Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Book Watch: The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel by Evy Journey #bookwatch

Title: The Golden Manuscripts: A Novel
Author: Evy Journey
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 360
Genre: Women's Fiction / Historical Fiction / Mystery

A young woman of Asian/American parentage has lived in seven different countries and is anxious to find a place she could call home. An unusual sale of rare medieval manuscripts sends her and Nathan - an art journalist who moonlights as a doctor - on a quest into the dark world of stolen art. For Clarissa, these ancient manuscripts elicit cherished memories of children's picture books her mother read to her, nourishing a passion for art. When their earnest search for clues whisper of old thieves and lead to the unexpected, they raise more questions about an esoteric sometimes unscrupulous art world that defy easy answers. Will this quest reward Clarissa with the sense of home she longs for? This cross-genre literary tale of self-discovery, art mystery, travel, and love is based on the actual theft by an American soldier of illuminated manuscripts during World War II.

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November 2000

Rare Manuscripts

I sometimes wish I was your girl next door. The pretty one who listens to you and sympathizes. Doesn’t ask questions you can’t or don’t want to answer. Comes when you need to talk. 

She’s sweet, gracious, respectful, and sincere. An open book. Everybody’s ideal American girl. 

At other times, I wish I was the beautiful girl with creamy skin, come-hither eyes, and curvy lines every guy drools over. The one you can’t have, unless you’re a hunk of an athlete, or the most popular hunk around. Or you have a hunk of money.

But I’m afraid the image I project is that of a brain with meager social skills. The one you believe can outsmart you in so many ways that you keep out of her way—you know the type. Or at least you think you do. Just as you think you know the other two.

I want to believe I’m smart, though I know I can be dumb. I’m not an expert on anything. So, please wait to pass judgement until you get to know us better—all three of us. 

Who am I then? 

I’m not quite sure yet. I’m the one who’s still searching for where she belongs. 

I’m not a typical American girl. Dad is Asian and Mom is white. I was born into two different cultures, neither of which dug their roots into me. But you’ll see my heritage imprinted all over me—on beige skin with an olive undertone; big grey eyes, double-lidded but not deep-set; a small nose with a pronounced narrow bridge; thick, dark straight hair like Dad’s that glints with bronze under the sun, courtesy of Mom’s genes. 

I have a family: Mom, Dad, Brother. Sadly, we’re no longer one unit. Mom and Dad are about ten thousand miles apart. And my brother and I are somewhere in between.

I have no one I call friend. Except myself, of course. That part of me who perceives my actions for what they are. My inner voice. My constant companion and occasional nemesis. Moving often and developing friendships lasting three years at most, I’ve learned to turn inward. 

And then there’s Arthur, my beautiful brother. Though we were raised apart, we’ve become close. Like me, he was born in the US. But he grew up in my father’s home city where his friends call him Tisoy, a diminutive for Mestizo that sometimes hints at admiration, sometimes at mockery. Locals use the label for anyone with an obvious mix of Asian and Caucasian features. We share a few features, but he’s inherited a little more from Mom. Arthur has brown wavy hair and green eyes that invite remarks from new acquaintances. 

Little Arthur, not so little anymore. Taller than me now, in fact, by two inches. We’ve always gotten along quite well. Except the few times we were together when we were children and he’d keep trailing me, like a puppy, mimicking what I did until I got annoyed. I’d scowl at him, run away so fast he couldn’t catch up. Then I’d close my bedroom door on him. Sometimes I wondered if he annoyed me on purpose so that later he could hug me and say, “I love you” to soften me up. It always worked.

I love Arthur not only because we have some genes in common. He has genuinely lovable qualities—and I’m sure people can’t always say that of their siblings. He’s caring and loyal, and I trust him to be there through thick and thin. I also believe he’s better put together than I am, he whom my parents were too busy to raise. 

I am certain of only one thing about myself: I occupy time and space like everyone. My tiny space no one else can claim on this planet, in this new century. But I still do not have a place where I would choose to spend and end my days. I’m a citizen of a country, though. The country where I was born. And yet I can’t call that country home. I don’t know it much. But worse than that, I do not have much of a history there. 

Before today, I trudged around the globe for two decades. Cursed and blessed by having been born to a father who was a career diplomat sent on assignments to different countries, I’ve lived in different cities since I was born, usually for three to four years at a time. 

