanding of her ancestral ties.
BacterioStatic – Elio’s first science fiction novel, this story does not feature scary monsters or aliens but a biological entity found in a lake in north central Florida that wreaks havoc on the area with an even greater threat to the rest of the country.
Matson’s Case No. 5 – Matson goes hot on the trail of a serial killer, fanatic of a Caribbean religion, who haunts New York City’s Latin community.
Pope Joan – fascinating historical fiction about a woman who, against all odds, became pope
We Walk on Ash – a fable about a Japanese man and his daughter taken by celestial beings at the moment the atomic bomb detonates over Hiroshima, and whose quest becomes the avoidance of nuclear war caused by a demon god
And from Susan…
Alone Across Africa – an inspirational true story of the first white woman to drive across the African continent (and halfway back again) in 1959 on the heels of the turbulent Mau-Mau revolution against British control of Kenya.
A FACELIFT FOR AWARD-WINNING ANIMAL COURT
Matson’s Case No. 1… Also Always Free!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation for your ongoing support, and extend our warmest wishes for a Healthy, Prosperous, and Happy New Year!
