Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, February 16, 2026
 
Harriet Hates Lemonade

We're excited to have author Kim McCollum back with us again for another blog tour. This time she's sharing her newest novel, Harriet Hates Lemonade, with our WOW! community. It's perfect for readers who have loved similar books like A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. 

Join us as we celebrate the launch of her blog tour! We'll be interviewing Kim as well as giving away a copy of her book.

Before we get to that, here's more about her book:

Meet Harriet. But don’t be surprised if she isn’t interested in meeting you. 

Harriet has life all figured out, and she doesn’t hesitate to inform others of their shortcomings. Though her attempts to become president of the homeowner’s association failed, that doesn’t stop her from berating “off-leash-dog-man” or reporting the neighbor who had the audacity to leave their easter decorations up an entire week past the holiday. The problem is, unbeknownst to her, Harriet’s rigid rules and judgmental opinions are not her own.

Her ordered life plunges into chaos when a twelve-year-old neighbor knocks on Harriet's door seeking help because the girl’s father is physically abusing her mother. Reluctantly, Harriet comes to her neighbor’s aid and, in the process, recognizes her own insidious abuse which has unwittingly shaped her isolated, rigid existence. To escape her crushing loneliness, she must learn to break free from the patterns of control and isolation that have defined her life and learn to connect with people she previously viewed as heathens.

Publisher:  Black Rose Writing
ASIN: B0G2YPGWHV
ISBN-10: 1685137059
ISBN-13: 978-1685137052
Print Length: 312 pages

You can purchase a copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. Make sure you also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Advanced Praise for Harriet Hates Lemonade

"McCollum delivers a touching and subtly powerful story about self-discovery and unexpected connection. When Harriet’s carefully ordered life is disrupted by a neighbor in need, she’s drawn into a journey that challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. What begins as a small act of kindness becomes a turning point, awakening Harriet to new roles, relationships, and possibilities. Here's what McCollum has done—she’s shown how even the most unlikely people can find renewal and purpose when they’re willing to break their own rules." - Cam Torrens, award-winning author of the Tyler Zahn mystery/suspense series.

"Harriet Hates Lemonade is a deeply important and captivating story that will have you questioning your own preconceived notions of unhealthy relationships. The theme of abuse is explored like never before with both overt and subtle plot lines weaving together to facilitate emotion, compassion and understanding. McCollum's voice is steady and impactful, hooking the reader into Harriet's regimented and quirky life. At first, Harriet presents with neurodivergent tendencies, her opinions and actions questionable and insensitive, but as the novel progresses, a deep understanding and compassion for her character forms, shifting your perspective. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Although exploring difficult themes, the story is refreshing, realistic, and heartwarming." - Megan Jamieson, Author of The Ties That Bind Us

"Kim McCollum tackles the difficult subject of domestic abuse with sensitivity and unflinching honesty in HARRIET HATES LEMONADE. I rooted for quirky Harriet as she summons the strength to confront the past she’s kept so carefully buried, and learns to find joy in the messiness of life. A beautiful story set in breathtaking Montana with flesh and blood characters that kept me turning the page to the very end." - Linda Avellar, Author of Cassie Linden Finds Her Sweet Spot

"In Harriet Hates Lemonade, Audrey—a modern-day version of the orphaned “Anne with an E”—meets Harriet, a cranky and opinionated Olive Kitteridge-type stuck in a self-imposed existence of isolation and rigid rules. When the two are thrown together by tragic circumstances, Harriet must re-examine all her firmly held values and beliefs of the last 30 years. Can she free herself from the past? Can she come to accept that abuse takes many forms? And can she learn to embrace the joys of “found family’? 
 
"Author McCollum serves up a flavorful brew of tension, humor, uncertainty, and high emotion. Keep a box of issues handy! You’ll need it for this engaging and ultimately heartwarming story." -Ruth F. Stevens, award-winning author of My Year of Casual Acquaintances

About the Author, Kim McCollum

Kim McCollum

Kim McCollum graduated from Barnard College with a major in Japanese and was soon navigating the hustle and bustle of Wall Street. When her first child was born, she stayed home to raise her children. Once they headed off to school, Kim finally found time to pursue her passion for writing. Her award-winning debut novel, WHAT HAPPENS IN MONTANA, was published in January 2024, and her short stories have appeared in several publications. She lived in Bozeman, Montana, with her supportive husband, Brian, and their blended menagerie of five kids and three spoiled pets.

You can find her online at:


--- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your novel, Harriet Hates Lemonade. What inspired you to write it? 

Kim: The inspiration for this novel was my desire to explore the unseen side of domestic violence. In my own life, I realized that emotional abuse can be just as paralyzing as physical violence because of how it completely dismantled my sense of self. I wanted to show how an abuser’s voice eventually becomes the victim's own internal monologue. In the book, Harriet is often seen as a cranky or difficult woman, but I wanted the reader to discover that her rigidity is actually a byproduct of trauma. By writing Harriet, I’m hoping to show that even the most self-sufficient women can lose themselves in the cycle of narcissistic abuse, and that breaking free requires unlearning a lifetime of lies.

WOW: Such great insight! I LOVED the character Harriet and all of her flaws and foibles. Did you have someone particular in mind when you were writing for Harriet or how did she come to fruition for you?

Kim: I’m so thrilled you connected with Harriet! My goal was to strike a delicate balance between grumpy, awkward, and funny to create a character who is memorable and, eventually, lovable. Unlike my first novel, where I had specific real-life inspirations for every character, Harriet was a unique creation. I certainly had prickly literary icons like Eleanor Oliphant and Olive Kitteridge in the back of my mind, but Harriet arrived in my imagination as her own collection of awkward bits and pieces. I did draw on some snippets of behavior from real-life cranky neighbors, those little moments of neighborhood rudeness or HOA overkill energy, but Harriet herself is original. I’ve found that if I dig deep enough into a character's history, they eventually start telling the story to me. That’s exactly what happened with Harriet. She took the wheel and never looked back.

WOW: So true! Characters will often speak up to you! You created such a vivid setting. How did you manage to do that so well?

