Father Figures: Faith, Trials & Tribulations

The Sergeant, The Incredible Life of Nicholas Said: Son of an African General, Slave of the Ottomans, Free Man Under the Tsars, Hero of the Union Army

by Dean Calbreath

non-fiction history

Pegasus Books, February 2023

Author's note, twenty-eight chapters, epilogue, notes, and an index recount the details of one impressive man's journey across continents and through pivotal historic times and events.

from near the end of the epilogue:

He [Nicholas Said] witnessed firsthand the impact of jihads in the Muslim world, enslavement in Africa, the decline of the Ottoman Empire, unrest in Tsarist Russia, the golden age of European aristocracy, and the Civil War and Reconstruction in the United States.

It's a compelling march through history as humanized by Nicholas Said's experiences in his own words about them in addition to others' observations about him.

Double the Lies (Annalee Spain #2) by Patricia Raybon

early 20th-c. fiction, mystery

Tyndale House Publishers, February 2023

This layered, intricately woven mystery offers rich historical sociopolitical context, believable multifaceted characters, emotional depth, intrigue, suspense, and its own distinct narrative alchemy that captivates. This second installment in the series works as a standalone and as an incentive to go back and read All That Is Secret.

Fans of Nekesa Afia's Harlem Renaissance series, Leslye Penelope's The Monsters We Defy, the Lady Sherlock series from Sherry Thomas, and other similar historical mystery series that feature complex characters with competing strengths and vulnerabilities set in immersive historical settings should enjoy this author's storytelling gifts, especially readers who appreciate the inclusion of Christian religious and spiritual themes.

Weekly Reading Binge

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Tapping into Your Power

The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying. [2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna contemporary speculative romance Berkeley, July 2025 Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable. One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen: Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become...

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TWWBF Grand Finale Gratitude & More Books

The 6th and grand finale The Write Women Book Fest 2025 event last weekend was phenomenal! It exceeded our most ambitious hopes during these very challenging times. Many, many heartfelt thanks to the each of the featured authors, tabling authors & their assistants, TWWBF Poet Laureate Aressa V. Williams, performing poets, storytime readers in the children's area, narrators, author and publishing services professionals... Special thanks to the 2/3 of the TBR Trio who attended, a dynamic IG influencer, and each and every attendee who engaged with participants and bought books and merch. And to the volunteers, Bowie Comfort Inn staff, the team at South Bowie Branch Library, and as always, our conscientious, tireless team of dedicated TWWBF voluntolders, expressions of gratitude beyond words! [a "The Write Women Book Fest" journal, a tote bag with "Maria Secoy Romantic Suspense" and a smaller "Thank you" tote bag] [a collage of 3 images: left - pla...

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