Ep59: Elaine’s Literary Salon show — “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom” shares author, mom of 3 and cancer survivor Elizabeth Hodges

“The Democracy We Must Keep: Seven founders, nine documents, and the ideas that shaped America,” is the theme of the powerful new book by historian David O. Stewart

Meet the Author: A trial and appellate lawyer for many years, David writes history and historical novels. He has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Washington Independent Review of Books, was a reporter for the Staten Island Advance, and for 10 years wrote the monthly Supreme Court column for the American Bar Association Journal. He has also done on-air commentary for CNN, C-SPAN, Bloomberg News, and MSNBC. About his newest book, The Democracy We Must Keep: [https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Must-Keep-Documents-conceived-ebook/dp/B0FLKHMJ9R]Seven Founders, Nine Documents, and the Ideas That Shaped America What did America’s founders say about democracy—and can we remain true to their vision for America? Two hundred fifty years ago, passionate men attempted to create something the world had never seen before: a nation built not on kings or armies, but on ideas where the people ruled. “The Democracy We Must Keep,” by David O. Stewart In The Democracy We Must Keep, historian David O. Stewart takes readers inside the nine key documents that shaped the formation of the United States—from Patrick Henry’s thunderous cry for liberty to the carefully crafted design of a government chosen by the people, with limits on all officials holding power under the Constitution. Through the words of seven visionary founders—Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Gouverneur Morris, and others—Stewart shows how a fragile experiment in self-government took shape. These men were not saints. They argued passionately. They worried that the new nation might fall apart. Yet together, they forged the principles that must still define American democracy: That power must be limited. That leaders must answer to the people. That individual rights must be protected by law. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, The Democracy We Must Keep urges readers to rediscover core ideas that built the nation—and to consider what it will take to protect them. Accessible, engaging, and timely, this book is for anyone who wants to understand how American democracy started, and why it still matters. “George Washington,” by David O. Stewart More about David’s books: His narrative histories have won seven awards from historical and literary organizations, and include: * George Washington: The Political Rise of America’s Founding Father [https://davidostewart.com/books/george-washington-the-political-rise-of-americas-founding-father/], which the Wall Street Journal, called “an outstanding biography” with “clear, often superlative” writing. * The Summer of 1787:  The Men Who Invented the Constitution [https://smile.amazon.com/Summer-1787-Invented-Constitution-Collection/dp/0743286936/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470399833&sr=8-1&keywords=Summer+of+1787], focuses on the compromises that produced the U.S. Constitution, and the men who hammered them out. * Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln’s Legacy [https://smile.amazon.com/Impeached-President-Andrew-Johnson-Lincolns/dp/1416547509/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470400506&sr=1-1&keywords=Impeached]grows from my defense of a Senate impeachment trial. * American Emperor: Aaron Burr’s Challenge to Jefferson’s America, [https://smile.amazon.com/American-Emperor-Challenge-Jeffersons-America/dp/1439157200/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470399996&sr=1-1&keywords=american+emperor]explores Aaron Burr’s Western expedition of 1806-07, which landed Burr on trial for treason. * Madison’s Gift:  Five Partnerships That Built America [https://smile.amazon.com/Madisons-Gift-Partnerships-Built-America/dp/1451688598/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1470399959&sr=8-1&keywords=Madison%27s+Gift]– examines James Madison’s talent for working with leaders of the Founding Era. My historical fiction includes two series: The Deception trilogy features the unlikely partnership of Dr. Jamie Fraser and ex-ballplayer Speed Cook. In The Lincoln Deception,  [http://www.amazon.com/The-Lincoln-Deception-David-Stewart/dp/0758290675] they explore the secrets behind the Lincoln assassination. The Paris Deception  [https://bookshop.org/books/the-paris-deception-a-fraser-and-cook-historical-mystery-book-2/9781644571699?aid=1839]places them at the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, and in The Babe Ruth Deception [https://smile.amazon.com/Babe-Ruth-Deception-Fraser-Mystery/dp/149670200X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1470400044&sr=1-1&keywords=Babe+Ruth+Deception], they struggle to protect the slugger from gangland violence and the Black Sox scandal. The Overstreet saga begins with The New Land [https://davidostewart.com/books/the-new-land/], which follows a German family to the Maine coast in 1753, where they face hardship and war.  Book Two (The Burning Land [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Burning-Land/David-O-Stewart/The-Overstreet-Saga/9781637580820]) traces descendants through the Civil War era. Click here to buy David’s books. [https://www.amazon.com/George-Washington-Political-Americas-Founding/dp/B08B484H1N/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1FE2XY7T8OQT3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NAKDq_d5uPs8ua_YUwchf9ckdWphpC1xMiDLOcX8NFDPUmhPzSDAoP8zGCRoxDDCEyNndx4bePlsb5o616oHqr2p8Lpl1W9plNnWJFbcHvHgQoOnWNB_-v0_AtvP1_Jv0UsmCW_RjJCL0fdGfb-3kVcz38p5xWNJMxzDocADROYuw9_50X9jlkmAwuFdHer-IQqfobKXTkbstfp3fe6EB7JtZSsqbM2Pab-OjBs0Wcc.NSaVk8KDGuxwMMHfHELOSh3xmXCblRs1YSMacm8aPAs&dib_tag=se&keywords=david+o+stewart+george+washington&qid=1774887689&sprefix=david+o+stewart+george+washington%2Caps%2C102&sr=8-1] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Join us for lunch, brunch, dinner and Happy Hour at award-winning Elaine’s Restaurant About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

