My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Steven Scott Eichenblatt, author of the book Pretend They are Dead. Steven is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law. A practicing attorney and father of five, he has spent over thirty years advocating for children as a pro bono guardian ad litem and representing families of first responders killed on 9/11. As a founding partner of Page & Eichenblatt, he has received multiple awards for legal excellence and community work supporting children. He lives with his wife in Orlando, Florida.

In my book review, I stated Pretend They Are Dead is heartbreaking memoir. Steven's father had issues - enough that his parents divorced. She remarried a man who was verbally and physically abusive. Although, technically, Steven had two fathers, he felt abandoned by both. By the time he graduated high school, he called no one dad.

The trauma from his youth made it impossible to have lasting relationships, though he tried, failing at two marriages. But something he didn't want to fail at was being a father. So, he loved his children with everything he had and worked hard to figure out the truth of his past.

I like Steven's style of writing. I felt like I was in his head - which spins from one topic to the next. I could see why he exasperated his parents at a young age! He is also honest - about his own actions as well as the actions of others. Despite the circumstances, in the end, he doesn't really cast blame. Instead, he figures out how to forgive, let the past go, and find joy in today.

If you like a good memoir, you'll like this book!

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Dorothea N Buckingham, author of the book Code Name Rascal. Dorothea “Dee” Buckingham is a seasoned author, retired librarian, and dedicated historian who has called Hawaiʻi home for over 30 years. Her profound interest in the daily lives of women during World War II in Hawaiʻi has been the cornerstone of her literary work. Dee’s commitment to uncovering and narrating these often-overlooked stories has established her as a respected voice in historical fiction.

Her notable publications include My Name is Loa, a historical novel set on Molokaʻi, and Who Murdered Jane Stanford?: An Answer Imagined, which delves into the mysterious death of Stanford University’s co-founder in 1905 Hawaiʻi. Additionally, she co-authored World War II Hawaiʻi with her husband, retired Lieutenant Colonel John Buckingham, offering a pictorial history that captures the transformative impact of the war on the islands.

Dee’s passion for storytelling extends beyond writing; she is an Author Accelerator certified book coach, providing guidance to aspiring writers. Her engaging talks and workshops have been featured on west coast radio and television in Hawaiʻi, and she has presented to diverse audiences, sharing her insights on writing and historical research.

Her latest work, Code Name Rascal, continues her mission to illuminate the vital roles women played during wartime, weaving a narrative that is both historically rich and emotionally resonant.

Dee enjoys connecting with readers and is available to meet with book clubs and reading groups, both in person and via Zoom, to discuss her work and share insights into her writing process.

In my book review, I stated Code Name Rascal is a wonderful historical fiction. This story takes place in Hawaii immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor. We quickly meet four women, all very different from one another, who join a classified radar operation known as WARD, with the code name Rascal.

One of the things I loved best about this story is that I was completely unaware of WARD or even the issues in Hawaii after the initial bombing. I'm not sure where I was during school, but there is a lot more to what happened than I realized! Code Name Rascal helped fill in so many of the blanks.

I also really loved Dorothea's characters. CJ is a strong, newly-married journalist. Ruth is a quiet Navy officer wife. Jane is a pilot going through divorce. And Eve is a Honolulu socialite. Imagine all these women thrust into tiny quarters, working grueling hours, keeping war secrets, and still trying to figure out their own lives. It's like a historical soap opera, full of determination, grief, danger, and disappearing dreams - and it's one you won't want to miss!

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Website: https://dorotheabuckingham.com/

Substack: https://dorotheanbuckingham.substack.com/

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Ebook: https://amzn.to/49sTwUx

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Eric F Goldstein, author of the book Taught. As a middle and high school teacher, Eric Goldstein founded the Washington, DC-based nonprofit organization, One World Education. Through programs that teach writing skills through social justice, the organization has transformed more than 65,000 students into writers with voice, knowledge, and purpose. Inspired by two decades of listening to students tell their stories, Eric’s debut novel, TAUGHT, released in January 2026.

In my book review, I stated Taught is a contemporary literary fiction that follows a teacher and a former student on a week-long journey. However, this journey is not something either one planned.

Jerry Brown's life is a mess. He's likely to lose his job as a teacher. He and his wife are having issues. And Malik, a former student, is beat by police during a protest. He decides to go camping and write graduation letters to his students. But before he gets out of town, Malik shows up. So, they leave together.

This is not a fast-paced story, but one where the back stories leak out slowly and deliberately. We see Jerry doubting himself as a teacher and husband. We see Malik doubt himself as a student and friend. Both doubt whether they can live up to the title of 'man'. And, as the reader, we feel the pain.