Kim: I live in Bozeman, Montana, so I just wrote about my own backyard. Harriet’s community is drawn from a neighborhood I lived in for four years after moving from Big Sky to Bozeman. On the surface, it was idyllic with matching fences, beautiful open spaces, and perfectly manicured lawns. But underneath that veneer of perfection, the social climate was surprisingly hostile. Being adjacent to a school, the neighborhood was a natural thoroughfare for kids, yet I watched neighbors get genuinely incensed over a child taking a shortcut across their grass. I included some of the more absurd real-life suggestions I heard, like the time an HOA member seriously proposed DNA testing dog waste to identify culprits. While I’ve since moved to a property with more acreage and no covenants, those years of high-tension neighborhood living provided the perfect, pressurized backdrop for Harriet’s story.

WOW: Ha, those kinds of tense situations can provide great inspiration. I LOVE your title. Can you share how you came to decide upon that title?

Kim: How I wish I could remember! The title actually predates the book by about four years. I came up with it while taking a course at Harvard called ‘The Art of the Pitch.’ At the time, I hadn't written a single word of the story; it was just a premise and this title. When I pitched it to the professor and the class, the reaction was so overwhelmingly positive that I realized I had to write it. Now, four years later, seeing the book come to fruition is incredibly rewarding. Though I’m currently searching for that same lightning in a bottle for a title for my third novel, which is proving much more elusive!

WOW: I'm sure you'll find it! This isn't your first novel of course! Was the experience writing Harriet Hates Lemonade different from your time writing What Happens in Montana?

Kim: The primary difference was a newfound sense of confidence. When I was writing my debut, What Happens in Montana, I battled significant imposter syndrome. I’d often shelve the manuscript for months, convinced that no one would ever care about the story. The positive reception of that first book gave me the permission I needed to trust myself with Harriet. I walked into this project understanding that a first draft doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be finished. I’ve learned that a draft is really just a ball of clay. You can’t begin the real work of molding and shaping the story until you have the material on the table. Embracing the fact that the "saggy middle" is just a part of the process allowed me to push through the messy first draft much faster this time around.

WOW: What great symbolism of a manuscript! What do you hope people take away from reading your book?

Kim: My primary hope is to start a meaningful conversation about the insidious nature of emotional abuse. In our society, we often wait for the bruises and broken bones before we validate someone's trauma, but the psychological architecture of abuse, the gaslighting, the devaluing, and the constant belittling, is just as devastating.

In the novel, Harriet hides behind rules and religious language to justify her isolation, not realizing that her prickly exterior is actually a survival mechanism she learned from Les. I want readers to see that emotional abuse doesn't just happen to weak people. It happens to strong, intelligent women who eventually become shells of themselves because the person who is supposed to love them the most has told them they are broken. I hope readers walk away understanding that love is never a green light to sabotage your partner’s sense of self.

WOW: Such a great lasting message. Thank you for your time today!

Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum Blog Tour

-- Blog Tour Calendar

February 16 @ WOW! Women on Writing
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Kim McCollum's book Harriet Hates Lemonade. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of her book.

February 19 @ Boys' Mom Reads
Visit Karen's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 20 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff
Nicole features Kim McCollum on her Substack feature, Your Weekend Care Package.

February 21 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for an excerpt from Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 24 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 26 @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

February 27 @ Renee Roberson's blog
Join Renee for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 2 @ The Burgeoning Bookshelf
Visit Veronica's blog for a review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 3 @ Words by Webb
Jodi interviews author Kim McCollum about her book Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 4 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Join Leslie's blog for an excerpt from Harriet Hates Lemonade. She also shares a guest post by the author about her experience working in a local abuse shelter.

March 5 @ Just Katherine
Join Katherine's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 7 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Join Linda's blog for her interview with Kim McCollum about her book, Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 10 @ What Is That Book About
Visit Michelle's blog for her spotlight of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

March 11 @ CC King's blog
Join Caitrin for a guest post by Kim McCollum on creating characters based on people around you. 

March 12 @ Sarandipity's
Visit Sara's blog for a guest post on how to revise your manuscript while maintaining a full and busy life.

March 13 @ Word Magic
Visit Fiona's blog for a guest post on developing characters that feel real in fiction. 

March 15 @ Rachael's Thoughts
Visit Rachael's blog for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade. 

March 16 @ BookwormBecky1969
Becky shares her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade. 

March 20 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy's blog for a powerful guest post by Kim McCollum about what she learned from her abusive relationship.

March 22 @ Silver's Reviews
Join Elizabeth for her review of Harriet Hates Lemonade.

***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****

Enter to win a print copy of Harriet Hates Lemonade by Kim McCollum. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on March 1st at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Harriet Hates Lemonade Giveaway
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Interview with Carole Vasta Folley, 1st Place Winner in the WOW! Q1 2026 Essay Contest

Sunday, February 15, 2026
Carole Vasta Folley is a playwright, columnist and creative nonfiction writer. Her newest play, Control Top, which examines the impact of gendered clothing on women, premiered June 2025 and was written with the support of the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Carole’s In Musing column has won multiple awards from the New England Newspaper and Press Association and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists

--interview by Marcia Peterson

WOW: Congratulations on winning first place in our Q1 2026 Creative Nonfiction essay competition! What prompted you to enter the contest?

Carole: First and foremost - the words WOMEN and WRITING not only prompted me to enter the WOW contest, they are my pilot light! Like any powerful duo - Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, Oprah and Gayle, Lucy and Vivienne, Cagney and Lacey - the combination of women and writing is a winner. Evocative of meaning, insight and creativity. I love WOW and this was not my first submission to your competition (I placed as a finalist before). Now I feel my writing has grown stronger over the years not only because of the regular practice of writing, but the hallowed art of editing.

WOW: “He Hit Me” is a powerful essay written in a unique format that worked so well here. What inspired you to write this particular piece?

Carole: Last year I worked with the amazing Nicole Breit for one-on-one writing coaching. It was life- changing. This piece, “he hit me,” arose from her assignment to write a 500 word one-sentence flash essay on any subject I was flummoxed. One sentence? Only 500 words? I love words - I write so many of them - how could I say what I wanted to say with fewer words?

Well, time and again, through Nicole’s teaching and my experience practicing different forms, I’ve learned the power of compression. That constraints don’t have to lessen what I want to say, and instead they can enhance my point of view with a type of fertile precision.

Also as a side bonus - that I did not realize until the piece was in its final form - this one sentence format was SUCH A PERFECT FIT - for the entire feeling of what happened in “he hit me.” The run-away situation that I could not control, the threat of violence, the desperation of wanting to be safe - these are all heightened by the “speed” of the piece. I felt the 500 word one-sentence format hit the exact sense of chaos I felt in real life.