Those years of inhabiting different cities in Europe and Asia whizzed by. You could say I hardly noticed them because it was the way of life I was born into. But each of those cities must have left some lasting mark on me that goes into the sum of who I am. And yet, I’m still struggling to form a clear idea of the person that is Me. This Me can’t be whole until I single out a place to call home. 

Everyone has a home they’ve set roots in. We may not be aware of it, but a significant part of who we think we are—who others think we are—depends on where we’ve lived. The place we call home. A place I don’t have. Not yet. But I will.

I was three when I left this city. Having recently come back as an adult, I can’t tell whether, or for how long, I’m going to stay. You may wonder why, having lived in different places, I would choose to seek a home in this city—this country as alien to me as any other town or city I’ve passed through. 

By the end of my last school year at the Sorbonne, I was convinced that if I were to find a home, my birthplace might be my best choice. I was born here. In a country where I can claim citizenship. Where the primary language is English. My choice avoids language problems and pesky legal residency issues. Practical and logical reasons, I think.







Evy Journey writes. Stories and blog posts. Novels that tend to cross genres. She’s also a wannabe artist, and a flâneuse. Evy studied psychology (M.A., University of Hawaii; Ph.D. University of Illinois). So her fiction spins tales about nuanced characters dealing with contemporary life issues and problems. She believes in love and its many faces. Her one ungranted wish: To live in Paris where art is everywhere and people have honed aimless roaming to an art form. She has visited and stayed a few months at a time.

Author Links  

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads


Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Q&A: Chris Wallace, Author of The Dreaming Team #Q&A #Interview #TheDreamingTeam

Chris Wallace is a creative resource.   As an actor, he was a regular on the hit daytime drama, All My Children, created the role of The Half-Percenter in Joe Papp’s production, Mondongo, appeared in countless television programs, including The Incredible Hulk, The Mary Tyler Moore Hour and had a starring role in the holiday horror classic film, New Year’s Evil.   As a producer, he put on New York: A Great Place to Live at Lincoln Center which kicked off New York City’s Diamond Jubilee; for Channel Five in New York, he produced the highly acclaimed Harlem Cultural Festival; at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, he produced Uptown Sunday Afternoon, which was hosted by Harry Belafonte and featured Richard Pryor, Bill Withers, and a galaxy of other performers; for the National Organization for Women, he produced A Valentine’s Day Tribute to Woman at New York’s Town Hall;  was associate producer of the first Ali-Frazier Heavyweight Championship Fight at Madison Square Garden, and produced the gigantic block party, hosted by Gwen Verdon, which named West 46th Street as Restaurant Row. . He earned the Silver Award at the New York International Film and Television Festival for In the Balance, a film that advocated sustainability and common sense in wildlife management.  It was also singled out by the Department of the Interior as one of the best films of its kind.  Chris wrote, narrated and wrote the musical score for that film. He performed on several children’s television programs in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Jacksonville, singing his original children’s songs.  In Hollywood, he performed them for all denominations of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America.  He created a musical, A Special Thing to Be, at the Los Angeles Children’s Museum that featured his kids’ songs and the museum’s children’s chorus. He wrote the songs for two children’s theatre productions in Hollywood, Hooray, Here Comes the Circus and Sleeping Beauty; wrote and performed the songs on Strong Kids, Safe Kids, a video produced by Henry Winkler for Paramount that dealt with the protection of children from sexual molestation and exploitation.  He created his first musical revue, Greatest Hits, in Hollywood, which played several venues, including Carlos ‘n’ Charlie’s on Sunset Strip and The Backlot in West Hollywood. Upon relocating to Australia, he produced A Helping Hand at the Victorian Arts Centre, a benefit for Quadriplegic Hand Foundation; wrote book, music and lyrics for Nothing to Wear, a musical based on “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” also produced at the Victorian Arts Centre.  He created a one-man show, A Thing of Shreds & Patches, for the Melbourne Fringe Festival; created another one-man show, The Mark Twain You Don’t Know, which toured Australia, then Pacific Palisades, California, and played in New York City on the 100th anniversary of Mark Twain’s death.  He created several cabaret shows for The Butterfly Club in Melbourne, most notable of which was Les Femmes which featured an all female cast.  He wrote, produced and performed in Huckleberry: A Musical Adventure which premiered in Melbourne. Which brings us to The Dreaming Team.  This is his second book.  The first, Hollywood Mosaic is written under the pen name, Pete Joseph. You can visit his website at www.olentangymusic.com.  