Race plays a huge role in the story, allowing us to glimpse lives we might not otherwise experience - and allowing us to ask the hard questions. Is racism real? Is it everywhere? Do people experience a stop in a backwoods gas station differently depending on their skin? And, more importantly, what can - or should - we do about it?

I definitely suggest this one for your TBR.

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Website: www.onelongroad.com

IG: @ericfgoldstein

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#ericfgoldstein #taught #contemporaryfiction #literaryfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

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My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Kim Sorrelle, author of the book Love Is. Kim Sorrelle is a writer, speaker, entrepreneur, and director of a humanitarian organization. She is the author of two books, "Cry Until You Laugh" which details her journey through cancer, and "Love Is" which chronicles her year-long experiment to discover the true meaning of love. Kim is passionate about people and loves to travel to new places and meet new faces. She has five children and eleven grandchildren whom she adores and believes will one day make a positive impact on the world. Kim is committed to living a life of love and is determined to make a difference in the lives of those around her.

In my book review, I stated Love Is is a beautiful memoir exploring the concept of Christ-like love. She uses 1 Corinthians 13 as a guide and spends an entire year trying to love as Jesus would love. What a gift she's given all who read her words - a way to think about loving others that goes beyond words and hits squarely on actions. And not just any actions, but actions that truly depict love for another.

Love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, does not keep a record of wrongs, does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres - it never fails. Kim learned that such love isn't easy to live - even when your focus is on just one phrase. I loved how honest she was - sometimes that she believed it would be easy and was wrong, and often that she knew it would be hard and it was harder than she imagined.

Without a doubt, this book has me thinking - and re-thinking - about love, how I show it to others, and how I can make changes to live more fully the love described in 1 Corinthians 13.

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FB: @Kim Sorrelle

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LinkedIn: @Kim Sorrelle

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#kimsorrelle #loveis #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Al Kushner, author of the book The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage. We will be discussing LinkedIn for authors. Al Kushner is a LinkedIn authority, an AI strategist, and an enterprise sales veteran with 30+ years of experience closing deals at Fortune 500 companies. The best-selling author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage and host of The AI Authority Edge podcast, Al transforms how executives leverage LinkedIn for revenue generation. Through his LinkedVantage™ system, keynote presentations, and executive workshops, he teaches professionals to build digital authority, master AI-powered networking, and convert connections into measurable business growth.

The back cover blurb: The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage is revolutionizing how professionals and businesses approach LinkedIn, giving them a potent edge in today's digital networking landscape. By harnessing artificial intelligence's potential, it simplifies and optimizes everything from profile enhancement to engagement strategies, making LinkedIn a goldmine for meaningful connections and professional growth.

This innovative solution empowers users to create standout profiles immediately grabbing attention, ensuring they shine in LinkedIn's competitive ecosystem. With advanced AI tools, users can craft personalized content, tailor their outreach, and position themselves as thought leaders within their industries. The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage deepens into data-driven insights, offering actionable recommendations that help expand networks and engage with the right audience effectively.

This tool is a game-changer for both individuals and enterprises. It is designed to maximize LinkedIn's opportunities. Whether you're looking to attract top talent, discover new partnerships, or grow your brand, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage provides the solutions you need to stay ahead. It saves time by automating repetitive tasks like connection requests and content scheduling, allowing users to focus on building real relationships that matter.

From growing networks exponentially to driving meaningful engagement, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage transforms LinkedIn into a dynamic hub for achieving professional goals. Whether you're a job seeker, a business leader, or a marketer, this AI-powered system unlocks LinkedIn's full potential, ensuring you stay visible, relevant, and impactful in an endlessly evolving world of connections.

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You can follow Author Al Kushner

Website: https://alkushnerspeaks.com

LinkedIn: @al-kushner

FB: @AI Authority Edge

IG: @authorityedge

X: @AIAuthorityEdge

Purchase The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4rG6JAa

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

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X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

#alkushner #theailinkedinadvantage #linkedin #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Joseph J Fontenot, author of the book Sons of the Arghandab. Joseph “Fonty” Fontenot is a combat veteran who served 20 years in the US Army and retired as a First Sergeant, with combat deployments to Abu Ghraib, Iraq, and the Arghandab River Valley, Afghanistan. Before enlisting in the army, he was a successful musician who gave up his career to serve during the global war on terror. After his year in Afghanistan, he was a Drill Sergeant and won Soldier of the year in 2015. He subsequently suffered multiple career-ending injuries and, despite several years in the warrior transition unit, chose to return to the 101st airborne division. Fontenot earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from Purdue Global University, and recently earned a certification as a Veteran Service Officer or VSO, to be able to continue helping veterans potentially with the VA.

