You know the old adage "mother knows best"? Well, in Elaine Lui’s world this couldn’t be more true. Elaine refers to her mother Judy as “ma” in person but this dynamo of a woman is better known as “The Squawking Chicken” in Lui’s circle of friends and fans.
Told in the voice of Catherine the Great, Eva Stachniak’s enthralling literary novel EMPRESS OF THE NIGHT intimately captures one of history’s most remarkable leaders as she reflects on her ascension to the throne, her rule over the world’s greatest power, and the sacrifices that made her the most feared and commanding woman of her time.
How can a family vacation go from idyllic to illicit all in the span of a single week? THE LEMON GROVE starts off with scenes of British couple Jenn and Greg enjoying their annual vacation spot on the island of Mallorca in Spain. Their relaxing respite is altered with the arrival of Jenn’s moody teenage step-daughter Emma and her beautiful new beau Nathan.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet and interview one of my favourite Canadian authors about her new novel ROAD ENDS. Watch the video interview below for insights into Mary Lawson's new novel and find out her interesting inspiration for writing ROAD ENDS.
All right moms, be honest. Do you have days when you just can't wait until wine o'clock? Are you with me? I know it's not responsible to drink on the job, and parenting is a 24/7 job, but seriously,some daysneed to end with a little pick-me-up! Parenting can be tough in so many ways and new moms can benefit from regular doses of honest advice but maybe with a spoonful of liqueur to help it go down. Lyranda and Fiona are in the thick of new parenthood but they still have vague recall of what life was like pre-kids.
It was the year 1977. On a steamy August night, 12-year-old Emanuel Jaques goes missing from the notorious Yonge Street strip in downtown Toronto. His family immigrated to Canada from the Azores to start a new life in the Portuguese community. Emanuel was shining shoes with his brother and friend when he was lured away on the promise of extra cash to move camera equipment. He was never seen alive again. Emanuel's body was discovered four days later on the roof of a tavern.
Imagine 14th century Avignon, France where the Pope rules from his palace and the menfolk are almighty. You're a young girl living with your mother and grandmother. You've been given the name Solange; angel of the sun. You're family is part of the have-nots in the community so your mother entertains the men who visit from the tavern above your home. Your life is simple and you feel secure, that is until your mother dies during childbirth.