 


Why did you decide to write The Dreaming Team?Did the inspiration come at a particular moment, or had you been planning to write the book for a while?   

 I never planned to write this book. I knew about the story for several years and thought it was too important to ignore.  No one else was willing or able to bring it to the public, so I did.  It’s that simple.

Did you have to do any research before writing this book or was it more a self-guided knowledge on the subject?   

 I had been involved as a creative consultant for what was hoped to be a miniseries on this subject that never got produced, so I had access to a lot of historical material.  Once I decided to write it, I went further into newspapers and other documents from that period.

What are some of the positive results or responses you have received since publishing your book?  

So far, the most gratifying results have been that both people who know about and follow cricket, and those who don’t, still found this a story that made them want to keep turning pages.  I’m not a die hard cricket fan myself, so I wrote it for people like me.  The fact that it’s a true story about Indigenous Australians makes it timely, just as Killers of the Flower Moon is for Native Americans.  We have a lot to learn from people who have had such respect for and such an honest relationship with the land over millennia, despite how they’ve been treated by society.

List three interesting facts about yourself.   

One thing I find interesting about my life is that when I was a kid in Delaware, Ohio, the last thing I ever thought I’d do was live anywhere else.  And here I find myself living in Australia.  Another thing is maybe that I’ve never thought I couldn’t do something I’ve wanted to do, creatively.  I just seem to barrel ahead.  And one more thing could be my general philosophy of life, which is two-pronged: 1) Always say “yes” and it will land you someplace interesting, and 2) Timing is always perfect.

How can our readers reach out to you? 

 I don’t do social media, but I wrote another book a few years back, titled Hollywood Mosaic, under the pen name, Pete Joseph.  I created an email address for that which I now use for all my writings.  It’s petejoseph34@gmail.com



Title: The Dreaming Team
Author: Chris Wallace
Publisher: Round Lake Publishing
Pages: 368
Genre: Historical Fiction

In the 1850s, Australia was a thriving colony of the British Empire, with its own sense of importance and sophistication.  But the people who had occupied this vast land for upwards of 40,000 years didn’t fit well with colonial expectations of the future.  In every way imaginable, white Australia tried to keep its “darkies” in line.It is against this backdrop in the 1860s that the amazing story of an all Aboriginal cricket team, the first Aussie team to do so, played at Lords, the home of cricket in England.  Conventional wisdom predicted that Indigenous Australians would die off by the next generation.The Dreaming Team brings those Indigenous players to life and follows them on an adventure that would appear to be unbelievable if it weren’t true.  They not only changed the minds and perceptions about Aboriginal Australians, they arguably changed the course of Australian history. Praise for The Dreaming Team:“A beautiful story, beautifully written, about a piece of Australian history that, if you don’t know about, you probably should. Heartwarming, heartbreaking and brimming with relevance for today’s Australia. A poignant example of how far we’ve come and how far we haven’t.” “The Dreaming Team tells the true story of the all Aboriginal cricket team from Victoria who did a tour of Great Britain back in the 1860s and all the drama, setbacks, and cultural divide between the Aboriginals and white Australians involved. Considering the state of affairs for Aboriginal people in those days, the team’s accomplishments are no small feat!” “What an interesting story. It is truly an Australian story about indigenous Australians. The story grabbed me from the first chapter, and drew me further in to where I could not put it down. I don’t want to give anything away, so I will say that the twists and turns makes you want to know what happens next at the end of each chapter. To say it is a sports story is not fair, it is a people story, told from the heart, about the hearts of people who love the land, and their story. I recommend it highly, and look forward to more from the author, Chris Wallace!”

You can purchase your copy at Amazon


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Monday, February 12, 2024

Q&A: Donna Fletcher Crow, Author of Going There: Tales from the Riviera and Beyond #Q&A #Interview #GoingThere @fletchercr #puyb

 

Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, is an award-winning author who has published some 50 books in a career spanning more than 40 years. Her best-known work is Glastonbury, The Novel of Christian England, a grail search epic depicting 1500 years of British history. The Celtic Cross is a 10-book series covering the history of Scotland and England from the 6th to the 20th century.  Crow writes 3 mystery series: The Monastery Murders, contemporary clerical mysteries with clues hidden deep in the past; Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian true-crime stories within a fictional setting; and The Elizabeth and Richard literary suspense series, featuring various literary figures. Where There is Love is a 6-book biographical novel series of leaders of the early Evangelical Anglican movement. The Daughters of Courage is a semi-autobiographical trilogy family saga of Idaho pioneers. Reviewers routinely praise the quality of her writing and the depth of her research. Crow says she tries never to write about a place she hasn’t visited and one of her goals in writing is to give her readers a you-are-there experience. Donna and her husband of 60 years live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 children and 15 grandchildren, and she is an avid gardener.