In my book review, I stated Sons of the Arghandab is a memoir about his time in Afghanistan. This was not an easy read because conditions in the Arghandab Valley during 2010-2011 were anything but easy. From the temperatures, to the living quarters, to enemy fire, to losing buddies day in and day out ... I can't begin to comprehend what Joseph and his team went through. However, his book will help you get a better understanding of what our military endured and what they continue to endure now that they are back home.

By the end of the narrative, you will feel like you know the men Joseph knew, which will have you smiling when things go well and crying when they do not. My husband used to quote "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I am beyond grateful that there are men like Joseph J Fontenot. What would our world be like without them?

As a nation, we need to do better by our returned soldiers, offering them the mental health care they need after seeing such violence and always working on the edge of certain death. Thank you, Joseph, for writing your memoir and helping the world understand what you did.

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FB: @Sons of the Arghandab Top Guns in the Devil’s Playground Book Group

IG: @SonsoftheArghandabbook

Purchase Sons of the Arghandab on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4iHUJtQ

Ebook: https://amzn.to/4oLo4VV

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

#josephjfontenot #sonsofthearghandab #memoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Leslie R Schover, author of the book Fission. Leslie is a clinical psychologist and brings her knowledge of people and relationships to her fiction writing. She spent most of her career at the Cleveland Clinic and the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. She published three self-help books and created a digital health company to educate people with cancer about sex and fertility. Will2Love.com won a 2019 Innovation Prize in the Astellas C 3 Changing Cancer Care contest. Her first published novel, Fission: A Novel of Atomic Heartbreak draws on her parents’ stories of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project and on revelations of Soviet spies there. She lives in Houston, Texas with her faithful dog, Luc.

In my book review, I stated that Fission is a wonderful historical fiction. Although set during WWII, this book takes place completely within the United States as we follow Doris and her husband Rob to Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Doris' husband is tapped to work on the Manhattan Project, a top-secret program to create the first atomic bomb.

As a reluctant young mother and bride, Doris first has to decide if she will move to Oak Ridge or continue her education. When she finally moves to Oak Ridge, she has to figure out her place in a world very different from Chicago. Will being Jewish be something to overcome? Will her husband's lack of education stop him from advancing? Will Doris figure out her role as wife and mother? What will she do when romance comes knocking - and not from her husband?

I was excited to learn this story is based loosely on Leslie's parents, which gives an emotional edge to the characters - and you know how I love a good character! This is a must-read book that will give you an insider's look at The Manhattan Project and how it affected not just the scientists, but all who lived and worked in Oak Ridge.

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Website: https://www.leslieschoverauthor.com/

IG: @leslieschover

FB: @leslie.schover.9

Purchase Fission on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4rRR3dp

Ebook: https://amzn.to/48Cb92k

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FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

#leslierschover #fission #historicalfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Ruth F Stevens, author of the book My Year of Casual Acquaintances. Ruth F. Stevens likes to create stories that will make readers laugh and cry. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, she is a produced playwright and award-winning author of three novels: Stage Seven, My Year of Casual Acquaintances, and The Unexpected Guests. Ruth is a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Dramatists Guild of America and serves as a volunteer and acquisitions editor for AlzAuthors.

Ruth lives in Torrance, California with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys travel, hiking, hip-hop and fitness classes, yoga, Broadway musicals, wine tasting, leading a book club, and visiting her grandsons in NYC.

In my book review, I stated My Year of Casual Acquaintances by Ruth F Stevens is a wonderful contemporary women's fiction. We meet Mar, a recently divorced woman who drops everything from her past and tries to start over. However, she has zero intention of becoming serious with anyone - neighbors, friends, or dates!

We follow Mar for a year as she finds and meets different people on her journey of rediscovery. Some relationships last and others fall to the wayside. But in each, Mar learns something about herself. However, she isn't truly happy because she isn't allowing real connection. The question is - can she? Will she?

I laughed and cheered and sighed over Mar. She has a big heart but is afraid to let anyone see it. As someone who has had to start over (on more than one occasion), I understand her reluctance. But like Mar, I've learned it is worth putting yourself on the line.

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You can follow Author Ruth F Stevens

Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/

IG: @ruthfstevensauthor/

FB: @rfsauthor

Purchase My Year of Casual Acquaintances on Amazon:

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4ppTZfs

Ebook: https://amzn.to/48LKnEN

Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com

FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor

IG: @terimbrown_author

X: @terimbrown1

Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors

#ruthfstevens #myyearofcasualacquaintances #contemporaryfiction #womensfiction #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.