Ep59: Elaine’s Literary Salon show — “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom” shares author, mom of 3 and cancer survivor Elizabeth Hodges

Meet the Author: Elizabeth Hodges was 38 when she got the news, “You have leukemia.” Six weeks later, she was told she also had adult cystic fibrosis. With three young children, intense fear set in that she might not live to see them grow up. Instead of giving in, she became determined to prioritize her role as a mother and lead a life driven by purpose and clarity, even with cancer. Over her eighteen-year journey, she discovered that motherhood can be the strongest motivation to survive and thrive. Before cancer, Elizabeth was an accomplished global advertising and marketing executive who worked with Fortune 500 companies like Ogilvy & Mather and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). After her experience with these life-changing diseases, she shifted her focus to nonprofit work in the arts, global public health, and education. Now, she’s an advocate, writer, and storyteller, using her experiences to inspire other mothers navigating cancer’s tough road. Her debut book, “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom”, is an honest and heartfelt account of using motherhood as a source of strength, courage, and finding clarity in the face of adversity. Elizabeth is the proud mother of three adult daughters, each in their 20s. She and her husband split their time between England and Florida, where she continues to write and share her story. About the Book, Elizabeth explains: [https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N1QGOdoOPwtfrLSWEdF0p8fVxvL8xO4g1osFDFI5hj3vYRR9au0f1GkeRMsPQgJu6vyT5g2KAWXfYmT4xeO4xJlevAtYpf7JCzvKI9XYAI-lGVp8cYIouht-Niad4GRj77qn8BQJsauSJhN27lPLZtiO2FAND85DSO7nC3sIsGnG7TeeNe_256Zw2hs5Hm-3f_xD-HmVooDdd3zSqlIgP9ktuuPKI1utH4C-Q9rGA3o.VUpK6oNHcFpJ3xd_-7S1xBo3k-t8I1wWewEFyMbTtLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=elizabeth+hodges&qid=1738968098&sprefix=elizabeth+hodges%2Caps%2C563&sr=8-1]Being a mother is challenging enough—facing cancer at the same time can feel impossible. But as Elizabeth Hodges learned, survival isn’t just about beating the disease; it’s about showing up every day for the ones who need you most, including yourself. Diagnosed with leukemia at 38—and adult cystic fibrosis just weeks later—Elizabeth was determined to fight for her life while still being the mother her three young daughters deserved. Over 18 years, she discovered that motherhood isn’t just a challenge during cancer; it’s one of the strongest motivations to survive. “I Can’t Have Cancer, I Have Carpool! — Lessons on Beating Cancer While Being a Mom [https://www.elizabethhodges.com/my-book] is an educational memoir in which Elizabeth shares hard-earned insights and practical advice for navigating a diagnosis, managing treatment, and reclaiming control of your life while being present for your family. This book is a lifeline for any mother facing cancer, offering fresh hope, guidance, and the reminder that even on the hardest days, just making it to the carpool lane is a victory. Click here to buy the book! [https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Have-Cancer-Carpool-Lessons/dp/1665309075/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RYVNGQ9Y8E2G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N1QGOdoOPwtfrLSWEdF0p8fVxvL8xO4g1osFDFI5hj3vYRR9au0f1GkeRMsPQgJu6vyT5g2KAWXfYmT4xeO4xJlevAtYpf7JCzvKI9XYAI-lGVp8cYIouht-Niad4GRj77qn8BQJsauSJhN27lPLZtiO2FAND85DSO7nC3sIsGnG7TeeNe_256Zw2hs5Hm-3f_xD-HmVooDdd3zSqlIgP9ktuuPKI1utH4C-Q9rGA3o.VUpK6oNHcFpJ3xd_-7S1xBo3k-t8I1wWewEFyMbTtLA&dib_tag=se&keywords=elizabeth+hodges&qid=1738968098&sprefix=elizabeth+hodges%2Caps%2C563&sr=8-1] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