WOW: Do you have any thoughts or advice for writing about difficult things?

Carole: Oh yes! Learning about CNF was my game changer. Especially its hybrid forms. It gave me the freedom to write about hard things in my life (like incest and child abuse). Like many who’ve experienced trauma, what memories I have are in fragments - as sharp as glass. Using the CNF form, I can write about what happened in a framework that somehow, almost magically, contains my big feelings. I’m able to examine “what happened” along with “what did I feel” - something that wasn’t possible for me at the time (when experiencing trauma) nor later when I tried to write about my past in linear long-form. It’s been extremely healing work. Having a CNF form to write into is like having a muse hold my hand while I bare what’s inside.

Finally, although not in this particular piece (“he hit me”), I am a big fan of utilizing comedy to write about difficult things. Several of my favorite memoir CNF pieces are funny. Especially as a playwright, I’ve seen laughter expand an audience in a way that opens them up, making them more available to take in harder stuff. Without comedy as a balm, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

WOW: Your play Control Top, which examines the impact of gendered clothing on women, sounds interesting. We’d love to know more about it.

Carole: The concept for CONTROL TOP originated during a grant application process. I was inspired by Abby Wambach’s declaration: “Wear what you want. Love who you love. Become what you imagine.” This quote sparked a curiosity about WHY we wear what we wear, and the invisible expectations woven into the fabric of women's lives. Written with the support of the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, the play evolved into an ensemble piece featuring five older women who reflect on their lifetimes of experiences with clothing. CONTROL TOP is both ridiculously funny and heartbreakingly honest, confronting the subtle and not so subtle ways discrimination manifests.

From lack of pockets to varying opinions on pantyhose ~ gendered t-shirts ~ dress codes ~ not-so-miracle bathing suits and training bras (and what exactly is being trained?), my goal for CONTROL TOP is to further the conversation about the impacts of patriarchy and capitalism on all women.

As we face the erosion of hard-won rights, this dialogue is more urgent than ever. I’ll re-stage the production later this year while I get it out to theater companies across the country.

Meanwhile, I consider CONTROL TOP a living project. As a white cis woman, I am committed to expanding this play by co-writing future versions with women of diverse backgrounds and genders to ensure it speaks to everyone.

WOW: Thanks so much for chatting with us today, Carole. Before you go, can you share a favorite writing tip or piece of advice?

Carole: My favorite piece of advice comes from an interview I heard with Francis Ford Coppola. He was asked, when do you like to write, what time of day? His answer was “early in the morning, before anyone has hurt my feelings.”

Personally, my go-to writing tip is to let my fingers do the talking. I don’t plan what I’m going to write - it’s as if I only need to listen. And write what “they’ say. Sure, I can edit later. But in that initial phase, I love to capture the essence of what’s coming through and am often surprised by it in the best way possible.

***

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Friday Speak Out!: THIS IS MY LAST BOOK…BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN I’VE STOPPED WRITING

Friday, February 13, 2026
By Deborah K. Shepherd

Honestly, no one was more surprised than I was when I published my first book at 74.When I retired from a decades-long career directing non-profits, where I wrote detailed—very detailed—grants asking for funding, and even more detailed reports accounting for how the money was spent, I swore I’d never write anything longer or more complicated than a grocery list.

But then, looking for community, I signed up for a writing workshop at my local senior college, came home from the first class and announced to my husband, “I think I’m writing a novel.”

A few years after that, I was lucky enough to have said novel, So Happy Together, published by She Writes Press, and in the meantime, some of my smaller pieces were finding homes in on-line indie magazines.

I was one and done on the book front, though. In addition to the years spent writing; revising; editing; proofing; engaging both a developmental editor and a copy editor; submitting to agents; and being rejected over and over again, there was the year after acceptance intensely promoting and marketing the book first with a publicist and a social media consultant, and then the next few years selling the book on my own at indie bookstores, book fairs, and even farmers’ markets.

I didn’t need to and never intended to write a second book, let alone a memoir about my age-gap marriage to my first husband.

But then, one day…well, actually three years later, I found myself with 300 pages of a new manuscript in my hands. Some of it had been joyful to write, some of it had been gut-wrenching, but there it was. And I’m so happy that An Old Man’s Darling has found a home with Heliotrope Books. It’s out in the world right now—and I’ve just turned 79.

So, I really AM done writing books. I don’t have the impetus to start another one, nor the stamina to see it through to fruition.

But I still love writing, maybe for publication (waiting six months for an acceptance of an essay is a LOT easier than birthing a book) or maybe not. I’m finding that writing to prompts from my local writers’ group—100 words from the point of view of an animal, anyone?—or reading one of my essays at an open mic, or even just scribbling for myself when something jogs my writer’s brain---like the piece I jotted down on hearing The Beatles’ “When I’m 64” at the age of 78 and know I’ll probably never submit—still brings a sweet kind of pride and satisfaction.

So, I hope I never lose this desire to write--it feels like such a gift as I am poised to enter my 9th decade.

And, who knows, maybe I’ll even turn my grocery lists into haikus.

***

Deborah K. Shepherd’s first novel, So Happy Together, was published in 2021 when she was 74. Her essays have appeared in Oldster Magazine; Fauxmoir; Motherwell Magazine; Herstry; Eat. Darling, Eat; Persimmon Tree, and more, and her Covid-themed essay was a winner in the Center for Interfaith Relations 2020 Sacred Essay Contest. A retired social worker, she spent much of her career focused on the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault and the provision of services to survivors. The mother of two and grandmother of two, Deborah lives in Maine with one husband and one sweet, jaunty rescue dog. You can find her at deborahshepherdwrites.com.

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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!
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The Search for Beta Readers

Thursday, February 12, 2026



I periodically share updates here about a suspense novel I wrote a few years ago, inspired by my work podcasting. In early 2024 I hired a developmental editor to help me go over the manuscript. I began sending queries out to literary agents that spring after incorporating her suggestions. After the first few rejections, I had writer friends I trust help me tackle my query letter, and almost immediately I began receiving manuscript requests. I’ve written a few other novels before in the young adult genre and had never received a request, only rejections. I was elated. 