Author Links  

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 


Why did you decide to write Going There: Tales from the Riviera and Beyond? Did the inspiration come at a particular moment, or had you been planning to write the book for a while?

Oh, not at all! I was enjoying a wonderful getaway in France and Switzerland with my daughter-in-law and granddaughter when I discovered that characters from my novels had tagged along and were having their own adventures. Whenever we found a particularly exciting or potentially dangerous place I found myself asking, "What would Felicity (or Elizabeth or Antony, or Lady Danvers) do if they found a body, or got trapped in a tunnel, or had their passport stolen?" Potential plots even became a fun dinner table topic in the evenings.

Did you have to do any research before writing this book or was it more a self-guided knowledge on the subject? 

In retrospect I wish I had thought of using the trip as background for a book because, although we did make an effort to visit places of literary interest, I found there were many I missed which I had to research when they came up in my story. I try very hard never to write about a place I haven't visited because one of my goals as a writer is to give my readers and you-are-there experience and that's hard to do if I haven't been there myself.

What are some of the positive results or responses you have received since publishing your book?

One of my readers wrote: "What a brilliant idea to combine your trip with Lord & Lady Danvers & Antony & Felicity adventures! Great twist at the end on the Queen Mary 2." I was delighted with this response because my long-time readers are accustomed to reading my novels, I wasn't sure how open they might be to a collection of short stories inside a travel memoir.

List three interesting facts about yourself.

I was once a rodeo queen and runner-up for the Miss Rodeo America title.

My husband and I have 15 grandchildren.

Some of the more challenging things I have done for the sake of research for a novel are hot air ballooning, snorkeling, and rapelling.

List three interesting facts about your book (or the writing of it).

This trip was undertaken in the midst of the Covid pandemic. The summer of 2021 offered a narrow window when the world opened up enough to allow somewhat restricted international travel. As soon as we got home the cases spiked again and constraints were tightened again.

Amazon tells me This book is number 68 for Donna Fletcher Crow titles.

During a recent promotion Going There was #1 in the French Travel category for several days.

How can our readers reach out to you?

I would love to have readers sign up for my monthly newsletter. You will not only receive monthly announcements of news and free book offers, plus pictures of my garden and a video, but also a free copy of the novel A Tincture of Murder, A Lord Danvers Victorian true-crime. 

My Facebook Author page is here.

My Amazon page is here.


Title: Going There: Tales from the Riviera and Beyond
Author: Donna Fletcher Crow
Publication Date: December 3, 2023
Pages: 152
Genre: Short Story Collection

In the summer of 2021 my daughter-in-law and I slipped through a brief window of sanity in a world driven mad by the Covid pandemic. Our purpose was to see my granddaughter Jane to a summer program in Monaco, then back to her ballet school in Switzerland. In spite of restrictions, protests, and nail-biting worries, the result was a marvelous experience. I invited characters from my mystery series to join me in my imagination and have their own adventures in each setting. Their encounters are: Nice: “The Crime of Passion”; St Tropez: “The Mother Decrees”; Villefrance-sur-de-mer: “The Ghost Boy”; Monaco: “Fracas in Monaco”; The Loire Valley: “The Old Winemaker”;  Saint Gallen: “Whispers of Legend”. The final coda is “Home Another Way” As 2 years later I return from quite a different trip aboard the Queen Mary 2 and my characters join in the celebrations as worlds coincide. More information on the book GOING THERE: TALES FROM THE RIVIERA AND BEYOND can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Going-There-Tales-Riviera-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0CPHBRVJH?ref_=ast_author_mpb

 


 


Wednesday, January 10, 2024

ANNOUNCING GOING THERE: TALES FROM THE RIVIERA AND BEYOND BOOK TRAILER

 

 About the Book


In the summer of 2021 my daughter-in-law and I slipped through a brief window of sanity in a world driven mad by the Covid pandemic. Our purpose was to see my granddaughter Jane to a summer program in Monaco, then back to her ballet school in Switzerland. In spite of restrictions, protests, and nail-biting worries, the result was a marvelous experience.