QuinTango is coming to Elaine’s on June 3! Join us for “The Stories Tango Tells” — an intimate interview with the group’s founder Joan Singer and composers Ali Cook and Emmanuel Trifilio

Experience QuinTango: Alexandria-based music group QuinTango made its splashy debut on the world stage in 1999 at the Clinton White House State Dinner for the president of Argentina.  Robert Duvall danced, and global news networks covered the event.  The following morning, QuinTango received an invitation to perform at an international music festival in Costa Rica, and they were off and running.  Twenty-eight years later, QuinTango is in its seventh iteration, still evolving and still excited to create and connect. Learn more: quintango.com [https://www.quintango.com/] Ali Cook, QuinTango About Ali Cook, bass: Ali’s dream of earning a spot in the double-bass section of a major orchestra ground to a halt when she was seized by a painful syndrome that rendered her arms useless at times. Forced to confront this fork in the road, Ali emerged from the experience healed, and in the process, discovered a trove of music and poetry within her waiting to be shared with the world. She moved to Austin TX, started her Americana group “Ali and the Wild Geese,” and released her first vocal album. Ali is now back in Alexandria, on the faculty of Opal Music Studio (bass, piano, voice and composition) and enjoys appearing with the National, Baltimore, and Detroit Symphonies when her schedule permits. Emmanuel Trifilio, QuinTango About Emmanuel Trifilio, bandoneon: “La vida es loca,” proclaims Emmanuel, sipping his mate tea, contemplating Amado Nervo’s poetry, and considering his life. A career-ending injury on the soccer field in his native Argentina allowed him to pick up his guitar and lose himself in music. Before long, the discovery of a bandoneon in a second-hand shop piqued his interest in tango and set him on the path to the United States. With the right instrument at the right time, Emmanuel has taken to the world stage as an acclaimed composer/arranger, and charismatic performer and member of QuinTango. Joan Singer, founder, QuinTango About Joan Singer, violin: QuinTango’s founder and director wakes up every morning knowing there’ll be fires to put out and glorious tangos to play. Thanks to a chance meeting with a Dutch tango musician some twenty-plus years ago, Joan combines a love of music with her Scotch-Irish story-telling talents, Quaker-based desire for global connections, and her weakness for glitz. She’s made hundreds of friends and enriched thousands of lives in the process. About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon is located at Elaine’s Restaurant, 208 Queen Street, Alexandria VA About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the former home of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins for 38 years. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

Ep58: History comes alive: Irene Bennett’s new novel, “Battle of the Artisans,” portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. Don’t miss our interview at Elaine’s!

Meet the Author: Irene Vinyard Bennett has wide experience as a writer and educational minister. Her debut novel, BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi, won the International Proverse Prize of 2022.  It is the first story about the Bronze-Age Bells of Marquis Yi, a National Treasure of China. An international motivational speaker, workshop leader, and minister, Irene writes and edits academic articles for theological journals in Ukraine and Myanmar, lectures online for Myanmar seminaries, and works with young families of Western Presbyterian Church in DC. She has written professionally throughout life in eight states, several countries, and now in Alexandria VA! She loves diverse cultures, speaks some Cantonese and Spanish, and has taught English to immigrants in Georgia, Florida, and multi-ethnic groups of women and university students in Hong Kong. Her favorite experiences involved sharing educational methods with church leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina, across Asia, and with many local English teachers in China, including the faculty of a school for the blind. Fun publications include feature interviews with an Olympic Gold Medalist and an international golfer at the Masters Tournament. Irene shares: I’m a word person who loves to write about ideas and issues and create stories for readers/listeners of all ages. I’m also a people person with a sign attached, saying, “Talk, I’ll Listen.” And, along my journeys around the globe, I’ve learned to teach and lead people with clear, concise, concrete, and personable communication. I joy in encouraging people of any culture to become who they desire to be — a writer, teacher, leader, life partner, parent, or even a better Christian. My favorite compliments ever? “When Irene isn’t teaching, she’s learning.”  “We always knew you would write a book!” Click here to follow Irene on LinkedIn. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenevinyardbennett/] About the Book: Battle of the Artisans: Making the Bells of Marquis Yi [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203664853-battle-of-the-artisans] “Battle of the Artisans,” by Irene Bennett Battle of the Artisans [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203664853-battle-of-the-artisans] tells the story of Tangtun, a conflicted, artistic twelve-year-old in 5th-century BCE China, who sets out to save his father from a killer. He crosses wits with his macho father, a vengeful king, armed thieves, and disgruntled villagers, and in the process discovers new powers that rock his Bronze-Age world. In the end, what matters most is not Tangtun’s artistic abilities or his father’s muscles and might, but the strength of acting together. This novel portrays the making of the very real Bells of Marquis Yi, a 2500-year-old National Treasure of China. No one knows exactly why these bells were made, but Bennett offers a well-researched, persuasive solution to the mystery through her story of Tangtun and his village on the Yangtze River. Every historical novel is an imagined introduction to a topic and a time. BATTLE OF THE ARTISANS invites readers to explore further the world and the science of the bells of Marquis Yi, to learn more about the early history of China, and to consider implications for the power of family and community. The author hopes that readers will connect with Tangtun and his world in ways that will enrich them and their own worlds. Click here to buy Battle of the Artisans. [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203664853-battle-of-the-artisans] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]