Two agents that requested the full manuscript both got back to me within a few months and turned down representation. They both had different reasons—I believe part of the problem is the book is written in an experimental format. A large part of the novel tells the story through podcast transcripts, and one agent said she wasn’t sure how to handle that. I don’t believe that was the only thing holding her back from working with me though, because I’ve since read several books that tell the story in a similar format. 

Two agents requested partial manuscripts, and I never heard back from them. And a few months ago, I queried a small publishing press, and they requested a full manuscript. I haven’t received a yes or no yet. 

But I can tell there is something missing in the writing or the format of the book that is keeping agents from offering me a firm “Yes, let’s do this!” I don’t want to send out any more queries until I figure out what the issues are. I was discussing my dilemma with my writing accountability group and they suggested beta readers. Now, I admit I only had a few readers look at the manuscript before handing it over to an editor, and not all of them read the book in its entirety. I think they are right. With a few exceptions. One of my friends from church suggested I give the manuscript to their book club, and they could act as a “focus group” for me. I was horrified and said that wasn’t quite what I was looking to do and she understood. 

I’ve been doing a bit of research on the best way to find beta readers. I’ve decided to put a call out to my own network first, and say I’m looking for 3-4 beta readers who can commit to reading the manuscript and answering a set list of questions (I like the ones I found on this blog post). In return, I can offer to read something for them (essays, short stories, manuscript, etc.) or offer up a gift card so they can purchase a book on their wish list. If possible, I’d like to ask beta readers to complete the book and questions within 4-6 weeks so I can begin work on incorporating their suggestions or addressing other issues. Then, if I still feel it necessary, I can either hire another developmental editor or begin querying again.

 For anyone that’s ever used a beta reader or been one, how do these parameters sound? And what is the best way to share the manuscript? Should I format it for anyone who wants to read on a Kindle, print out physical pages, or send in a Word document? I welcome any feedback and advice on this topic. I’m nervous about the process but also feel it will help move my book along as progress is at a dead stop for now. 

Renee Roberson is an award-winning writer who also produces and hosts the true crime podcast, Missing in the Carolinas. Learn more at FinishedPages.com and missinginthecarolinas.com.





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Interview with Claire Dalkin: Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest Runner Up

Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Claire’s Bio: Claire Dalkin is a Library Assistant in the North of England (Sheffield). Some of her short stories have been published by the Wyrd Harvest Press and Minds Shine Bright, also the Nottingham Writers’ Studio, along with flash fiction for local newspapers. The writing bug bit her when she was eight, when she had her first story read out in School Assembly. She likes to take a small nugget of truth, wrap several layers of story around it and send it somewhere it’s never been before. 

If you haven't done so already, check out Claire's award-winning story "Big Changes in Small Worlds" and then return here for a chat with the author. 

WOW: Congratulations on placing in the Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest! What excited you most about writing this story? 

Claire: The story came quickly to me, in one big gulp, and I only tweaked it slightly for it to become a fairly 'crisp' piece of writing. I submitted it to an online writers' forum and the comments were so lovely and positive that I decided to enter it into the competition. 

WOW: That’s so encouraging to receive positive feedback on a piece before submitting for publication. What did you learn about yourself or your writing while crafting this piece? 

Claire: A teeny bit of this story is true, and something has been cemented in me about how a small piece of resistance can become something bigger and more impactful. 

WOW: That’s a lovely piece of wisdom. In what ways has being a library assistant influenced your writing and reading? 

Claire: I was always an avid reader, daydreamer, and scribbler. In class, I would write a chapter of a (usually fantasy) story and pass it around to any other students who were bored. Once I began working in libraries, I had instant access to an Aladdin's Cave of all my favourite treasures, as well as meeting people of like mind, setting up book clubs and creative writing sessions. 

WOW: Sounds like a wonderful environment to spark creativity. What are you reading right now, and why did you choose to read it? 

Claire: In my book club, we are reading The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley. Sci-fi that is also interspersed with history, it is also an intelligent thriller and mystery, a fierce romance with some sharp comedy one-liners thrown in. It's delicious. 

WOW: It has a bit of everything! If you could give your younger self one piece of writing advice, what would it be and why? 

Claire: You won't regret it. 

WOW: Thank you so much for sharing your story and your thoughtful responses with us. Happy writing! 


 Interviewed by Anne Greenawalt, founder and editor-in-chief of Sport Stories Press, which publishes sports books by, for, and about sportswomen and amateur athletes. Connect on social media: @greenmachine459.
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Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott: Blog Tour & Giveaway

Monday, February 09, 2026
 
Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott

We're honored to have Elle Mott with us for her blog tour of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. This book is perfect for women who love true stories about community spirit and dedication. Join us as we celebrate the launch of her book and interview her about her writing journey. You'll also have the chance to win a copy for yourself.

But first, here's more about this nonfiction historical biography:

Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.

In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.

Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father's acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father's praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.

Publisher: Luminare Press
ISBN-13: 979-8-88679-972-9
ASIN: B0GFGTN761
Print length: 303 pages

Purchase a copy of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady on Amazon. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.

Advanced Praise for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady

“Wow, this book is such a delight! It tells the incredible story of Marie Conner, an amazing woman whose life had me hooked from the very start. As a businesswoman and community volunteer in Lebanon, Oregon, I felt a real connection to her journey. I recognized names that begat generations of hard working, generous people.

Marie’s blend of business savvy and commitment to helping others is truly inspiring. The author does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of Marie’s day-to-day life, making you feel like you’re right there with her, experiencing all the ups and downs. This book is a beautiful reminder of how one person can make a difference, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves stories about community spirit and dedication. Definitely worth a read!” 

Jennifer Stewart Grove 
Outreach Director of The Oaks at Lebanon Retirement Community
Entertainment Chair of the Lebanon Strawberry Festival
Woman of the Year, 2019, Lebanon, Oregon.

About the Author, Elle Mott


Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction. This is her third book. She is the author of “Out of Chaos: A Memoir” and “People Helping People.” Her other writing pieces have been featured in literary journals, news magazines, and anthologies. She has a background working in libraries, both at the college level and, for more than ten years, at the public library in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. While library work is her livelihood, writing is her passion. Elle grew up in Oregon and now makes her home in the suburbs of northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds. 

Find her online at:


-- Interview by Nicole Pyles

WOW: Congrats on your book, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady! What inspired you to write about Marie Conner?