I invited characters from my mystery series to join me in my imagination and have their own adventures in each setting. Their encounters are: Nice: “The Crime of Passion”; St Tropez: “The Mother Decrees”; Villefrance-sur-de-mer: “The Ghost Boy”; Monaco: “Fracas in Monaco”; The Loire Valley: “The Old Winemaker”;  Saint Gallen: “Whispers of Legend”.

The final coda is “Home Another Way” As 2 years later I return from quite a different trip aboard the Queen Mary 2 and my characters join in the celebrations as worlds coincide.

More information on the book GOING THERE: TALES FROM THE RIVIERA AND BEYOND can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Going-There-Tales-Riviera-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0CPHBRVJH?ref_=ast_author_mpb.


Donna Fletcher Crow, Novelist of British History, is an award-winning author who has published some 50 books in a career spanning more than 40 years. Her best-known work is Glastonbury, The Novel of Christian England, a grail search epic depicting 1500 years of British history. The Celtic Cross is a 10-book series covering the history of Scotland and England from the 6th to the 20th century. 

Crow writes 3 mystery series: The Monastery Murders, contemporary clerical mysteries with clues hidden deep in the past; Lord Danvers Investigates, Victorian true-crime stories within a fictional setting; and The Elizabeth and Richard literary suspense series, featuring various literary figures. Where There is Love is a 6-book biographical novel series of leaders of the early Evangelical Anglican movement. The Daughters of Courage is a semi-autobiographical trilogy family saga of Idaho pioneers.

Reviewers routinely praise the quality of her writing and the depth of her research. Crow says she tries never to write about a place she hasn’t visited and one of her goals in writing is to give her readers a you-are-there experience.

Donna and her husband of 60 years live in Boise, Idaho. They have 4 children and 15 grandchildren, and she is an avid gardener.

Author Links  

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Q&A: Anita Hackley Lambert, Author of Echoes of a Voice for Justice #Q&A #Interview #EchoesofaVoiceforJustice @anitalambe49625

 


Ms. Lambert, a distinguished genealogist, historian, and biographer, achieved historical acclaim with her inaugural book, praised by luminaries such as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Levering Lewis and historian Charles Patterson. As an unrivaled familial authority, she penned insightful biographies of visionary businessmen and civil rights champions F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, Ms. Lambert continues her literary journey, poised to add two more captivating biographies and contribute to a quartet of nonfiction gems, that showcases her unwavering commitment to illuminating the human experience.

Author Links  

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | LinkedIn

 


We are so excited about your new release, Echoes of a Voice for Justice: The Story of Barry A. Murray! Why Barry A. Murray? What was it about him that made you want to write a book about him?

Anita: Why, because it’s truly supernatural—all a part of God’s plan. Barry Murray’s life and legacy had a date with destiny. The Lord chosen, inspired and facilitated every aspect of Barry Murray. Really. From, personal spiritual experiences I have learned there are no coincidences. As fate would have it, the time had arrived when Barry’s legacy and my destiny would merge. Barry Murray is the cousin I came to know through exploring his life. Just as there was an appointed time for Barry’s legacy to be revealed, God had orchestrated the appointed for me to write Barry his story—just as He did for the F.H.M. Murray legacy.

Anyone who knows me, understands that I live my life is Spiritually-based. I do not focus on my desires but solely on how the Spirit of God leads me. There are no words to express my gratitude that God allowed me to the author of both Barry A. Murray and F.H.M. Murray’s historical biographies that otherwise may never have been written.   


Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?

Anita: As a spiritual-connected individual, I’m thrilled you requested that page because, for me, it was the beginning manifestation of a promise I received from Lord, years before. It’s still awe surreal. 

PROLOGUE
Echoes of a Divine Encounter

God blessed me, then set me up to bless me again. 

Call it an omen if you like. I know better. It was a clear demonstration of God's favor in my life, as He has always been present. In His infinite wisdom, the Holy Spirit sent a message to my spirit, assuring me that great things would transpire once my book, F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice was released. Little did I know how astonishingly accurate that message would prove to be. 