Mark you calendar for July 18: Lynda Allen is bringing her books to Elaine’s, including the Liv Wilde Mysteries newest title “Flashes of Fire and Fury.” She insists, “Menopause is a superpower!”

Meet the Author: Lynda Allen is a storyteller, author, poet, artist, and listener. She began her career in video post-production and documentary filmmaking before focusing her knack for storytelling on writing. She has written four poetry collections and the Liv Wilde Mysteries, featuring Flashes of Insight (book 1) and Flashes of a Dying Hour (book 2). Lynda is also the author of the Liv Wilde Mysteries, in which menopause is a superpower. “I had to put up with hot flashes every day, I figured I might as well make them useful!” Lynda shares: “I proudly infuse my writing with my Jersey Girl sensibilities and aim to create stories imbued with heart and humor. I live in Fredericksburg, VA, where the Liv Wilde mysteries are set, with my husband, our cat, and the many incredible eagle friends who pay us frequent visits. When I’m not writing about hot flash-induced psychic visions, I also write poetry and create art.” Learn more: lyndaallenwrites.com [https://www.lyndaallenwrites.com/] Author Lynda Allen brings us “Flashes of Fire and Fury About Lynda’s books: [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B006FBFAN0/allbooks?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab&pd_rd_w=Kl1yp&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pf_rd_p=7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pf_rd_r=143-8609782-6534460&pd_rd_wg=tJLbe&pd_rd_r=83eaecf9-2d95-42d4-8d8b-38a2ffef68e8&ccs_id=ebc563f9-58e9-4c7b-a3bf-7eda6194fe79] Flashes of Fire and Fury (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 3) There’s a witch hunt underway, and Liv Wilde is one of its targets. Liv knew it would be impossible to hide her menopausal superpower in a small town, but she never imagined the unwanted attention it would attract. Now, her hot flash-induced psychic visions have put her in the sights of a religious fanatic, who sends Liv a series of letters quoting increasingly disturbing biblical punishments for witches. More unwanted attention arrives in the form of Mando Jimenez, a superstitious local baseball player who’s convinced he’s being cursed and that only Liv can help him break it. Amid the threats and curses, Liv is haunted by visions of a woman being attacked in the woods and left to die in a fire. When her visions become reality and the threats hit closer to home, Liv and her friends race to discover if the letter writer and the attacker are the same person, before other women with supernatural abilities are targeted. With all the chaos in Liv’s life, the appearance of some welcome attention from a handsome man, only complicates matters. To protect herself and her daughters, bring the witch hunt to an end, and break Mando’s curse, Liv must put faith in her visions and learn a new way to access her insights. “Flashes of a Dying Hour,” by Lynda Allen Flashes of a Dying Hour (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 2) [https://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Dying-Hour-Wilde-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0DPXQCRY7?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y7zqYwOj4NRwlDmUvl_N5BUgExr07XLUdLhwU5aZare2lPU_AmkcH4oaodPWxxyyf4vcM49deXein9vZg-fNoNhiZYiGUrzQ8W0ZDjKsziA.WHEVrDsulpHfCWJUsS1ZHK4f7gepOsC6e3sf3WaQw1M&dib_tag=AUTHOR] What if menopause gave you a superpower? Menopause unlocked a previously unknown superpower for Liv Wilde – psychic visions during hot flashes. While her visions rarely have life and death consequences, for the first time, Liv sees a dead body in a premonition. When she comes face-to-face with the man while he’s still very much alive, Liv grapples with whether or not to warn him about his possible future. The mysterious stranger turns out to be one of the many treasure hunters who have descended upon her once quiet town of Fredericksburg, Virginia, in search of a rare and coveted copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s first poetry collection, Tamerlane. With help from her girlfriends, Liv joins the hunt, trying to tap into her insights to stay one step ahead of a dangerous treasure hunter known as The Falcon. Things become personal when a friend of Liv’s daughter is kidnapped by The Falcon. Amid visions of kidnapping and murder, Liv learns a hard lesson: not everyone wants to be saved from their fate. “Flashes of Insight,” by