Elle: Inspiration for Marie Conner, A Leading Lady, came from my memoir, Out of Chaos, in which my remembrance of her gave me strength to overcome difficulties. I had been on the verge of adulthood, and she, much older, when she had imparted words of wisdom to me. With my memoir published, and she, long gone, I questioned why my strength had come from her. That answer involved research. Marie, who was once my matriarch, was next a great muse for me as I peeled back the layers of a woman, who, as I came to find out, had lived a truly remarkable life. As in awe as I was, I knew I had to share her story.

WOW: I think it's so fascinating that you called her your muse. What do you hope readers take away from reading the book?

Elle: There is much we can gain from a woman who lived in an era when women were expected to stay home and yet, she didn't. Marie was a changemaker and trailblazer. Although her story takes place in bygone days, it is relevant today, given the unsettling stories that bombard our daily news. Marie’s legacy is the inspiration for us to make a positive difference in our life and our communities. If she could do it, so can we.

Whether it be this or something else, I hope you will share what you take away from it in a review wherever you hang out, whether online or in person—even just a few words will be much appreciated.

WOW: I love that! You did such a fantastic job of making Marie and the world around her so vivid and real. What was your techniques in writing in order to convey that so well?

Elle: With a myriad of tools available for writers to use to portray the world in their stories whether it be a novel or like this one, a true story, I will share but one way, and that is to look at pictures. Not just look at but study the picture and write out what is seen. Pay attention to the details, whether it be facial expressions or windblown grass in the surrounding landscape or the condition of a building or house. If you really pay attention, you will see colors in black and white photographs. I can see Marie’s expression and even the plausible lipstick shade she used when posing for black and white pictures, many of which are now found in newspaper repositories. And in reading a 1952 issue of the Saturday Evening Post that featured an article detailing but one of Marie’s accomplishments, I studied the included photographs.

WOW: What great insight! What was your revision process like?

Elle: It (the revision process) was long, but thankfully I was not alone as I moved through draft after draft after (well, you get the picture). For completing the manuscript, I had two readers at my side from day one. This historical biography has four parts. Part Two zooms in on Marie’s civic leadership. Part One shows her youth, and even then, how she had made strides to break barriers placed on women in that era. From Part Three, which is where Marie’s focus shifts a bit, next comes the dénouement in Part Four. 

For each drafted part (and each with several chapters), once written, my two readers were on hand to give me feedback in what to keep and what not to, and what to change or not, and why or why not. I especially loved my time with one reader, Janet Martin-Rush. Like me, she is a morning person. As the sun was only beginning to rise, we’d settle in my living room with coffee and pastries to talk freely about my muse, how we can apply Marie’s message in our home and work lives today, and how best to share her story. Insider scoop for you: Janet wanted me to title the book, “In a Burst of Thunder.”

WOW: Ha, that's a clever title too! What advice do you have for any writer who wants to take on any nonfiction projects?

Elle: Passion is important for any writer for nonfiction projects. My advice is that it to be on someone or something in which you are passionate about; not necessarily a topic that you know a lot about. I thought I had known my matriarch, Marie, yet from my research, I gained ah-hah moments. Trust me, from my experience, even if you think you know your topic well when going in to it, you will, when you do your due diligence in research, find surprises. Surprises sure surfaced for me. Also, with this passion, be prepared with a box of Kleenex as you draft the story. Even the happy moments had me in tears as I peeled back, and then shared in my writing, the layers of this unforgettable woman, Marie Conner, who I can’t wait for you to meet!

WOW: That's great wisdom. Thank you so much sharing. Thank you for your time today! I hope you enjoy your blog tour.

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott Blog Tour


--- Blog Tour Calendar

February 9 @ The Muffin
Join us at WOW as we celebrate the launch of Elle Mott's nonfiction historical biography, Marie Conner, A Leading Lady. We interview the author and give you the chance to win a cherry blossom gift set, including a copy of the book.

February 10 @ Boys' Mom Reads!
Karen features Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott in a spotlight.

February 11 @ Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa's blog for an interview with Elle Mott.

February 12 @ World of My Imagination
Nicole reviews Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 14 @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion
Stop by Linda's blog for an interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.

February 15 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Stop by Joy's blog for her feature of an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 17 @ StoreyBook Reviews
Leslie will be featuring an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 18 @ The Faerie Review
Stop by Lily's blog for a spotlight of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 19 @ Words by Webb
Stop by Jodi's blog for her review of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 21 @ Sarandipity's Blog
Join Sara for her interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.

February 23 @ A Storybook World
Join Deirdre's blog for her spotlight of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 25 @ CC King's blog
Check out Catrin's blog for an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott.

February 26 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi's blog for her response to our tour-themed prompt on her experience giving back to her community.

February 27 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie's blog for her interview with Elle Mott, author of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady.

March 2 @ Just Katherine
Katherine will share an excerpt from Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott. She'll also share her response to our tour-themed prompt about a strong maternal figure for her when growing up.


***** BOOK & GIFT SET GIVEAWAY *****


One winner will receive a cherry blossom gift set, including a signed copy of Marie Conner, A Leading Lady by Elle Mott. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on February 22 at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady & Cherry Blossom Gift Set Giveaway
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There's a Lot To Be Said About Knowing Your Niche

Thursday, February 05, 2026
 

I'm a big believer in trying things outside of your own comfort zone. It's how we grow and learn, right? But sometimes, there's a lot to be said about knowing your own strengths and where you are most comfortable as a writer.

Since the start of January, I've been focusing on doing "one act of writing" a day, whenever possible. It's been an incredibly busy month, so once a day has been sort of once-ish a day. But I did hit my goal of 20 "one things a day" in January. Hurrah!

I was looking over a short story I had written a couple of years ago. It's still handwritten, but I loved the premise. Yet, something about it just didn't work. I had even typed it up at one point and thought...you know, this just isn't doing it for me. 

I thought of another story I've been working on that didn't quite work either. I ended up revising it throughout my writing process. What started as a woman daydreaming about a vacation at work became a speculative fiction story about a woman working for a corrupt virtual reality company. 

And as I looked over this other hand-written short story this past week, I thought to myself: okay, how can I make this more science-fiction-y. What's a relevant problem or advancement in our society right now I can use as inspiration?.

Well, it's one problem among many, but I realized: AI.

