Vocal Expressions

It’s been a while since I’ve been on a cruise. However, I do remember there was always so much to do: hanging out at the various bars, nightly entertainment, delicious food, gambling, etc. I would also watch people sometimes get so drunk I wondered how they made it back to their cabins. Anyway, I was drawn to this book’s cover, it’s title and the storyline which the author weaved into a wonderful story of suspense and intrigue.  Meet Shelby Sloan, a hardworking mother who is babysitting her grandson, Jeremy while her daughter Chloe and her husband, Rob is on a much-needed cruise vacation she had given them as a Christmas gift. With only three days left before Chloe and Rob are due back home, Shelby gets a call from Rob saying that Chloe’s missing. Shelby’s life is turned upside down as she hurriedly catches a flight to St. Thomas to get answers and to try to find her daughter.  When she arrives at the police station, the FBI and the Coast Guard have been searching for hour...

Author’s Bio: Amy L. Bernstein writes stories, essays, and poems that let readers feel while making them think. Her novels include The Potrero Complex , The Nighthawkers, Dreams of Song Times , and Fran, The Second Time Around . Amy is an award-winning journalist, speechwriter, playwright, and certified nonfiction book coach. When not glued to a screen, she loves listening to jazz and classical music, drinking wine with friends, and exploring Baltimore’s glorious neighborhoods, which inspire her fiction.   She describes herself as compassionate, intense and ornery. And she can’t live without: (1) lots of bright sunlight; (2) a handful of close friends to whom she can say anything; and (3) hope, especially in dark times.   Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Amy L. Bernstein: When the pandemic began, I realized we were living through a historic moment in time. I wanted to leapfrog over the present to imagine a near-future and how life might be dif...

Author’s Bio: Lisa R. Neuder is a debut  children's author from Rockville, Maryland. She is a member of the Maryland Writers’ Association, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Authors Guild. Lisa serves as a full-time Appeals Officer at the U.S. Department of Education.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Lisa R. Neuder: Several years ago, I came up with the idea to write stories for children that conveyed valuable life lessons. These lessons, in my opinion, were not taught in school but were essential to know. For my debut children's book, The Sweet Friendship , I drew upon the themes of friendship and loyalty – these are concepts that affect everyone and are always challenging. Then we had the pandemic, which added another level of complication to our relationships. After writing my book, it was my hope that students would reflect on the meaning of friendship and determine who is reliable and who is not.   DL...

Author’s Bio: Noelle Peterson is the author of Dream Life Planner: Move From Tired and Overwhelmed to Free and Empowered and co-founder of Add Value 2 Life Coaching. Noelle helps women awaken their dreams and design a path to reach them.   Noelle served in Christian Ministry as a missionary. She began her own entrepreneurial journey after 13 years in ministry and 9 years in government. She aims to help women who want more out of life. Noelle is a speaker, trainer, author and coach. She uses her skills and experience to guide women who are unhappy with where they are and seeking the path to their dreams.   With over 20 years of leadership, Noelle offers a unique perspective guiding women to get out of their own way and figure out what they want to be when they “grow up.”   She can’t live without her husband, her faith and her aorta (she almost lost it last year, not good)   Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Noelle L. Peterson: ...