As a first-time author entering the arena of Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, the journey behind the creation of this book is remarkable in itself. Allow me to indulge in a few eventful affirmations leading to this book.

Revelation At Harpers Ferry

DAY 1. Over three remarkable days, I experienced an extraordinary blessing. The journey began with a captivating audience of history enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the scholarly presentation of my 

. . .

During this time period, was there much turmoil going on in the country?


Anita:  In the crucible of 1963, a twelve-year-old Barry Murray began his journey through a harsh reality dominated by systemic racism. It was a pivotal point that laid the foundation for his unwavering commitment to addressing the glaring absence of support and representation for the black community. Submerged in newspapers, Barry keenly observed the injustices reported and pledged to become the advocate his people sorely needed.

The era spanning the mid-1960s to 2000 witnessed the prominence of civil rights luminaries such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Julien Bond, Eleanor Holmes Norton, John Lewis, Dorothy Height, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Yet, following King's tragic assassination, a shift occurred in the landscape of activism. Many leaders assumed federal positions, trading some of their boldness for comfortable roles, which, ironically, did not afford the freedoms they once enjoyed. The struggle for justice became entangled with financial gains, and the waves of change began to recede.

Compounding this transition, both white and black press adopted a superficial approach to news reporting. White media, driven by advertiser interests, skewed their narratives, neglecting the pressing issues affecting black communities. Simultaneously, the black press, grappling to stay afloat, found itself caught in a cycle of rehashing stories originating from the white press.

Barry, disheartened by the distortion of facts, recognized a critical gap in the narrative. The community remained uninformed, devoid of an authentic voice that truly represented their concerns. This realization sparked an unyielding determination within him. He envisioned a future where he would assume the self-appointed role of advocating for the black race – a mission to make waves, empower the community, and disseminate the unadulterated truth. Barry Murray emerged as a symbol of resilience, propelled by a commitment to fill the void and ensure that his people were not merely heard but accurately informed about the realities shaping their lives.

This "closely guarded secret" that you hint about in the book description, can you give us a hint at what that is?


Anita:  I'll reveal only this much: had the secret not been guarded with utmost care, the narrative of Barry Murray might never have unfolded. What I am willing to assert is that, in my perspective, the true hero—or should I say, heroine—of this entire saga is an impoverished, solitary, and perplexed orphan girl. She, against all odds, defied expectations and made a pivotal decision that became the genesis of this entire tale.

Do you believe we need more people like Barry A. Murray and, why or why not?


Anita: AT the moment and based upon the current fallen state of humanity, more people like Barry Murray is not what this country needs. While the prospect of such a transformation may seem like wishful thinking, the landscape of our times has indeed undergone significant upheaval, leaving everything topsy-turvy. Our current reality reflects an ungodly societal shift, where the lines between right and wrong, good and bad, have become blurred. Regrettably, our society and the global stage have evolved into a marketplace of hatred, indifference, and intolerance. It is disheartening to observe that those with malicious intent are causing disruptions, and there seems to be a deafening silence in response. Society appears to have succumbed to a state of collective ignorance, fear, and confusion. The struggle for survival has become a daily reality for many, with the simple act of providing for their children becoming an arduous task.

True change, it seems, hinges on decisive actions from our government or military to reclaim power for the people. Until then, the narrative remains stagnant. A pivotal aspect missing from our current discourse is the absence of God and the Bible, which, if reinstated, would serve as a beacon to steer humanity away from self-destruction.

Speaking from a personal standpoint as a woman of faith, having traversed two near-death experiences has granted me glimpses into the future. I am certain that a day of reckoning is on the horizon. Positive change will manifest, ushering in a season of change for the betterment of the people. However, the inevitable corruption cycle repeats itself, with evil rearing its head once more, presenting new challenges. It is during these times that figures like Barry Murray and other advocates for humanity will need to unite or stand alone to uphold justice. 

Then our nation would urgently require powerful like-minded advocates of civil rights and full equality—men and women alike—who will courageously champion what is right and stand against the prevailing injustices targeting humanity. The strength derived from an unwavering connection to the Word of God will be the determining factor in prevailing over adversity. Sadly, amidst this struggle, millions, perhaps billions, may perish, highlighting the urgency for a collective awakening and a return to foundational Christian values this nation was founded upon.


Is this a series of books and if so what are the others?