And that one switch of applying that current problem into my story (yes, yes, I get that not everyone sees AI as a problem, but I definitely do) and giving it a futuristic twist allowed me to turn it into a speculative fiction piece. I have more work to do, but I'm more confident (and excited) than ever in this story's direction. 

It reminded me of the importance of knowing your niche. It took me a while to find my area, but I have finally embraced speculative fiction as my creative writing comfort zone. As I revise stories, knowing this about myself allows me to take a nugget from past works and spin it. 

Of course, as I've learned, you do not have to stay in your comfort zone. But I think to move out of that zone, and stretch yourself beyond it,you need to know what it is in the first place. 

Don't be afraid to embrace your niche. And don't be afraid to explore outside of it, too! Both can be incredibly inspiring.

Nicole Pyles is a writer living in Portland, Oregon. Her writing has appeared in Sky Island Journal, Arlington Literary Journal, The Voices Project, The Ocotillo Review, and Gold Man Review. A poem of hers was also featured in the anthology DEAR LEADERS TALES. Her short story, “The Mannequin of Lot 18,” was nominated for Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy for 2024. Since she’s not active on social media very much, stay in touch by following her writing blog at World of My Imagination.
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Interview with Liz deBeer, Runner Up in the WOW! Summer 2025 Flash Fiction Contest

Tuesday, February 03, 2026

 

Liz deBeer, retired from teaching high school language arts and various college classes, currently teaches and writes with Project Write Now, a writing cooperative based in New Jersey. Her flash has appeared in BULL, Fictive Dream, Bending Genres, Switch and others. She has written essays in various journals including Brevity Blog and is a volunteer reader for Flash Fiction Magazine. She holds degrees from University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University. Follow Liz at www.ldebeerwriter.com and lizardstale.substack.com. 









 ----------Interview by Renee Roberson 

WOW: Liz, congratulations, and welcome! As someone who worked in restaurants in my late teens and early 20s, I could relate to “Party Favors.” What sparked the idea for this story? 

Liz: “Party Favors” was inspired from my experience working as a waitress while I attended college. The wait-staff loved when chicken wings were served, because the guests didn’t want them – too messy – so we ate them once the event ended. Also, like many in the service industry, I experienced men grabbing me, especially after they had a few drinks. While Hank is a fictional character, the sense of teamwork was my favorite part of the job. 

WOW: It's a relatable theme! I always love hearing about writers and their paths to publiclication. What was the first piece of flash fiction you ever got published? Could you tell us more about it? 

Liz: My first published flash was “Waiting for a Message” at Spillwords, February 2024. It’s about a woman mourning her deceased partner; when she spots a tennis ball under a bush, she thinks it’s a message from him. The plot is loosely drawn from a real incident when I found a Clincher softball under a bush, a type of softball with a special stitch that my grandfather invented. I wondered if it were a message from beyond. 

WOW: I love how you masterfully weave your own life experiences into your writing. You spent time teaching at both the college level and in a public classroom where you taught others to find their own sources of inspiration. Which was your favorite age group to work with and why? 

Liz: I’ve taught many age groups in various setting; each has its appeal. Currently, I teach adults in a writing collaborative, Project Write Now. A favorite? I lean toward teaching educators, as they are committing themselves to public service; their work impacts so many. Teaching English Language Arts is laborious, but a creative, committed instructor can augment students’ career skills as well as encourage a lifelong love of reading and writing. 

WOW: In addition to fiction you also write creative nonfiction. What are some common themes that you find yourself exploring in your work? 

Liz: To me, it’s a blurry line between fiction and creative nonfiction. Experiences I draw from include aging, family memories, and random events I witness. For example, December 2025’s issue of Does It Have Pockets features a CNF about trying to forget my past. And January 2026’s issue of The Hootlet’s Nook features two of my CNF, one about fishing with my father and one about an iguana. 

WOW: That leads me to my final question. You have a very unique subject matter for your Substack, A Lizard’s Tale. How did you decide to focus on the intriguing traits of this biological species? 

Liz: My Substack “A Lizard’s Tale” focuses on the theme of resilience. The title is a play on words, as my name is Liz and arguably I’m telling tales. But the real inspiration came from witnessing a big- spiky-iguana race past me on the beach in Costa Rica to chase a smaller iguana up a tree. Then blood dripped from the tree on the seat next to me. I learned from a quick Google search that iguanas rarely eat each other, but they might bite off another’s tail if a threat is perceived. The victims’ tails usually grow back. Revolting but inspiring. A reminder that when we feel overwhelmed, beaten down, symbolically chased up a tree, we too can start anew, like iguanas regenerating their tails. I hope my Substack supports readers during life’s challenges, encouraging them to heal.

WOW: What a clever play on words, and what a great origin story for your Substack's name! Liz, thanks again for being here and giving us such thoughtful insight into your writing and teaching process. 
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Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme: Review Wrap Up, Interview Giveaway

Monday, February 02, 2026

Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme

I'm excited to interview author of Bright Midnights, Lexy Delorme. This book is perfect who want a touch of romance with a paranormal twist just in time for Valentine's Day. You also have the opportunity to read the reviews of some WOW readers and enter to win a copy of Bright Midnights.

Does Bright Midnights appeal to you? You're in luck! Bright Midnights is a part of the Limerent series and up next is Caio. You're invited to participate in the Reader Review Event. No blog needed - just the ability to leave a review on Goodreads and one other online bookseller site. Join our Reader Review Event and you receive a copy of Caio to review and a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  To learn more, contact jodiwebb9@gmail.com.

About the Book:

In a world where viruses possess and dreams unlock new realms, 17 year old Amelie must navigate danger, love and her own dark powers to survive

Most high school students find life challenging, but 17-year old Amelie has a lot more to contend with than typical teenage angst. Ever since she turned 11, others have been irresistibly drawn to her-with tragic consequences. Her only escape is at night when she flies to different times and places through her "dreams". Her life begins to change when, on one of her flights, she meets Clovis, an alluring and mysterious young man who hides a secret.

As Amelie finds herself increasingly drawn to him, she learns his story, how it intertwines with her own and finally discovers how to live her life in the real world. Until her own secrets are revealed to the wrong people and that world turns upside down.

Publisher: Limerent Publishing
ISBN-13:  979-8987488096
ASIN:  B0DVQ6VX3R
Print length: 307 pages

Bright Midnights is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org. You can also add it to your Goodreads list.