Lynda Allen Flashes of Insight (Liv Wilde Mysteries Book 1) [https://www.amazon.com/Flashes-Insight-Wilde-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B0DGW76HDD?ref_=ast_author_dp_rw&th=1&psc=1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y7zqYwOj4NRwlDmUvl_N5BUgExr07XLUdLhwU5aZare2lPU_AmkcH4oaodPWxxyyf4vcM49deXein9vZg-fNoNhiZYiGUrzQ8W0ZDjKsziA.WHEVrDsulpHfCWJUsS1ZHK4f7gepOsC6e3sf3WaQw1M&dib_tag=AUTHOR] Mood swings and insomnia are one thing, hot flash-induced psychic visions are quite another. When Olivia Wilde realizes the visions she’s been experiencing in the midst of hot flashes are actually premonitions, she has to learn to understand and trust what she sees in order to help a friend, preserve a piece of history, and save a life. When Liv’s friend Jane’s antique store in Fredericksburg, Virginia is robbed, Liv finds herself in the midst of a quest to find a secret cache of letters written by President James Monroe and his wife Elizabeth, which historians thought Monroe destroyed long ago. With the encouragement of her “Monthly” dinner party girlfriends, Liv begins to learn how to harness her newfound abilities, along with her smarts, to help uncover who is behind the break-in. It’s a quest that nearly costs two lives, including Liv’s, and teaches her the often-hidden price of small-town life and generational family secrets. Deftly weaving together elements of history, mystery, menopause, humor, some Jersey girl attitude, a bit of salty language, and a healthy dose of female friendship, Flashes of Insight marks the start of a new “Jersey Cozy”* series sure to deliver laughter, intelligence, and lots of heart. *Cozy Mystery reader beware! The author and protagonist both hail from New Jersey, so there is some profanity not usually found in traditional cozy mysteries. You have been forewarned! Click here to buy Lynda’s books. [https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B006FBFAN0/allbooks?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=aufs_ap_ahdr_dsk_ab&pd_rd_w=Kl1yp&content-id=amzn1.sym.7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pf_rd_p=7e190e19-9f6f-4df8-807a-5a7608594741&pf_rd_r=143-8609782-6534460&pd_rd_wg=tJLbe&pd_rd_r=83eaecf9-2d95-42d4-8d8b-38a2ffef68e8&ccs_id=ebc563f9-58e9-4c7b-a3bf-7eda6194fe79] About our Elaine’s Literary Salon Host, Jeffrey James Higgins: [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] A retired supervisory special agent who writes thrillers, short stories, creative nonfiction, and essays, Jeff has wrestled a suicide bomber, fought the Taliban in combat, and chased terrorists across five continents. He received the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism and the DEA Award of Valor. Jeffrey has been interviewed by CNN, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Learn more: jeffreyjameshiggings.com [http://www.jeffreyjameshiggings.com/] Find more of Elaine’s Literary Salon events here. [https://www.elainesliterarysalon.com/] And check back for new episodes of Elaine’s Literary Salon on Inkandescent.tv [http://www.tinyurl.com/elainestv] and listen to all the podcasts on InkandescentRadio.com. [https://inkandescentradio.com/series/elaines-literary-salon/] Elaine’s Literary Salon About Elaine’s Restaurant: [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]  A menu filled with delicious modern Mediterranean cuisine selections is sure to please everyone in your party. The dishes are inspired by exquisite food from Alexandria, Egypt — a blend of Middle Eastern and French, Greek, and Italian influences. Elaine’s is named for the owner’s grandmother and is based on a promise she made at the age of 12, growing up in Cairo. “I promised my grandma I would someday own a restaurant and name it after her,” shares Cynthia, who is also an author. She and her husband, bestselling thriller novelist Jeffrey James Higgins, are proud to share my family’s recipes with new friends and families in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.” Located in an 1880s building, it was the previous home for 38 years of the beloved bistro Bilbo Baggins. The newly renovated restaurant is located in the heart of Old Town’s Historic District within sight of the Potomac River and Founders Park, just a few blocks from The Torpedo Factory Art Center, and Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Make a reservation today:  [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]elaines-restaurant.com. [https://www.elaines-restaurant.com/about/]