Anita: My writing career had to be appointed by God, because although I write historical biographies, that would not have been my genre of choice. I am on a divine mission to write a host of nonfiction books, not a specific series. As 2024 approaches I shall strive to complete as many of the following book projects as possible:

  1. Second Edition – F.H.M. Murray biography (to highlight his major contributions and to add more research details)
  2. The F.H.M. Murray’s Family Member Biographies & Genealogy Charts of selected individuals who devoted their lives and careers to the betterment of humanity during a time when Jim Crow laws prevailed.
  3. Authorized biography: an amazing “outhouse to the White House” story of a poor orphaned girl who against all odds, emerged to work for some of the world’s wealthiest families before working for two former U.S. presidents.
  4. Memoir: My two near-death experiences and my transforming life
  5. Inspirational/Encouragement: about the supernatural connection between dreams and achieving your goals
  6. Memoir: based on the unpublished book (No Where to Run), I wrote when I was 14 about the deep dark secret that nearly shattered and almost ended my life. 

If I were to stop and think about it, this might seem like a lot. However, each of these volumes either have either a rough draft or summary chapter outlines, which will help move things along. I will do my best as I am still learning to write.

What do you believe would put an end to racism? Are we going about it all wrong and that's why nothing's working? Or do you believe we are doing everything we can and are going in the right direction?


Anita: Based on my observations, racism appears to be a learned behavior, sustained by the persistence of prejudiced hearts. It seems destined to persist until either those harboring such malice undergo a transformative change or the world itself comes to an end. The key to eradicating racism lies in the willingness of parents to instill values that prioritize judging individuals based on their character rather than the color of their skin.

Reflecting on the historical dynamics of white infants raised by black caregivers, I'm reminded of instances where deep bonds were formed. A white friend who experienced such an upbringing shared, "To this day, I cherish my 'mammy' as if she were my biological mother. Her kindness, warmth, nurturing nature, and love were unparalleled. My biological mother was seldom involved in my upbringing."

However, the present reality is marked by a troubling landscape of opposing groups seemingly fueled and funded to incite racial and civil unrest. A concerning trend involves uneducated and ignorant youth from various ethnic backgrounds falling into a trap, unwittingly contributing to civil discord. Many seem to lack a clear understanding of the protests they join, functioning as followers without leadership skills, ambitions, or dreams—essentially becoming unwitting puppets.

In my perspective, the role of the federal government in curbing hatred and racism has been notably limited. Insights from media and digital platforms reveal a disheartening truth: politicians, regardless of party affiliations, often prioritize personal wealth accumulation over serving the people. The pervasive issue persists because little concrete action is taken to address the root problems.

While some assert that a solution would require an act of Congress, I posit an alternative view. Real change, I believe, necessitates an Act of God—an intervention beyond the conventional realms of human governance. Until a higher force intervenes, inspiring genuine transformation and a commitment to resolving societal ills, the status quo prevails, and the cycle of unaddressed issues perpetuates.


Title: Echoes of a Voice for Justice: The Story of Barry A. Murray
Author: Anita Hackley Lambert
Publisher: HLE Publishing
Pages: 296
Genre: Historical Biography

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Experience the extraordinary life of Barry Antonio Murray, an unwavering champion for the progressive Black movement of the post-Reconstruction era. Ms. Lambert masterfully tells the riveting tale of this unsung civil rights activist, influential publisher, and uncompromising editor in this historic biography. Uncovering a 50-year-old family secret, Ms. Lambert’s captivating narrative begins at her book’s debut, where chance encounters forever altered her life. Delve into Barry Murray’s legacy, his ties to F.H.M. Murray, a civil rights trailblazer and the great-grandfather he never knew—yet, walked in his shoes. Readers gain insights into the nation’s racial divide and witness the heart-wrenching conclusion and his questionable sudden death. This captivating biography sheds light on Barry’s remarkable journey, celebrating his unwavering activism, pursuit of justice, and empowerment of the community. This saga intertwines history, personal struggles, and family secrets, leaving an indelible mark on readers, showcasing the indomitable spirit of one man’s triumphs and divine destiny.

“Barry was one of those Black people who was loyal to his belief in the need to sacrifice for full Black freedom. People like him often make great sacrifices but do not benefit from their sacrifices. He never got rewarded by the community for his service to the community – most never do. If we all lived as Barry did we would be free.” — Wayne Young, Editor of Port of Harlem Magazine

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