About the Author, L.S. Delorme:

Author Lexy Shaw Delorme (writing as LS Delorme) is the award-winning author of The Limerent Series, a genre-defying collection of emotionally resonant novels that blend supernatural mystery, psychological thriller, historical fiction, and romantic suspense. With a background as a lawyer, pop musician, and science writer, Lexy brings intellectual depth and lyrical prose to every story she tells. Now based in Paris, she lives with her French husband and two very cool sons. Her work explores themes of limerence, memory, identity, and the echoes of past lives—and she’s not afraid to push boundaries along the way.

Connect with the author:
Instagram: @ls_delorme

Learn more about Lexy on Upcoming Podcasts:




--Interview by Jodi M. Webb

WOW: Lexy, welcome to WOW-Women on Writing. We’re so excited to be hosting reader review events throughout 2026 for several of the books in your Limerent Series. How did you first come up with the idea for the Limerent Series?

Lexy: It started with characters. I’ve crafted characters in my head for as long as I can remember. The first character that I can remember naming was Kara. Later, I came up with the idea of Caio and Amelie [ed. note: protagonist in Bright Midnights]. Once I had the characters in my head, then I needed to make a world for them and it took me quite a while to develop that world. I am obsessive about details and research when it comes to creating stories, so I wanted to make sure that the world created would have spawned the characters in the story. It took me about 5 years to craft the world, but now that I have it, I could probably write in this world for the next 20 years.

WOW: Today we’re featuring Bright Midnights which was actually the second book you wrote for this series. For everyone out there clutching their pearls and declaring “I can’t read a series out of order!” could you explain the flexibility of reading your series. 

Lexy: Ah, then let me address this before the pearl clutching begins. The first three books of the series, Caio, Bright Midnights and Fanning Fireflies can be read as standalones. In fact, a person could read one of them and then not read any of the others. The first three also have slightly different sub genres. I designed it this way so that the reader could find their way into this series through a genre they are more comfortable with . For example, if someone likes historical fiction, then Fanning Fireflies is a paranormal, romantic historical mystery. If the person prefers thrillers then Caio is a paranormal, romantic legal thriller. This way, someone step into the series from a perspective that they feel more comfortable with. Once a reader has read one of the books, then they will know about some of the characters, my writing style, the topics I cover and the general way my books flow, and they can decide how they want to continue.

WOW: That's such a unique spin on a series. Did you plan to write several foundation books that were linked but could be read in any order or did it just happen organically?

Lexy: To be completely transparent, this all started with me writing a 1,000,000 word novel. This novel only took me through the first 20% of the story that I wanted to write. When I realized that this was just not going to work, conceptually or logistical, I decided to pull everything apart and spread it out across a series. This allowed me to do so much more. For one, it allowed me to give several major characters their own POV book. This allowed me to create the first three books to be able to be read as standalone while still staying connected to other characters in the series.

WOW: Now that is quite the rewrite! Although each book in the Limerent Series has a paranormal element they each have a nod to another genre - YA, romance, historical fiction, etc. How did that happen?

Lexy: For me, personally, I write cross genre fiction because I base my writing on life and I don’t think life is a genre. At any moment, you could be living a romance, or a horror. Or maybe both. I write stories, not specific genres. Also, I feel that adding additional genre elements is like adding spice to food. If you cook a salty dish, it’s much better if you add a bit of sugar because it enhances and mellows the salt. If you add a bit of horror to a romance, you up the stakes for the characters. 

Now, being cross genre has made it difficult for me with the traditional publishing industry. But because of all of this, we found ourselves indie publishing and I LOVE this. It has all the fun and excitement of doing a start-up. It gives the author complete control over the output, the ability to work with whoever you want for covers, editing, marketing and PR. You also don’t have to wait for someone else’s schedule. Indie publishing is quick and nimble and the other people that we have met in this industry have been amazing. I’ve felt no competition with other indie authors, who have been much more supportive than I would have guessed. For all of these reasons that we created our own imprint called Limerence Publishing. My husband and my kids all have different roles in this as it is our family business now. Currently, we are just publishing my books but we are looking to expand this.

WOW: You found the great silver lining in self-publishing. So, what made you decide to lead off the year at WOW with Bright Midnights? Is it your favorite?

Lexy: To be honest, its partially because we are doing this in the beginning of the year. Bright Midnights is my book that is closest to a pure romance, and romance does fit with the Valentine's Day vibe. That being said, Bright Midnights isn’t a YA novel. Its New Adult at best. It has trigger warnings and the reader should take these seriously. I have had multiple reviewers say that I “don’t pull punches”, which is very accurate. I don’t write about difficult topics because they are sensational. I write about them, because I have lived a lot of them, and have had loves ones live the others. I don’t believe in burying ones head in the sand. But that isn’t all that I write. I consider my writing to be “broad spectrum”. For every difficult and painful subject I cover, I counter that with characters and actions that show the extent to which people can be noble and wise. Bright Midnights is a love story between people who shouldn’t be able to love each other and yet they do. One of the main characters says that he like Disney love stories because they are often improbable and he believes that only love that can transcend differences and obstacles can really last.

WOW: And our giveaway of Bright Midnights lasts until Valentine's Day! Tell us a little about how you began as a writer. 

Lexy: I’ve always written in some form or another. I wrote my first short story when I was seven. It was called “Candy Land” and it was about a fierce little outcast sugar cube on an adventure to find others like her. During the journey she traveled on red and black licorice roads, and fought vicious red hots to get to the rock candy mountains. I think I had just read The Hobbit and I was trying to write a kid version of that. I continued writing short stories all through high school, mostly of the overly dramatic self-absorbed type. 

Later, I started writing music and was in a band. We were even on MTV in the middle of the night one night. I think about 5 people saw the video.

Eventually, I went back to school and got a master’s in science, so I pivoted to science writing. Then, because I bore easily, I went to law school and learned legal writing. From there, I did international business and new country entry which required a whole new kind of writing and learning to summarize complex legal and risk concepts down to 5 Power Point bullets for senior executives. 

Then I met and married a charming French man and stepped into an expat journey for his career. During this time, I did travel writing for magazines. I focused on travel with kids.

When we moved to London is when I started crafting the world that became the Limerent series. That took 5 years and I didn’t write anything during that time. I just mulled things over in my head. I didn’t start writing until 2015, when I started writing one monster book which got changed into the first three books of the series. I began writing them as the current series in 2017. I published Caio and Bright Midnights in 2023.

WOW: So what's up next for the Limerent Series and your writing career?

Lexy: There will be eight books in the series. The first three, Caio, Bright Midnights, and Fanning Fireflies can be read in any order. These first three books present most of the POV characters you will encounter in the series. However, to read the fourth book, Ghosting Academy, you will have had to have read Bright Midnights, at a minimum, and better to have read Caio as well. The fifth book, Limerence, is best read after having read Fanning Fireflies. The remained three books in the series won’t be standalone though.

The first five books have been published and you can purchase them on all the major online retailers. I do have some very pretty, foiled, books that are available only on my website. The next three books will be published over the next 3 years and (spoiler alert) they are called, Mirrored Lands, Outliers and Verite. These 3 are already written and in various forms of editing. Mirrored Lands will come out in October of this year and the other two 2027 and 2028 respectively. I am also in the process of writing a book of short stories called Sabbatical, pt 1 that I hope to have out this spring.

Right now, I have 97 different story ideas on my notes page on my phone. They are all at different levels of being fleshed out. One of the reasons that I decided to do a book of short stories was to allow me to pick some stories from that list that I felt would be better as short stories and would be appropriate for a book that sits between Limerence and Mirrored Lands. While these stories are all different, many of them are in this same world, so there will be consistency for the reader. This is also why I have known characters do cameos in each other’s books. As a reader, I get very attached to characters and I miss them when I am done with the book. Adding appearances of known characters into new stories is something I do, because I would want that as a reader.

WOW: Thanks for sharing with us, Lexy. Many people can say they have written a book but I think it's fair to say that you have also created an entire world you will literally be writing about for years.

Bright Midnights Reader Review Event

Here is what WOW readers had to say about Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme:

Lily says:

Delorme does an amazing job drawing you in right away, weaving in the supernatural right alongside vivid descriptions of our world. No spoilers, but I will admit, I wasn’t expecting the prologue to be so dark, but it really sets the scene for everything that follows. My heart went out to Amelie immediately, everything she has to deal with, from her family to unwanted attention from adults, was absolutely heartbreaking. The story itself has excellent pacing, and it feels like there’s an invisible thread pulling you along from page to page. It was honestly frustrating each time I had to set the book down to deal with real life, because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. This was honestly the perfect blend of dark real life, and hope that was found in Amelie’s dreams. Definitely recommend!


Nicole says:

This ended up being such a fantastic read. At times it can be a dark read, but the author handles it with such care. It's not done for gratuitous purposes or just for the sake of shock. She had such strong character development. I was swept away by how realistic she made such a fantastical setting. Great pace for the plotline too!


Anthony says:

This was such a powerful and compelling read. As a newcomer to the series, the author did an amazing job of creating a story and world that felt self-contained and yet connected to the series through the powerful metaphysical nature of the plot points. The grounded nature of the protagonists life is greatly balanced with the supernatural elements of her life walking through other worlds in her mind and the powerful imagery the author uses in their writing style makes this come alive on the page.

Thought-provoking, emotionally-driven, and memorable, author LS Delorme’s “Bright Midnights” is a must-read metaphysical fantasy romance novel. The dark tones of the world Amelie finds herself in in her waking life and the dynamic worlds she immerses herself into and the rich mythos behind it all will keep readers invested until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Ashley says:

Bright Midnights is a dark, emotionally heavy paranormal story that explores trauma, healing, and the complicated nature of trust. Amelie is a deeply scarred protagonist who has endured abuse, neglect, and repeated loss, and the story does not shy away from the lasting impact of that pain.

As she begins navigating dreamlike states and alternate realities, Amelie is forced to confront the parts of her past she’s buried in order to survive. The paranormal elements feel intentionally disorienting, blurring the line between what is real and what exists beyond the physical world. I appreciated that much of this was left open to interpretation rather than fully explained, allowing the reader’s imagination to play a role in how the story unfolds.

The relationships in this book are morally complex and emotionally tense. Even by the end, it’s difficult to know whether certain connections are healing or harmful, and that ambiguity felt honest. Life doesn’t always offer clear answers, especially when it comes to trust, influence, and emotional survival.

This is not a light or comforting read, but it is a compelling one. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy dark paranormal romance, psychologically complex characters, and stories that challenge you to sit with discomfort while searching for meaning and growth.


Julie says:

Bright Midnights pulled me into the story immediately. The writing was so immersive and fast-paced. But check your triggers because this is *dark* and also YA, making the content more disturbing. The experiences and dream travels are so vivid and beautifully descriptive, while the dark love story and other content are at odds with the lovely stories. The main characters are complex, and the situations are scary at times. The decisions Amelie makes really fit her upper high school personality, making it both relatable and infuriating. The timeless pull between Amelie and Clovis in their love story is both exhilarating and heartbreaking.


Jodi says:

If I had to describe L.S. Delorme's writing with one word it would be vivid. While reading Bright Midnights I didn't just see the scenes - I could smell, taste, feel and hear them. I felt totally immersed, particularly in the other worlds.

Because this partially takes place in a high school and revolves around a 17 year old girl I began Bright Midnights thinking it was YA but the depth of the characters and the dark themes touched on make this a compelling read for adults. I enjoyed the off-balance feeling of reading about Amelie's ordinary life and the breathless adventures she found in other worlds, especially when the other worlds began leaking into her everyday life. Everyone had secrets and I found myself reading with my mouth hanging open in disbelief as some were revealed.

The ending was addictive. It wrapped things up but also opened the door to an entirely new phase for Amelie. I'm also excited by the fact that the author promises that characters that made cameo appearances will be back in future books in the Limerent Series.


Bright Midnights by LS Delorme Giveaway

*****BOOK GIVEAWAY*****

Enter to win a print copy of Bright Midnights by L.S. Delorme and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. Fill out the form below for a chance to win! The giveaway ends on Valentine's Day - Saturday, February 14 at 11:59 pm CT. We will randomly draw a winner the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!


Enjoy your introduction to the Limerent Series with Bright Midnights? Sign up for the Reader Review Event for Caio, the next book in the Limerent Series. No blog needed - just the ability to leave a review on Goodreads and one other online bookseller site. Join our Reader Review Event and you receive a copy of Caio to review and a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  To learn more, contact jodiwebb9@gmail.com.
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